A Discussion About Laminating Films

Author: Indianyellow Pages

Before starting a discussion about the different types of Laminating Films, their grades, etc., it is essential to discuss why these films have come to so widely used in the industry today. In the competitive market of today, the packaging matters as much as the content inside. Laminating Films enhance the visual appeal of the products. Besides improving the appearance of the products, they also act as a protective barrier and prevent damage from spillage, dust, moisture, grease, abrasion, etc.

Laminating Films: Different Types

There are many different types and grades of Laminating Films and Adhesives available in the market.

  • Cold Laminating Films – Such films make use of a pressure sensitive adhesive and therefore often referred to as PSA films. Though release liner is needed, the adhesive can be activated simply by applying pressure. Advantages of using such films include ease of use, ability to bond to anything and suitability for outdoor use. Compared to other films, these are pricier. Adhesives used with Cold Laminating Films can be classified into
    • Solvent Based
    • Water Baseds

    Though the solvent based adhesives were initially meant for outdoor use and water based for indoors, recent improvements have blurred this point of difference as there are many water based formulations available today that can be used outdoors also.

  • Thermal Laminating Films – Such films are generally meant for indoor use, but may also be utilized for short term outdoor use. These kinds of films make use of high heat adhesives that need temperatures as high as 230°F - 290°F to activate. These kind of high heat adhesives are also referred to as co-polymer adhesives. These adhesives are also among the cheapest type as there is no need of a release liner. There are also low melt thermal adhesives available which are activated at 185°F to 220°F.
  • Heat Assist Films – The adhesives used with these films can be said to be a combination of thermal and PSA adhesive. Though these adhesives also need a liner, but they can be activated at temperatures as low as 170°. Compared to pressure sensitive films, these are cheaper. As far as bonding power is concerned, these are better than thermal films. These films are generally used over vinyl products.

It is important to get acquainted with the different types of mination films available and knowledge about the best kind of films to be used with specific materials in order to ensure excellent and durable performance.