In the digital age, many dental laboratories and some clinics still rely on the traditional method of processing radiographic film using chemical developers and fixers. The humble Plastic X-Ray Film Clip is a critical, high-volume consumable in this process, playing a vital role in the final quality of the developed film and the efficiency of the darkroom workflow.
These clips are typically molded from durable, chemical-resistant plastic. They feature a strong spring mechanism and a hook design. Their primary function is to securely grip the corner of an exposed X-ray film, allowing it to be immersed in a series of chemical tanks for development, rinsing, and fixing. The clip ensures the film remains completely submerged and separated from other films, preventing them from sticking together, which would result in uneven development and ruined, patchy images.
After the chemical processing is complete, the same clip is used to hang the wet film on a drying line or rack. The plastic construction is non-corrosive and will not stain or react with the sensitive emulsion on the film surface, which is a risk with some metal clips. Their lightweight nature means they do not pull on the film, preventing distortion or tearing during the drying phase.
Sold in large, economical bags, these clips are a fundamental stock item for any facility processing film. They are a simple, cost-effective, and reliable tool that ensures the hard work of taking a perfect radiograph is not wasted in the darkroom, resulting in a clear, diagnostic film that can be used for case planning, fabrication, and patient records.