Overview - ISO 14546:2000 (Aerial films and spools - Dimensions)
ISO 14546:2000 defines dimensional, mechanical and marking requirements for photographic rolls used in aerial applications. The standard covers aerial film widths, perforations (Type II), leader/trailer splices, film thickness, preferred roll lengths, spool dimensions (steel or aluminium) and package marking. It also specifies the environmental and calibration conditions for measurements to ensure reproducible results.
Keywords: ISO 14546, aerial film dimensions, aerial films and spools, film perforations, spool dimensions, leader trailer, film thickness, roll lengths, package marking.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Conditions for measurement: Dimensions and tolerances apply when equilibrated at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH (ISO 554). Instrument calibration at 20 °C (ISO 1).
- Film widths: Nominal aim widths include 70 mm, 127 mm and 241 mm with specified aim values and tolerances (see Tables in the standard).
- Perforations: Type II perforation shape and dimensions are defined; key parameters include perforation pitch (L) measured over 100 intervals and maximum side-to-side offset (G).
- Film thickness: Nominal thickness grades (examples in the standard include 0.08, 0.11, 0.15, 0.19 mm) with minimum and maximum limits.
- Roll lengths: Preferred roll lengths and tolerances are listed (common aerial lengths such as 38.1 m, 61 m, 76.2 m, 106.7 m, etc.).
- Leader/trailer and splices: Spliced leader/trailer thickness ≤ 0.43 mm; splice tensile strength ≥ 35.0 N/cm; designers must allow ≥ 0.13 mm clearance for splice curvature.
- Spool dimensions and tolerances: Detailed dimensions for a range of spool types (flange, core, keyway, embossed areas), concentricity and lateral runout limits, and notes on steel vs aluminium construction.
- Dimensional stability: Films must be dimensionally stable; allowed departures at package opening limited to +0.2 % (above max tolerance) and -0.3 % (below min tolerance).
- Package marking: Requirements for roll identification and marking are included to support traceability and correct use.
Applications - who uses ISO 14546
- Film manufacturers and converters (production sizing, perforating, spooling)
- Spool and hardware manufacturers (precision flange/core tolerances)
- Designers of aerial cameras, magazines and transport cassettes (mechanical fit and clearance)
- Aerial survey, mapping, remote sensing and defense organizations (procurement and QA)
- Quality/inspection labs ensuring compliance with film and spool dimensions
Related standards
- ISO 1:1975 - Standard reference temperature for industrial length measurements
- ISO 554:1976 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and/or testing
ISO 14546 is a practical reference for ensuring mechanical interoperability and reliable handling of photographic aerial film and spools in imaging systems and supply chains.