ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel SmarterEveryDay This Thing is Crazy Fast – Kodak Part 3- Smarter Every Day 286
Hey there! Welcome back to Smarter Every Day with me, Destin. Today, we’re diving into the world of Kodak photography film at the Kodak Film Factory in Rochester, New York. This is the third video in our series about how Kodak film is made.
In the first video, we explored the film’s backing, which is made from plastic pellets. We learned about the extrusion process and a cool system of pulleys called an accumulator that keeps production going smoothly.
The second video showed us how a light-sensitive coating is applied to the film. This happens in the dark using a special technique called a laminar flow waterfall. The film is then dried over a long distance using air, all while staying in the dark.
Now, we’re going to see how the film is cut into smaller pieces for cameras, a process known as slitting. We’ll also add sprocket holes, which are essential for the film to move through a camera. After slitting, we’ll make a can to hold the film.
It’s important to remember that the film already has a light-sensitive coating, so we must keep it in the dark until it’s ready to be used.
I’m excited to introduce you to Patrick, a young engineer who will guide us through the slitting process. We’ll also meet Tim, the operator of the slitter, who is incredibly skilled at his job.
Tim explains that the film arrives in wide rolls. They check each roll before loading it onto the slitter. The slitter can handle 12,000 feet of film, which is then cut into 35mm rolls.
As we watch, the film is unwound, threaded through the machine, and cut into two separate rolls. The edges are trimmed, and any waste material is recycled.
Tim mentions that they can touch the emulsion side of the film because it has dried and stiffened by the time it reaches them. He’s been working in the dark for nearly 30 years, so he can see well without night vision goggles!
Next, we move to the machine that punches sprocket holes into the film. Matt, the operator, explains that this step is crucial for the film to work in cameras. The film is loaded in a dark environment, and the machine adjusts automatically based on the film’s specifications.
After perforating the film, it’s time to build the can that will hold it. Donovan shows us how large metal sheets are cut into strips to become film cans. Each strip is checked for quality.
We then see the machine that forms the cans, crimping and sealing the edges to make them light-tight. The film is placed into the can, and end caps and labels are added.
Finally, we watch the packaging process, where the finished film cans are organized and prepared for shipment. Rich explains the different packaging formats and the quality checks to ensure everything meets standards.
After the tour, I thank everyone at Kodak for showing us this amazing process. I even take a roll of film off the line to capture some photos as a memory of this experience.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Kodak Film Factory. If you enjoyed this, consider supporting Smarter Every Day on Patreon or signing up for the email list at SmarterEveryDay.com. I’m Destin, and I hope you have a fantastic day!
Imagine you are in charge of a film production line. Draw a diagram that illustrates the entire process of making Kodak film, from plastic pellets to the final packaged product. Include key steps like extrusion, coating, slitting, and packaging. Share your diagram with the class and explain each step.
Using materials like cardboard, rubber bands, and paper clips, design a simple model of a machine that could punch sprocket holes in film. Think about how the film would move through the machine and how the holes would be punched. Present your model to the class and demonstrate how it works.
Using recycled materials, build a model of a film can that is light-tight. Test your can by placing a small flashlight inside and checking for any light leaks. Discuss with your classmates how you ensured your can was light-tight and what challenges you faced during construction.
In groups, role-play a tour of the Kodak Film Factory. Assign roles such as Destin, Patrick, Tim, Matt, and Donovan. Act out the different stages of the film production process, explaining each step to your classmates as if they are visitors on the tour.
Write a short essay reflecting on why the film production process is important for photography and filmmaking. Consider the impact of each step in the process and how it contributes to the final product. Share your essay with the class and discuss the significance of film in today’s digital age.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript, removing any unnecessary sounds, filler words, and maintaining a clear and concise narrative:
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Hey, it’s me, Destin. Welcome back to Smarter Every Day. Today, we’re at the Kodak Film Factory in Rochester, New York, where we’ll explore how Kodak photography film is made. This is the third of three videos.
In the first video, we looked at the backing of the film and learned about the engineering involved in creating Estar backing from plastic pellets. We discussed the extrusion process and the clever arrangement of pulleys called an accumulator, which allows continuous production without stopping the extrusion.
In the second video, we applied a light-sensitive coating to the film using a laminar flow waterfall, which applies multiple layers simultaneously in the dark. After coating, the film is dried over a mile of conveyance, again in the dark, using air to move it around.
Now, we need to cut the film into smaller pieces suitable for cameras, a process called slitting. We’ll also add sprocket holes, which are crucial for the film to run through the camera. After slitting, we’ll build a can to hold the film.
Before we start, remember that the film we’re working with already has the light-sensitive coating, so we must keep everything in the dark until we expose the image.
I’m excited to introduce you to Patrick, a young engineer who will guide us through the slitting process. We’ll meet Tim, the operator of the slitter, who can perform this task with remarkable skill.
Tim explains that the film comes in wide rolls, and they check the roll before loading it onto the slitter. The slitter can handle 12,000 feet of film, which is then cut into 35mm rolls.
As we observe the slitting process, we see how the film is unwound, threaded through the machine, and cut into two separate rolls. The edges are trimmed, and waste material is sent for recycling.
Tim mentions that they can touch the emulsion side of the film because it has dried and stiffened by the time it reaches them. He also shares that he has been working in the dark for nearly 30 years, so he can see well without night vision goggles.
Next, we move to the machine that punches the sprocket holes into the film. Matt, the operator, explains that this machine is crucial for ensuring the film can be properly fed through cameras. The film is loaded in a dark environment, and the machine automatically adjusts based on the specifications of the film being processed.
After the film is perforated, it’s time to build the can that will hold the film. Donovan shows us how they cut large metal sheets into strips that will become the film cans. Each strip is visually inspected for quality.
We then see the machine that forms the cans, which involves crimping and sealing the edges to ensure they are light-tight. The film is then placed into the can, and the process continues with the addition of end caps and labels.
Finally, we witness the packaging process, where the finished film cans are organized and prepared for shipment. Rich explains the various packaging formats they offer and the quality checks that ensure everything meets standards.
After the tour, I take a moment to express my gratitude to everyone at Kodak for allowing us to see this incredible process. I also take a roll of film off the line and capture some photos to commemorate the experience.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Kodak Film Factory. If you enjoyed this video, consider supporting Smarter Every Day on Patreon or signing up for the email list at SmarterEveryDay.com. I’m Destin, and I hope you have a great day!
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This version maintains the essence of the original transcript while removing extraneous details and sounds.
Film – A thin layer or coating of material, often used in engineering to protect surfaces or create barriers. – Engineers use a special film to protect electronic components from moisture.
Process – A series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end in scientific or engineering tasks. – The process of making steel involves heating iron ore to high temperatures.
Engineer – A person who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or structures. – The engineer designed a new bridge that can withstand strong winds.
Coating – A layer of a substance spread over a surface for protection or decoration. – The metal parts were given a protective coating to prevent rust.
Slitting – The process of cutting a material into narrower strips, often used in manufacturing. – The factory uses a slitting machine to cut large rolls of paper into smaller widths.
Sprocket – A wheel with teeth that mesh with a chain or track, used in machinery. – The bicycle’s sprocket helps transfer power from the pedals to the wheels.
Machine – A device with moving parts that uses power to perform a task. – The machine in the factory assembles car parts with great precision.
Packaging – The materials used to wrap or protect goods, especially in engineering and manufacturing. – Engineers designed eco-friendly packaging to reduce waste.
Quality – The standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence. – The quality of the new smartphone was tested before it was released to the market.
Recycling – The process of converting waste materials into reusable materials to prevent waste and conserve resources. – Recycling old electronics helps recover valuable metals and reduces environmental impact.
