Base material

[chelseagraham]

• [x] Procure samples
• [x] Experiment
• [ ] Solicit feedback on color/matte, etc.

[PipBrewer]

Black acrylic for Porsa currently being tested. Need to test for if long term issue with reflectivity for digitisers. Need to check if black is an appropritae colour (feedback, uses, others programs etc).

[chelseagraham]

Have tested: Melamine surface material from Porsa X (surface was too reflective, did not clean well) Acrylic material from Porsa X (surface too reflective - but purchased to be used with a matte coating anyhow) Acrylic material with matte cling from Porsa Medium density fiberboard with cling film

Previously inquired with the following suppliers for samples/information: Plastbutikken X (could not handle request) R Teknik Scandinavia X (could not provide the size needed) MakerSupplies X (could not provide the size needed) Merton X (could not provide the quantity needed) Guvlageret X (could not provide the size needed)

Pursuing: køkkenlager sprøjtemaling - on Christian's suggestion

At this time, both the matte film on the acrylic and and on the fiberboard present a base that has minimal reflections, can be cleaned, presents the option to change the cling-film without having to replace the entire base. The crew at Herbarium C are happy with these options, the fiberboard especially, as we have the possibility to adjust the size in-house on an industrial guillotine.

I am researching the kitchen painting option to determine if it is possible with matte, neutral gray to black paint.

[PipBrewer]

Matilde will have a look into some alternative options

[Gomismis]

Contacted e-plast. They will be sending us material samples, to try out

[chelseagraham]

Matilde, Christian and I have looked at the various samples.

@Gomismis has requested a quotes!

[Gomismis]

We have found a black semi-textured, mat plastic material. I'm will write e-plast today for the price.

[Gomismis]

E-plast can only deliver a minium of 1,5 x 3 m plates and they cost 2480,- DKK

[PipBrewer]

@Gomismis The collection managers requested that the base material be medium grey in colour

[chelseagraham]

@Gomismis is going to check in with the collections managers that this material is suitable in regards to their preferences and requirements of color and texture. And ask them, to double check, that they wouldn't prefer a medium gray (because they had mentioned that color to begin with).

[Gomismis]

all collections managers like the base material, but I have a meeting with workshop Kim next Wednesday and will ask him if he know a better/cheaper solution when I talk with him about the lightbox.

[Gomismis]

I have some updates: I have ordered 'gray cards' For the base material for pinned insects, I'm waiting for it to arrive. When it does we can see discuss if it will be suitable for the Herbarium as well and find out if it is possible to order a big sheet. Other option could be to make the woodshop make us a plate and airbrush it with matt gray paint?

[chelseagraham]

During our trip to Aarhus, we spoke with Birgitte about the background material issue. She will be in contact with the science museums about the material they use for the text panels in their temporary exhibits.

[Gomismis]

I have emailed Birgitte, to get the contacts for the company that made their base material.

[chelseagraham]

@Gomismis we should get this ironed out soon, if possible, so that we can get some nice non-reflective material for the second workstation

[Gomismis]

I have looked into linoleum and found the following points on why I consider it a good base material for our Herbarium workstation:

Smooth Surface: Linoleum provides a matt smooth surface that won't glare in the fotolight

Easy to Clean: A quick wipe with a damp cloth or mild cleaning solution can usually remove any stains or debris. Also linoleum is naturally water resistant and won't absorb any excess moisture.

Durable: Linoleum is known for its durability, and are therefore often used for flooring which means it can withstand regular use as a table surface without easily scratching or denting. This durability helps maintain the appearance of the base material over time.

Environmentally Friendly: Linoleum is made from natural and renewable materials.

I have ordered a sample pack we can test out.

[chelseagraham]

Matilde has obtained samples of various shades of gray linoleum. She will image them on Friday 12 April and append the images here.

[chelseagraham]

Keep in mind that the base material should not be too light, as there are algorithms that look for the edge of the paper in order to determine the crop.

[Gomismis]

I took Pictures of all the test colors in the Herb0001 setup.

Christian wished for a lighter base material for aesthetics and as I understand it the program needs a clear contrast to crop the picture.

[PipBrewer]

If we consider the top image to be image A, and the bottom one to be image B. Then the individual swatches are numbered 1 to 12 going from left to right, row by row. @ThomasAlscher1991 Can you advise if any of the examples above will not meet the threshold for differential colour from the herbarium sheets for edge detection.

[ThomasAlscher1991]

I can check that, I need the images above though. I can't save/download them from this issue, maybe just send them via slack @Gomismis .

[Gomismis]

I will send them to you @ThomasAlscher1991

[ThomasAlscher1991]

I got the images and will put the task on my board. I will update once I got to it.

[Gomismis]

We have a temporary solution for the Herb0003, consisting of a Masonite board cut to the dimensions of the enclosure and fitted around the copy stand tower. It was then covered with gray self-adhesive foil and secured with clamps.

When we decide on the final base material, my suggestion is to use a piece only a bit larger than what would show in the image and then either embed it in the Masonite or glue it on top of it. This will save us time and money.

[chelseagraham]

@bhsi-snm Probably Thomas did not have time to check the samples to ensure that they would allow for edge detection is used as a base material at the Herbariums before his last day. Is this something that your team could possibly look into for us and if so, roughly when do you think that might be possible?