Traditionally microfilm has been one of the most cost-effective media for archiving documents and drawings. Many millions of images were committed to 16/35mm reels, microfiche and aperture cards, and accessed using analogue viewing equipment.

Over time the microfilming method was largely replaced by scanning technology, as digitising paperwork facilitated much quicker access.

However, there is often a need to access the key information stored on the legacy microfilm. A large proportion of the equipment used to view the images has become obsolete, and often a health and safety hazard in the workplace. In order to access the images, it is necessary to either purchase replacement equipment, or have the microfilm scanned. The latter option is often the more prudent investment, and allows the images to be retrieved electronically in future removing the necessity of working with microfilm.

MTL Document Services can convert all 16mm and 35mm microfilm formats using high volume scanners. Our Microfilm Scanning department offers a cost-effective conversion service for all microfilmed images.

Images will be typically converted to TIFF or PDF format, in single or multi-page files. The retrieval options for the images can range from renamed files on a CD or DVD through to comprehensively indexed images.

Our aperture card scanning service was first established in the early 1990's, and we were one of the first companies in the UK to offer it. Having recognised that many draftsmen did not wish to operate manual and computerised design systems side-by-side, the solution was to scan the aperture cards.

Our combination of state-of-the-art Wicks and Wilson scanning equipment and Project Management expertise delivers a cost-effective, high quality aperture card scanning service. Once scanned, the end user has all the benefits of their existing PC technology to access and distribute their vital information, from as little as £0.20 per aperture card.

As the quality of microfilmed images can vary due to age and the standard of the original service providers, all our conversion projects go live having first undertaken a free pilot test. If you are interested in having a free pilot test using your microfilm, please contact us.