Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: PTR Rollers decomposing?

This is topic PTR Rollers decomposing? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=008826

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 07-13-2007, 08:36 PM:

Has anyone experienced PTR rollers decomposing? I mean they have changed color from a bluish clear (glossy type) to a foggy gatoraide green. But what is really bad is they seem to have become extra sticky and gooey! In fact, the aflicted roller(s) will leave a sticky residue on your hands! The rollers will have a consistency of gummy bears.

I have now seen an entire batch of them turn this way just sitting in their FPC box, still wrapped in their FPC plastic (they now use wax paper). It seems to matter not if they are used or not. These rollers always seemed to be extra sticky when they were new.

Anyone else experience this? John P...any ideas? They are genuine FPC(Kodak) rollers

Steve

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 07-13-2007, 08:40 PM:

If the rollers are less than a few years old, they should be returned to FPC for evaluation of the problem, and possible credit.

With several years age, heat and humidity will take their toll on the soft polyuretane.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 07-13-2007, 09:18 PM:

They are circa 2003. They have been in a temp/humidity controlled environment. I just checked a set that I used for a particular client for studio screenings (infrequent use, but the client loves them so we make him happy)...sure enough they are suffering from this decomposition. The two rollers on this one are the same age...one has all but fogged over (can still see the FPC logo but it looks more like a matte roller) the other is still translucent but is VERY sticky. Both are about the same color green though if you look on edge you can see where they were more blue (down by the hub).

Whom at FPC (Kodak) would I contact about this?

Steve

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 07-13-2007, 09:39 PM:

I've never seen this and we have Kelmar PTR cleaners on over 300 screens! I'm at a location today (deseret... hot and dry) whose PTR's are around 7 years old and still working just fine. They have discolored at the edges somewhat where the perfs run across them but that doesn't seem to matter at all. I think you just have a bad batch of em.

Mark

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 07-14-2007, 02:45 PM:

I think Ray Rayas is the current PTR contact at Kodak FPC in Hollywood.