Microfilm and microfiche conversion can seem like a daunting, complex, and time-consuming process. You can handle the conversion process within budget without exhausting yourself. Converting microfilms and microfiches will completely change the way to store information and records.
The document scanning and digitizing agencies have advanced microfilm and microfiche scanners that can produce accurate digital copies from microfilm rolls and microfiche cards. The rolls and cards may contain images, research data, medical records, historical documents, and so on. Here in this post, we are discussing the process of microfilm conversion to pdf.
Converting Microfilm to Digital Images
Microfilms/Microfiche has a long life span of 500 years as per the manufacturers. However, the decay starts happening at a much earlier stage despite having the best climate-controlled environments. It is essential to digitize documents, but keep an eye out for any errors on microfilm or microfiche
Measles/blemishes
Vinegar smell
Brittleness
Stickiness
Fungus
If so, you should immediately opt for document scanning services before you lose some important information. While conversion of rolls and frames, accuracy and precision are the two most important factors to consider. The scanned images are stored in PDF, Tiff, or JPEG formats. Microfilms and microfiches can be converted digitally for the following reasons::
Accurate and Clear Images are preserved in digital formats
Improved document control improves life span making it indexed and searchable
The conversion process is a step-by-step process to create digital copies from microfilm/microfiche. The information converted is indexed using the software. Microfilm Conversion into pdfs is useful only when the information is limited. Suppose you have 2500 cards then converting and creating 2500 pdfs is not an optimized format.
To arrange such a big PDF, you need to use an indexing technique. Follow these methods if you want to Prepare Microfilm for Conversion to Digital Files Such as,
A Compression Tool
Compression tools help you create digital files with the same clarity as the originals. When you capture images from a 24x reduction, you have to make sure the details are clear. The compression must meet the document maintenance and retention standards. After image reduction, image enhancement is done to obtain quality images. Normally, the most adaptable format is PDF documents.
Grayscale Microfilm/Microfiche Conversion
Grayscale here does not mean black and white but documents having images along with the text. For these kinds of documents, capturing them in bitonal is not enough. You need adjustable grayscale shades to retain the look of the original image. Sometimes even that is not enough. In the end, you should have the same quality as the original one.
In most cases, directly scanning from microfilm/microfiche produces better quality. However, scanning from the frames and rolls needs expertise-level skills.
Convert Microfilm to PDF
Ultra high quality scanning machines are used for the microfilm/ microfiche scanning. The high-resolution images are thus created which are of superior quality.
Sometimes, the cleaning process is required to improve the scanning quality. The re- editing and image enhancement techniques are used to improve the quality of the documents.
The process followed for microfilm scanning includes < The microfilm is placed in the microfilm (Mekel Mach) scanner < A dedicated technician handles the scanning job to maintain the superior quality. < After the scanning process is carried, the quality of the digital image is checked. If required , the digital copy is edited to obtain a better quality and clarity of the document. < The process is carried out with a batch processing process for time saving.
Convert Microfiche to PDF
Microfiche and microfilm are made up of the same composition,but one is available in the form of a roll and the other one (microfiche) is in the form of a card.
The Mekel Mach technique is used to scan microfiche. The sheets are placed in the scanning machine one by one and the scanning is done.
The process is similar to microfilm scanning. Here instead of microfilm rolls , sheets are placed. However,post scanning image processing is identical to microfilm. So, after the scanning task is completed , the data obtained from the microfiche is stored in PDF. This digital copy is sharable and can be stored even on the cloud.
Still , if you want to retrieve more precise information from the PDF copy, OCR tools will help you extract bit by bit information.
About Microfilm Conversion Scanners
The scanners used for microfilm scanning are expensive as they are equipped with a high-resolution magnifying lens. A variety of scanners such as Mekel Rollfilm Scanners, Mekel Microfiche Scanners, and UScan Film Scanner are some of the on-demand scanners used for creating superior image quality.
The speed is high speeds (up to 200 images per minute) from even the most difficult-to-read films. These scanners can produce images up to 600 dpi true optical resolution. (create a link here)
eRecordsUSA is an industry leader in microfilm conversion services and microfiche conversion services. At eRecordsUSA, we work with minute detail and ensure superior digital copies (PDFs) from microfilms /microfiche with an accuracy level of 99%. We are using Mekel MACH7 Microfiche Scanner for this process. Moreover, we have an experienced and skilled team to do the microfilm conversion job.
Convert Any Types of Microfilm or Microfiche to PDF
Our scanning process starts with scanning microfiche. We do scanning for the formats such as jacketed, COM, ultrafiche, step & repeat, rewritable, and any microfiche format (diazo, silver, and vesicular). We will then upload the digitized images to your document management software or file server.
The purpose of an industrial roll/card scanner is to increase productivity. We are an ISO/ISMS Certified doccument scanning company in San Francisco Bay Area known for quality scanning and digitization of Microfilms and microfiche. As a document digitization company with years of experience and a very formal approach to project processing, we are also flexible enough to meet the needs of our clients.
Get Free Quotes on Microfilm & Microfiche Scanning Services Today!
Get microfilm/microfiche conversion from the experts at eRecordsUSA. Our conversion solutions can provide a reliable document scanning storage for your effortless access. To get started, contact us right now!
Microfiche and microfilm are the preferred methods used to store images, blueprints, schematics, maps, and other important documents for an extended period of time. This microform technology makes it possible to reduce paper file storage, helping large businesses, banks, libraries, national archives, and government institutions to store large volumes of data. It’s a great way to preserve important information for the long term with a reduced risk of data loss.
But, how can you access data from microform? Nowadays, many companies require document storage, including text search capabilities, secure remote access to data from anywhere, and a near-infinite storage capacity. That’s why they use microfilm and microfiche scanners to create digital copies of their data. A microfilm backup can be stored in the cloud and used to restore your data if a catastrophe strikes. Digitizing microfilm provides easy access to your documents and provides a backup of your data.
Nowadays, the market is fully-fledged with microfilm and microfiche scanners, but only some of them are properly engineered, developed, manufactured, and supported to provide superior image quality in a minimal time. You must have questions in mind about how to digitize microfilm or which are the top In this blog, we’ll mention some of the best microfilm and microfiche scanners. Let’s take a look:
Microfilm and Microfiche Scanners [Updated List 2024]
Our mission is to provide the best technical scanning microfilm and microfiche equipment to the marketplace, enabling microfilm inventory to be preserved and converted and reducing document scanning prices.
If you want to retrieve images in high resolution and require data in less time, here are the best microfilm and microfiche scanners that are mostly used in the USA. Take a look at the followings:
The Mekel MACH7 Microfiche Scanner is a reliable and high-quality digitization product that creates superior images at high speeds. With its latest Mekel 2.0 update, the MACH7 is even better equipped to handle difficult films and produce stunning results. Whether you’re looking to digitize a large collection of documents or just a few precious items, the MACH7 is an excellent choice to digitize microfiche.
The MACH7 microfiche scanner is the industry standard for microfiche scanning, renowned for its automation, reliability, and ease of use. Its specialized fiche pick-up arm and batch scanning modes make it quick and easy to scan large volumes of microfiche records, while its full fiche pre-scan feature ensures that all images are captured at the first pass.
Features
< Manual and/or automated microfiche loading and unloading
< Intelligent single-pass pre-scan locates all images of various sizes in seconds without the need for presets/wizards
< Unmatched throughput speeds of up to 200 images per minute whether scanning grayscale, bitonal or dual grayscale/bitonal
< Full fiche or title bar scan with no loss in overall throughput
< Real-time image sharpening and enhancement performed in hardware
< Scans all standard aperture card and fiche types including COM and jacket
< Up to 600 dpi true optical resolution
ST Imaging is a world-renowned manufacturer of top-of-the-line microfilm scanners and other scanning solutions for micrographic collections. These systems have revolutionized the way industries such as banking, engineering, manufacturing, medical and legal operate.
Basically, the ST ViewScan products allow you to scan roll microfilm, microfiche, color film slides and negatives, and opaque card and microcard media using a PC. You can then view, fax, email, or print the images that you’ve scanned. These products are specifically designed for use in library environments and offer compatibility with secure network environments, ease of use, and clear images.
The high-quality zoom and focus lenses on this scanner produce consistently clear images whether you are scrolling or zooming. With the ability to scan higher to smallest images found on microfiche sheets, you can always expect sharp and easy-to-read images that are properly oriented, focused, and vibrant.
Features
< Produces crisp and clear HD images, even while browsing
< You can Browse, Print, Save or Share beautiful 18-megapixel images.
< Equipped with a 9-megapixel black and white image sensor or an 18-megapixel color image sensor.
< From 35 mm roll film to small images on microfiche, users will see focused and vibrant images.
The FlexScan system is a versatile and high-performance solution for scanning roll film, microfiche, or aperture card scanning. This system makes it easy to convert large volumes of data into digital format, making it more accessible and easier to use.
The FlexScan microfilm scanning solution is a complete package of hardware, software, training, and support to give you the best solution for the conversion of your microforms to the highest quality digital images possible.
Features
< Flexible media scanning: film, fiche, aperture Cards
< 100% reliable high-speed image capture
< Pristine high-resolution images
< Allow for the simultaneous capture, index, audit, and output enabling optimal film processing performance
All within one unit, the ScanPro All-In-One converts entire microfilm collections including 16mm, 35mm, fiche, jacketed fiche, and aperture cards and performs on-demand research. The ScanPro i9500, the ScanPro 3500, and the ScanPro 2500 are all All-In-One converter scanners for digitize microfilm and microfiche.
With its motorized AUTO-CarrierTM, you can read, scan, print, and convert your images with remarkable speed and accuracy. Featuring both a roll film and fiche conversion unit and an on-demand unit, the All-In-One is surprisingly affordable. With the All-In-One scanner, you can scan all types of film on your desktop.
Features
< Fast, real-time digital feed from the camera to the PC using a USB 3 interface
< High-resolution images in TIFF, PDF, Searchable PDF, and JPEG formats
< Optical Zoom Lens 5x to 105x, Digital Zoom 5x to 1575x
< Automatic high-speed scanning including larger-size formats
< Easy 1-click save and print to multiple file formats
< Fastest word-searchable OCR software
SunRise has designed a modular scanner that can scan film, fiche, and aperture cards simultaneously. The SunRise 3-in-1 base unit can be used with either the Roll Film, Fiche, or Aperture Card modules, allowing it to scan any film type at high speeds without the need to purchase additional scanners. This is the ideal solution for customers who need to scan multiple microfilm types, but not simultaneously.
Features
< 3-in-1 modular design – uniform procedures for all film types
< Rollfilm, Fiche and Aperture card microfilm types
< Highly efficient, power saving, low noise
< Optical Zoom supporting 2,000 to 20,000 DPI
Choosing The Right Microfilm Scanning Partner For Your Project
As we know, microfilm and microfiche were known as one of the best options for backing up critical data, accessing information, and reducing the need for papers. However, retrieving images from these microformats is a quite time-consuming process.
This is where eRecordsUSA comes up with some advanced solutions, where they use effective scanner systems (Mekel Mach 7 Scanner) to scan hundreds of images per day. We handle the film conversions in a secure and state-of-the-art micrographics laboratory in our conversion center in Fremont, CA.
We have a team of proficient and experienced who also assist their employees with high-quality document scanning & Imaging services in San Francisco CA. Our dedicated team uses the necessary equipment (Mekel Mach 7 Scanner) to handle microfiche and microfilm scanning projects.
You can count on us to capture high-quality digital images along with accurate index information no matter how much film-based media you have. We complete all microfilm and microfiche conversion needs of our clients on time and within budget with our unique experience, specialized equipment, and proven microfilm & document imaging processes.
Our mission is to provide the best microfilm and microfiche scanning services on the market. It’s our commitment to continually provide the most innovative, state-of-the-art services to our customers. Regardless of our client’s needs, we have a solution to fit your requirements and your budget.
Need more assistance ? to receive a free quote Call +1.855.722.6669
Microfilm and microfiche are methods of storing digital records, and important documents in a readable manner to save paper storage space. Nowadays, different corporations and organizations are preferring to use various methods to scan and store documents, images / blueprint scanning.
Digitizing microfilm doesn’t only improve the accessibility of your stored documents but also enables you to create a backup of your data in the cloud.
Are You Thinking of Digitizing Microfilm? This guide provides all the information required for proper microfilm digitization.
What is the Best Way to Digitize Microfiche And Microfilm?
The digitization of microfilm and microfiche data requires special equipment and expertise to ensure that the digital reproductions are of the highest quality and clarity. Strict quality assurance protocols must be followed throughout the process to maintain the original readability and clarity of microform.
Your images need to be transferred into a digital format and properly indexed and categorized so that they are easy to access and use. This means accurately transferring key identifiers, such as the text from the microfiche title area, roll, and frame numbers, or data extracted from the images, into image metadata.
Are You Considering This Process Complicated?
Worry not! Hiring professional microfiche & microfilm scanning services like eRecordsUSA will ensure that your archive is converted into a variety of popular image digital formats, which can be stored in your current cloud storage system. If you don’t have a cloud storage system, we can set one up for you. You also have the option to receive your files on an encrypted USB thumbnail drive.
Process of Digitizing Microfilm
Digitizing data from microfilm and microfiche isn’t a complicated process. But, there are some basic items that you must have. Here are the followings:
The microfilm roll, microfiche, and aperture cards that you want to digitize
There are different forms of microfilm. Here are the following types that you can digitize easily:
16mm Microfilm: There is a 16mm microfilm, which has a height of 16mm and a length of varying lengths. A reel holds it.
35mm Microfilm: Microforms like this come in the same shape and size as 16mm microfilms, but they have a 35mm height instead.
Microfiche: Instead of being spooled on a reel, the image frames are on a sheet, similar to 16mm or 35mm microfilm. It is typically 105mm x 148mm in size.
Our Services of Digitizing Microfilms: Technical Specifications
During the digitization process, our microfilm digitizing company uses the following standards:
Scanning Resolution: We usually prefer 400dpi, but can also go up to 600 dpi on demand.
Color Tones: We do Bitonal and Grayscale scanning.
File Formats: We digitize microforms data in PDF, TIFF, and JPEG forms.
Special File Formats: We use PDF/A with OCR, MS Word, XML, and CSV.
Image Processing: We do cropping, deskew, contrast and brightness adaptation, and polarity inversion.
Benefits of Microfilm and Microfiche Scanning
Many Federal agencies or government agencies are converting microfilm to digital format for creating searchable databases. Partnering with professional document scanning services like eRecordsUSA can help digitize all types of microfilm and microfiche data to PDF, TIFF, and JPG formats.
As a result, it improves accessibility to historic archives and preserves the original records safely. In addition, it’s possible to produce a comprehensive, keyword-searchable, and digital archive.
Here are the key benefits of microfilm and microfiche scanning. Take a look:
Helps reduce costs by freeing up space previously reserved for microfilm reading rooms
Helps you save money on microfilm reader repair or replacement
Reduces the wear and tear on microfilm and microfiche
Makes data available to patrons and library staff 24/7
Increases the lifespan of the documents
Lowers the cost of usage and production
Improves storage efficiency
Helps to keep the records safe from natural disasters like flood, hurricane and other events
Converting Microfilm to Digital – Step-by-Step
If you have made the decision to digitize your microfiche, here are the following steps that you must take into account. Planning ahead of time makes scanning your microform data easy.
Step 1. Analyze The Amount of Microfiche You Need Scanning
It’s important to get a general idea of the amount of microfiche you need to scan for your project. This will help you set expectations for both the total cost and the amount of time needed to complete your document scanning project.
If you’re unsure about the exact number of images, that’s okay.
Step 2. Determine the Condition of Your Microfiche
The clarity and quality of a scanned image are limited by the condition of the source material. To get an idea of how well your microfiche will scan, sample a few random images before starting the document scanning process.
Generally, microfiche has a long shelf life when stored in the proper conditions and is generally quite resilient. So, take a look for water damage, discoloration, or other deterioration that can lead to unexpected problems later on.
Step 3. Understand Your Requirements
How are you going to use your digitized images once the document scanning is completed?
Some prefer to use microform data for backup/archival purposes, requiring only digitization and storage. In some cases, it may be sufficient to simply scan microfiche images and store them as digital files. However, in other cases it may be necessary to use optical character recognition (OCR) to extract data from a scanned document and store it in text form, integrated with a document management system.
Understanding the use cases for your data can help you make sensible choices when planning your microfiche scanning project and help you avoid unnecessary costs.
Step 4. Decide on Budget
Budgeting is critical when it comes to project costs. Give yourself a bit of leeway, especially if you have made some guesses about the volume of scans you need to perform. It’s not always possible to complete large scanning projects all at once. Due to this, organizations with limited budgets frequently complete the scanning process in phases. In this way, the project can be divided into several smaller, more digestible pieces.
In order to reduce the financial impact of digitizing massive microfiche libraries, you should spread out your project over a longer period of time.
How Much Does Microfilm Digitizing Cost?
There are many factors that can alter the cost of a microfilm digitization project. In order to get the most accurate estimate for your desired project, make sure to consider all aspects with your potential partner. This way you can be sure you’re getting the best value for your money.
Prices can vary from project to project due to the uniqueness of each one. In saying that, some price ranges are listed below to provide you with an idea. Additionally, we’ve included ranges for microfiche sheets in case you want to digitize them.
The price of scanning microfilm for 100′ rolls is probably around $50-85/roll.
Digitizing microfiche will cost between $1.25 and $1.30/sheet for 16 mm and 35 mm.
A COM fiche costs about $3 – $5 per sheet (about 250-300 images per sheet).
Choose us for Microfilm to Digital Conversion Project
For digitizing the microform data, you need a microfilm and microfiche scanner. And, preferring to learn how to use such scanning equipment might take a long deal of time. That said, engaging with pros can handle the entire scanning process and deliver good quality results at reasonable costs.
eRecordsUSA is a leading document scanning company in San Francisco, providing microfilm and microfiche scanning services to several federal, historical, and government organizations for many years. Microfilm scanning is our specialty, and our sophisticated equipment and quality assurance procedures make us a great partner for your next project. Contact us and get a free quote immediately.
