Production of Black and White Line and Halftone Films: an Engineering Approach.

Historically, a craft approach has been used for the production of line and halftone films. This approach is based on methods requiring skill and judgment in both the exposing and developing operations. A process is described where line and halftone films are generated based on an engineering method. This method requires that the characteristics of the output films be specified. The controls and methods used in order to meet these specifications within prescribed tolerances are described. These fall into two categories: 1. Control of exposure. 2. Control of development. The importance of consistency of emulsion sensitivity is also discussed. Results indicate that an engineering approach is applicable to the production of black and white line and halftone films.