Aperture cards may feel like relics of the past, but many organizations in the U.S. still hold thousands, sometimes millions, of them in storage. For many years, aperture cards have been used by government organizations, engineering firms, utilities, and aerospace companies to store engineering schematics, technical drawings, and blueprints. Aperture cards were never intended to be a permanent storage medium, despite their durability. Equipment ages, cards deteriorate, and important knowledge could be lost.
That’s why aperture card scanning services are more important than ever. When organizations scan aperture cards into high-quality digital files, they safeguard their records and make them instantly searchable. Professional aperture card digitization ensures long-term access to critical data from large-scale archives to specialised collections.
For 2025, we’ve rounded up seven reputable U.S.-based companies providing aperture card conversion services. Each provider offers a different strength, making it easier to find the right fit for your project.
1. Smooth Solutions
For many years, Smooth Solutions has provided dependable aperture card scanning services to assist companies, governmental organizations, and engineering firms in protecting technical data. They support both small collections and large-scale archives by scanning, indexing, and converting cards into secure digital formats. They are renowned for their accuracy and adaptability. They prioritize long-term usability and quality when digitizing aperture cards.
Clients receive an accessible archive in addition to images, including metadata tagging and OCR searchability. One of the most complete providers in the United States, Smooth Solutions also provides a broad range of other digitization options.
2. BMI Imaging Systems
Located in California, BMI Imaging is a name many government agencies and universities already trust. They specialize in converting massive archives and have the infrastructure to handle hundreds of thousands of cards simultaneously.
Their aperture card image scanning process includes high-resolution imaging, indexing by metadata, and optional OCR for text-based content. BMI often works with organizations that want digitized files placed directly into their document management systems. BMI is a reliable choice for institutions that need scale, structure, and compliance.
3. Recordsforce
New England-based Recordsforce has carved out a reputation for precision and compliance. They’re a good match for manufacturing companies, utilities, and engineering firms where accuracy is non-negotiable.
Their aperture card scanning services include strict quality control procedures and double-checking to avoid data loss. Recordsforce also has experience in projects that must meet strict regulatory standards, which is especially important for industries like aerospace or defense.
4. ScanTastik
ScanTastik, headquartered in Pennsylvania, offers aperture card digitization services and professional-grade scanners. This means they understand both sides of the process: the technology and how to apply it effectively for clients.
Organizations with ongoing scanning needs often benefit from ScanTastik’s hybrid model. For example, a utility company might outsource bulk scanning while purchasing scanners for smaller, routine jobs. This flexibility makes them a standout among aperture card conversion services.
5. River City Data
Based in Minnesota, River City Data has more than 40 years of experience. They have deep roots in the Midwest but serve clients across the U.S. Their aperture card image scanning services are particularly attractive for mid-sized projects.
River City Data collaborates closely with their clients, including municipalities, utilities, and libraries. Although they are not the biggest supplier, businesses seeking active participation find their customized approach appealing.
6. Digital Data Solutions
Secure digitization is Digital Data Solutions’ area of expertise, especially for clients in the military and government. Their aperture card conversion services follow strict chain-of-custody procedures, making them one of the safest choices for sensitive archives.
In addition to high-resolution aperture card scanning services, they provide indexing and metadata services that make digital archives more functional. Their compliance-first approach is ideal for clients where accuracy and security are equally critical.
7. Mountain States Imaging
Based in Colorado, Mountain States Imaging provides services to a wide range of customers, including government agencies and businesses. They also offer microfilm, microfiche, and paper scanning as part of their wider range of services, which includes aperture card digitization services.
Why Aperture Card Digitization Still Matters
It’s easy to dismiss aperture cards as outdated, but for many industries, they’re still the backbone of historical archives. Some engineering drawings, infrastructure schematics, and defense documents exist only in aperture card format. Without digitization, that knowledge risks being locked away—or lost forever.
The benefits of scanning aperture cards go far beyond saving physical space:
- Preservation of technical history: Aperture cards fade and deteriorate over time. Digitization prevents permanent loss.
- Searchability: OCR and metadata indexing make it possible to locate a single drawing in a sea of thousands of others in a matter of seconds.
- Cooperation: Researchers, engineers, and architects can all access digital files from anywhere.
- Compliance and risk management: Retention of records is required by law or regulation in many industries. Digital archives can more successfully meet these requirements.
- Operational efficiency: Employees no longer have to waste time looking through card cabinets.
These benefits help explain why industries are still making significant investments in aperture card digitization.
Final Thoughts
As 2025 unfolds, more organizations recognize that holding onto physical aperture cards is no longer practical. The seven U.S.-based providers listed here represent some of the industry’s most reliable and experienced names.
Choosing a provider depends on the scope of your project, compliance needs, and preferred working style. While some businesses specialize in large-scale government contracts, others provide specialized services for local archives. All things considered, expert aperture card scanning services provide the accessibility, accuracy, and security that businesses require.
