I've got a reel of nothing but polyester trailers. It leaves a little residue under the intermittant every time I run it. Since I use it as a test reel, I will be the first to notice any scratches, as they were all new when I got them. It will be intresting to see what Film-Guard will do for it.

Bruce
 

Proper print lubrication is a major factor --- Kodak processing specifications and SMPTE Recommended Practice RP151 specify that 35mm prints be lubricated to optimize projection wear. Edge-waxing of prints by the labs used to be normal practice, but environmental restrictions on the solvents used have practically eliminated proper print lubrication. Some projectionists have seen significant improvement by lubricating prints.

Projector design and maintenance is a factor --- especially the design, materials, and finish used for the gate rails and intermittent shoe. We have offered assistance to projector manufacturers and suggested changes to reduce projector abrasion that have already shown positive results. Some projectors are much less prone to abrasion problems.

Moisture is a factor, as freshly processed "green" prints or very high humidity can cause the gelatin emulsion to soften and be more prone to abrasion. If the emulsion starts to build up on the hot gate rails, it hardens into a hard "gunk"-like deposit that can further abrade the film. This phenomena has been documented since the 1920's.

In the last ten years, projector abrasion has become an even greater issue because digital soundtrack information is printed in areas of the print that are severely abraded by some projectors. Projector wear and abrasion can significantly increase the error rate, and even cause the sound to default to analog.

Through participation in user groups like this, and feedback at our training seminars, Kodak is very aware of projector abrasion concerns, and has been actively working to further improve the abrasion resistance of both color and black-and-white print stocks. Internal tests of the films on abrasion-prone projectors have been very promising. Millions of feet of film are already being tested by our customers, and more is soon to come. We hope to arrange use of the improved film on complete releases of upcoming movies, so we can accurately measure the performance in "real life" theatres on a wide variety of projection equipment.
 

Does anyone know anything about this squadron of people studying print shedding?