INTRODUCTION

I provide the means for clients to acquire a complete modular fibre-optic microfade tester which is robust, reliable and simple to use. The main advantage of the fibre-optic design is the ability to test objects in any orientation without the need to disassemble or construct alternative support arrangements for either the object or tester and it is uniquely suitable for testing 3D, large and in situ objects.
 
I purchase, assemble, and test optical components such as lenses and fibres from sources like Thorlabs and Edmund Optics, and 3D print the necessary opto-mechanical components required to construct a microfade tester. Clients buy only the lamp and spectrometer from the manufacturers/agents, both of which are delivered directly to them.

I charge only for materials and my time, the major aspect of which is remote or onsite installation and training (below).. I do not sell or receive commissions on anything other than the 3D printed optomechanical parts which are essential - but in terms of cost – trivial components. The warranties for the lamp and spectrometer remain directly with the client and can be returned for repair or replaced without any other modification or optical alignment steps.

The software, data acquisition and manipulation VBA macros (for XL) and reporting templates are free, as are the video and written instructions relating to installation, setup and operation of the software and hardware.
 
A fully set-up laptop can be provided as part of the package, avoiding IT involvement in installing the necessary software and VBA macros used to acquire the spectral data and create the tables and charts for the report templates. It is sometimes easier for conservation departments to include the cost of the laptop with the rest of the equipment in their funding bid, and a fully set-up computer makes the installation and training easier because I know exactly what to expect.

All components including 600mm arm

COMPONENTS

• Ocean Insight HPX-2000-HP-DUV xenon lamp.
• Perkin Elmer PDA512 (formerly Control Development) spectrometer with order sorting filter for FORS applications. Wavelength range up to 1200nm.
• Thorlabs components including 0.5” lenses and lens barrels, inline filter holder, UV-resistant optical fibre, optical filters.
• Edmund Optics rack and pinion focus stage #03-682
• 3D printed optomechanical components including lens assembly head (MFT head (microfading.com).
• Engineering cross-slide table for fine X_Y translation and stable base.
• Microscope camera for fine location control and documentation.

ADVANTAGE OF FIBRE OPTIC DESIGN
in any microfading apparatus Illumination must be  normal to the surface under test. With the fibre optic design the  microfading "head" can be rapidly positioned out to 600mm along the boom arm and at any angle required. This applies to large and 3D objects in particular.

Simple vertical or horizontal orientation or any angle in between

No need to remove textiles from storage boxes for testing

Test at any height, avoid forcing book spines and orienting 3D objects to fit under a fixed illumination assembly.