Machine E: The $100M Photographic Coating Machine's History and Future Under ADOX
Since the late 1960s, Machine E, located in Marly, Switzerland, has played a crucial role in the industry. Constructed by Ciba for research and development in dyes and pigments, it was instrumental in creating graphic art films and the 13-layer Cibachrome film. Ciba became the sole proprietor after acquiring Tellko and Ilford in 1969, maintaining ownership until 1989. The machine enhanced photographic products before transitioning to the automated coater T4 for testing new components. In 1992, Cibachrome was rebranded as ILFOCHROME following Ciba's departure. Built for several million Swiss Francs (approximately $100 million today), it was utilized for Ilford's polymer inkjet products. Ilford was acquired by OJI Paper in 2005, entered receivership in 2013, and ADOX upgraded Machine E in 2015.
Key facts
- Machine E is a multilayer photographic coating machine in Marly, Switzerland.
- Built by Ciba in the late 1960s for dye and pigment R&D.
- Used to develop Cibachrome, a 13-layer color photographic material.
- Ciba acquired Ilford in 1963, full ownership in 1969.
- Machine E cost several million Swiss Francs, equivalent to ~$100 million today.
- Ilford produced polymer and nanoporous inkjet media, with Machine E for pilot coating.
- ADOX gained access to Machine E in 2015.
- Machine E can coat up to 20 inches wide at 30 meters/min, max 2,500 meters per run.
Entities
Institutions
- Ciba
- Ilford
- Tellko
- ADOX
- OJI Paper
- Harman
- Marly Innovation Centre
Locations
- Marly
- Switzerland
- Fribourg
- France
- UK
- Brentwood
- Essex
- Mobberley
- Cheshire
- Berlin