Eliminated lubricant out-gassing and improved camera functioning, picture quality, and profitability.
THE CLIENT
One of the worlds largest manufacturers of photographic equipment and supplies, employing over 50,000 people worldwide.
THE CHALLENGE
During camera manufacturing, Kodak found that not only were the optical properties of the camera being degraded over time, but the mechanical functioning of the camera was also being affected.
MC2 ACTIVITY
A Contamination Control Assessment was performed examining the camera assembly steps, personnel disciplines, environmental factors, and all materials used and their properties.
FINDINGS
The lubricant used on the cameras internal mechanism was out-gassing into the internal camera environment. Over time this out-gassing created a thin film haze on the optical elements resulting in the reduction in image quality. The thin film haze also provided a retention mechanism for the accumulation of particles. Over time the particles increased to a level that impeded the mechanical functioning of the camera.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
The lubricant was replaced with one of another manufacturer that would provide the necessary lubrication qualities without out-gassing.
RESULT
Both the poor image quality and the mechanical failure of the camera were eliminated.
