Microfiche scanning is the term used to describe the digital conversion of microfiche to TIFF, PDF, JPEG, GIF, or other image file format. This digitization process converts the frames from an analog flat 4 x 6 fiche card into a separate images. for example, if the microform has 60 individual frames, the microfiche scanner would create 60 different files, with the option to export to a multi-page TIFF or PDF (one large file with 60 pages). Specialized microfiche scanning companies can usually perform this service for much less than the cost of a microfiche scanner.
There are various microfiche scanners on the market, such as the NextScan, Sunrise, Mekel, Wicks & Wilson, Ristech, ScanPro, and others. each company has their own separate marketing campaigns which focus on the scanning machines' greatest attributes. however it is important to realize that not all scanners are created equal- each machine has varying quality, production throughput rates, user interface, hardware, can scan different types of microfiche and different model numbers. each machine requires some sort of hands on training, maintenance plan, experienced hired labor for microfiche scanning. It is a specialized job, which is why the bulk of companies outsource their projects.
Outsourcing microfiche is a great theory on paper, but only practical if you can find a reliable microfiche scanning company. Digitizing microfiche is no easy task, no matter what promotional video you may have viewed. It is a perfect mix between science and art. any microfiche scanner designer or advanced scanner operator can vouch for that. Therefore when searching for an organization to subcontract fiche conversion, experience, customer service, turnaround time, trustworthiness, and quality all matter, in addition to price. It is very rare that a scanning company can combine low price with high quality, but some companies do.
You need a wholesale microfiche scanning company that was founded by microfiche digitization experts: managers, technicians, operators, indexers, and sales. its founders must have learned from the mistakes of previous service bureaus, and vowed not to repeat the same errors that other scanning bureaus make in this industry. the first tenant they made was to cut prices from market value to wholesale, with no middle-men. there is no sacrifice in quality with this low scanning price. Such a company would be eager to partner with you or assist you with your microfiche scanning project, no matter how big or small.