The stability of dry and wet laser imaging systems

This study investigated the comparative stabilities of wet and dry laser imaging systems using 4 different imagers: 2 wet and 2 dry systems. Fifteen step wedge films, generated by built-in software from each imager, were collected over a period of 25 days. The stability of each system was assessed by computing the average and standard deviation of the percentage coefficients of variation for the optical densities of the steps. Small, but statistically significant, differences between the mean coefficient of variation values were found, with no significant trend toward either system. Wet imaging systems recorded lower speed index values than dry systems, but there was no definite trend toward either type for contrast index. Both imaging systems are equally stable in their performance; however, regular quality control checks are essential to monitor abnormal behavior.