Selecting the appropriate automatic film processor is like selecting a new car. A cursory review of the brands and models available reveals a broad range of possibilities. Models ranging from Bentley to Yugo vie for the buyer's attention. The users dilemma is "how to avoid both overkill and under-kill and select the best value in use option. The best brands and models for hospital use come from a fairly small selection and familiar with their users. Selecting a unit for use in a clinical practice can be far more complex. It should not be assumed that the best-known manufacturers of quality high capacity processors necessarily produce the best clinical practice machines. Carestream Kodak for example, makes an excellent high capacity machine, but we would not recommend their smaller offering. Optimally, the unit selected should meet the following reasonable criteria:
1. The unit should be of adequate size and capacity to handle the expected load.
2. The unit should be able to process film at a speed that matches the technical requirements of the selected film/screen combination.
3. It should enjoy a good reputation in the industry for reliability and access to replacement parts.
4. It should have a standby feature to reduce power consumption.
5. It should be manufactured and warranted by a respected name in the industry.
6. Processors may also be purchased used or refurbished.
Still they should be subject to the aforementioned criteria. It is a good idea to have used units inspected by a knowledgeable service representative before purchase.
Comp-Ray finds that the Konica SRX-101A meets all of the criteria for clinical practice processing. It is the leading processor in this market and has earned its reputation by providing users with years of relatively trouble free performance. The unit offers variable speeds up to 90 seconds, and is relatively compact. While it may cost slightly more than some of its lesser competitors, we find it very cost effective. For its quality, the SRX-101A is attractively priced, and comes with a FULL FIVE YEAR PARTS WARRANTY!"
One of the biggest costs in operating an automatic film processor is the replacement of worn parts. While it is not abnormal for busy, high capacity processors to require the replacement of over $1200.00 in parts annually, the clinical practice units are generally somewhat less expensive to operate. The obvious thing that the user can do to hold down these costs is to keep the unit properly cleaned and professionally maintained.
Ask your Comp-Ray representative for additional information on these new units!
X-Ray Processor
The easiest way to hold the cost of maintaining your automatic processor at reasonable levels is to keep the unit clean, and have it inspected and cleaned by a professional service representative at regular intervals.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Preventative Maintenance Dollar!
1. Turn your processor off at night.
2. Crack the lid when it is not in use so that the chemical vapors can escape.
3. Wipe the crossovers off at least once a week.
4. Use only quality virgin chemicals.
Never use recycled fixer.
5. Have the unit professionally cleaned at least once a month.
6. Don't pay for "extras" like systems cleaner or developer starter. They should be included in the price of the cleaning.
7. Don't let unauthorized or untrained people "adjust" your processor.
8. Don't buy expensive parts without a competitive quote.
9. Always count on your Comp-Ray representative to help you hold down your costs!
