Greyscale Dithered Film 300 x 450

This product is a binary greyscale image produced on silver-halide coated polyester film. The pattern is created using a stochastic dithering method, commonly used in high-resolution imaging and calibration applications.

In a binary system, each pixel is either black or clear. A continuous-tone photographic greyscale image cannot be produced directly. Instead, greyscale is simulated by varying the density of black pixels. Lower pixel density produces lighter tones (e.g. 10%), while higher density produces darker tones (e.g. 90%). A 50% tone consists of equal amounts of black and clear pixels. When the individual pixel size is smaller than the resolving power of the imaging system, the result appears as a smooth grey area.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HALFTONE AND DITHERING

The halftone method varies the size and spacing of dots to represent grey levels. Small dots simulate light tones; large dots simulate dark tones.

The dithering method uses fixed-size pixels throughout. Grey levels are achieved by controlling the number of black pixels per unit area—lower concentrations for light tones and higher concentrations for dark tones.

PIXEL AND RESOLUTION

Higher resolution allows for smaller pixel sizes and finer tonal control. We offer four standard resolutions, but custom settings are available if a specific spatial frequency is required.

Note that file size increases rapidly with resolution. Rasterised data is subject to a 2 GB file limit, so the maximum image area is reduced as resolution increases. Choose the lowest resolution that meets your imaging system's requirements.

CAD FORMAT

Please specify your file format when placing an order. Supported formats include all common vector and raster standards. If your format is not listed, contact us for confirmation. We can also create production data from drawings or descriptions if required.

POLARITY Films are supplied as either Clearfield (positive) or Darkfield (negative). Clearfield means black data on a clear background. Darkfield is the inverse—clear data on a black background.

PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

Standard production time is 3–4 working days from receipt of complete data and order details. Checkplots are issued for all orders and must be approved without delay to maintain schedule. Timelines assume no revisions to the original data.

Standard (5 days): Default lead time under normal workload conditions.
Premium (2 days): Expedited option. Full order package must be received by 11:00 am.

INSPECTION

All photomasks are subject to a rigorous inspection process, regardless of the selected inspection class. Critical parameters such as CD (Critical Dimension) size and uniformity are measured and recorded internally. High-magnification images are captured using Nikon MM40 (900×) and OGP ZIP 300 (400×) systems, and stored with our production records. In some industries—particularly medical or automotive—additional inspection documentation may be required for compliance with quality systems. You can select the level of documentation to be provided with your order. 

Standard: Full inspection performed; no documentation issued.

Certificate of Conformance: Printed certificate confirming compliance with inspection criteria.

Certificate of Measurement: Verifies up to 10 user-defined dimensions against specified tolerances. A CAD file or drawing must be provided indicating the positions to be measured. Additional measurements available on request.

CHECKPLOT

Before production, we supply a checkplot—an essential part of our approval workflow. This checkplot is a high resolution PDF graphic, emailed to you for review. It provides an overview of the design layout, helping you confirm pattern alignment, feature placement, and polarity. However, it is a rasterised image and not suitable for verifying precise dimensions.

For critical designs where dimensional accuracy must be confirmed at the CAD level, we recommend using our online CAD checkplot viewer. This platform allows you to inspect your design using vector data, ensuring that features such as linewidth and spacing match your expectations. You can zoom in to inspect fine details, toggle layers, and therefore compare your submitted file against our interpreted version.

Checkplot approval is mandatory before manufacturing begins. No production will start until confirmation is received. Ensure that your review includes polarity, reading direction, and any reference markers required by your process.

For more details, see our Checkplot Information Page.

YOUR DRAWING NUMBER

Please include your file or drawing number so we can match the uploaded data to your order.

NOTES

Use this section to provide any specific instructions or non-standard requirements.

For more detail, refer to the TECHNICAL, DOWNLOAD, and FAQ sections. For further assistance, contact us directly or use LIVE SUPPORT.