Drum scanner

What does Drum scanner mean?

A drum scanner is a type of high-resolution scanner specifically designed for scanning reflective originals, such as photographs, artwork, and transparencies. Unlike flatbed scanners, which use a charge-coupled device (CCD) or contact Image Sensor (CIS) to capture the image, drum scanners use a photomultiplier tube (PMT) to scan the original. The PMT is mounted on a rotating drum that moves the original past a light source, and the reflected light is focused onto the PMT. This process results in a very high-resolution scan, typically in the Range of 2000 to 4000 dots per inch (DPI).

Drum scanners are known for their exceptional color accuracy and dynamic range, which makes them ideal for scanning high-quality images for reproduction in print or on the web. They are also used in archival applications, where the preservation of the original image is paramount.

The main advantage of drum scanners over flatbed scanners is their superior image quality. Drum scanners produce scans with higher resolution, better color accuracy, and greater dynamic range than flatbed scanners. This makes them the ideal choice for scanning high-quality originals, such as photographs, artwork, and transparencies.

Applications

Drum scanners are used in a variety of applications, including:

• Prepress: Drum scanners are used to scan images for reproduction in print. This includes scanning photographs, artwork, and transparencies for use in magazines, books, and newspapers.
• Fine art: Drum scanners are used to scan artwork for reproduction in fine art prints. This includes scanning paintings, drawings, and sculptures.
• Archival: Drum scanners are used to scan images for archival purposes. This includes scanning historical documents, photographs, and artwork for preservation.

History

The first drum scanner was developed in the early 1960s by the Crosfield Electronics company. These early drum scanners were used to scan images for reproduction in print. In the 1970s, drum scanners began to be used in fine art applications. In the 1980s, drum scanners became increasingly popular for archival applications.

Today, drum scanners are still the preferred choice for scanning high-quality originals. They offer the best possible image quality, and they are ideal for scanning images for reproduction in print or on the web.