Method for making and handling an intraoral x-ray film packet

摘要

A method for making and handling an improved intraoral x-ray film packet by forming a first outer and a second outer sheet from a thermoplastic material wherein the first outer sheet is made more rigid than the second outer sheet such that it has a tensile modulus of at least about 700 Kg/cm<2>. The two outer sheets are sealed together to form an envelope with a laminated perimetric edge wherein the laminated perimetric edge is substantially coplanar with the first outer sheet. This resultant planar surface on one side of the packet aids in the accurate positioning of the packet for subsequent operations and further enhances the ability to die cut the packet and maintain outside dimension tolerances. Individual film packets are transported to a Bernoulli fixture and a laminar air flow is generated across the surface thereof to accurately position the intraoral x-ray film packet against reference stops using the Bernoulli effect. The accurate positioning of individual film packets provides significant advantages for subsequent operations such as the injection molding of a comfort-enhancing bead directly onto the laminated perimetric edge.