From skyscrapers to intricate electronic components, protective film defends against the rigors of manufacturing, transportation, and everyday use. At its core, protective film is more than just a temporary shield; it&#;s a meticulously engineered barrier that protects surfaces from the many challenges they&#;ll face in their lifecycle. Whether protecting against scratches and abrasions or corrosion, protective film upholds the quality and longevity of countless products.
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With decades of experience as a leading label manufacturer, we&#;ve seen firsthand the transformative power of protective plastic film. Read on to learn more about protective film and the benefits it may have for your industry.
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What is Protective Film?
Protective film, also called surface protection film, is a thin layer of material that is applied to the surface of various objects to safeguard them from potential damage or contamination. These films provide a barrier against a wide range of challenges, such as scratches, abrasions, impacts, moisture, dust, UV radiation, corrosion, and more.
Protective films are commonly made from plastic materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, or polyvinyl chloride. They come in various thicknesses and adhesive strength, depending on the specific application and level of protection required. Because protective film is so versatile and adaptable, it has become an essential tool in many different industries.
Protective Plastic Film
Not all protective films are made from plastic (paper film, for example), but a large number are. The type of protective plastic film you&#;re using will come with different characteristics and properties. Here are some of the materials commonly used to make protective plastic films:
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): Low-density polyethylene is lightweight, flexible, and affordable. LDPE protective plastic film is commonly used to protect surfaces from scratches, dirt, and minor impacts.
Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene film offers good clarity, tear resistance, and moisture resistance. PP film is less elastic than other protective plastic films, but can endure high temperatures without a problem. PP films are commonly used to protect surfaces during manufacturing and transportation.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Polyvinyl chloride films are super flexible and chemical resistant. They&#;re commonly used in applications that require resistance to oil or grease and are especially useful for protecting metal surfaces.
Co-extruded, low-density polyethylene (COEX or Co-ex LDPE): COEX films are created by layering two plastics together in one film. This gives them more protective characteristics than other films.
Polyolefin (PO): Polyolefin films are commonly used as a shrink or stretch film. They are a great option for protecting glass or painted metal.
Types of Protective Film
There are many different types of protective film on the market today, but the two most common types are surface protection film and painted surface film. Both are designed to protect the surface from damage, but they cater to different needs.
Surface protection film is a thin layer of material applied to surfaces to shield them from scratches, abrasions, moisture, and other potential damage. They&#;re often made from materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester. They can be made in a variety of thicknesses and adhesive strengths, depending on your specific needs.
Advantages of surface protection film:
Versatile: Surface protection films can be applied to a wide range of surfaces, including glass, metal, plastics, painted surfaces, and so on.
Temporary: These films are typically meant to be temporary, providing protection during manufacturing, shipping, installation, or construction processes.
Removable: They can be peeled off without leaving adhesive residue or causing damage to the surface you&#;re trying to protect.
Customizable: You can choose films with varying levels of adhesive strength and thickness to ensure the right balance between protection and ease of removal.
Transparency: Transparent protective films allow the underlying surface to remain visible, making them suitable for products with aesthetic appeal.
A painted surface protectant, on the other hand, is a specialized product designed to enhance and safeguard the appearance of painted surfaces, like automotive paint or industrial coatings. These films are applied to painted surfaces and often provide additional benefits beyond simple protection.
Advantages of painted surface protectant:
Long term protection: Painted surface protective films offer durable protection over extended periods, helping to maintain the quality and finish of the paint.
Chemical resistant: Some protectants provide resistance to chemicals, contaminants, and environmental factors that could ruin the paint.
UV protection: Many protectants include UV inhibitors to prevent fading and deterioration of the paint caused by exposure to sunlight.
Gloss enhancement: Some protectants can enhance the gloss and shine of painted surfaces, giving them a more polished appearance.
Hydrophobic: Certain protectants are hydrophobic, causing water and other liquids to bead up and roll off the surface.
Self-healing: Many paint protection films are able to self-heal when scratched.
Benefits of Protective Film
Protective films offer many benefits for a variety of industries and applications. These benefits make them indispensable for protecting surfaces, products, and components from damage. Here are some key benefits of using protective films:
Surface protection: The primary benefit of protective films is the protection of surfaces from scratches, abrasions, impact, dirt, dust, moisture, and other potential damage.
Preservation of aesthetics: Protective films help maintain the original appearance, finish, and quality of surfaces, preventing the need for touch-ups or costly repairs. This is particularly important for products with high aesthetic value, such as vehicles, electronics, and architectural finishes.
Cost savings: By preventing damage to surfaces, protective films can significantly reduce the need for repairs, replacements, and rework, saving time and money during manufacturing processes.
Reduced environmental impact: Using protective films can extend the lifespan of products and components, reducing the need for premature disposal and replacement.
Ease of removal: Protective films are designed to be easily removable without leaving residue or damage. This makes them easy to remove when the protection is no longer needed.
Temporary or long-term: Depending on the type of protective film chosen, surfaces can be protected temporarily or long-term.
Hygiene: Protective film can help ensure hygienic conditions in environments like cleanrooms and medical facilities, where surfaces need to be shielded from contaminants.
Quality assurance: Using protective films ensures that end products reach customers in pristine condition, enhancing customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
Best Applications of Protective Film
Protective film is extremely versatile and can be used in many different ways. Here are some of the best applications of protective film:
Component parts
Glass surfaces
- Metal finishes
Painted metal surfaces
Touchscreens
TV, computer, or mobile screens
Circuit boards
Window tinting
Car interior parts, such as dashboards, consoles, and door panels
Exterior surfaces of airplanes, helicopters, and other aerospace vehicles
Machines components
Industrial equipment
Signage and decals
Medical equipment
Cleanroom surfaces
Floor protection
Packaging
Transport containers
Medical Device Labeling Requirements
Protective Film in Different Industries
From aerospace to automotive industries, protective film is used in a variety of ways to protect surfaces from damage. Here&#;s a look at how different industries have taken advantage of the benefits of protective film:
Automotive: Protective film is used to shield delicate surfaces such as windows, interior components, and painted exteriors during manufacturing, assembly, and transportation.
Electronics: Electronics, such as cell phones, tablets, or laptops, are filled with delicate components that can be damaged easily. Screens are especially vulnerable. Protective film can protect electronics from scratches, cracks, and dents that can affect both aesthetics and functionality.
Aerospace: Protective plastic film is lightweight and versatile enough to protect sensitive aerospace components, increasing their lifespan.
Construction: Protective film is used to safeguard glass, metal, and other surfaces during construction and renovation.
Furniture and appliances: Appliances and furniture are often coated with protective films to prevent scratches and damage during transit or installation.
Manufacturing: During manufacturing, protective film can be applied to components to prevent damage or contamination.
Medical: Medical equipment is subject to a lot of wear and tear. Protective films can protect expensive equipment from corrosion and other damage.
Renovation: When renovating a space, protective films can prevent damage to floors, walls, and other surfaces while work is being done.
How to Choose the Right Protective Film
Protective plastic film is extremely useful, but each type comes with different characteristics. Choosing the right protective film will depend on your intended application and the conditions your surface will be subject to. Here are some things to consider when choosing protective film:
Surface: The type of surface or product you need to protect can impact the best type of protective film. Different materials and finishes require different protective film.
Duration of protection: Do you need the film to last for a long time? Or will you be using it temporarily?
Protection requirements: Do you need protection against scratches, impacts, UV radiation, moisture, chemicals, or other factors? Different protective films offer different types of protection.
Adhesive strength: Consider the level of adhesive strength you need. Should the film be easy to remove? Or does it need to provide secure adhesion for longer periods?
Aesthetics: If aesthetics are important, choose a film that is transparent or optically clear.
Industry standards: Ensure that the protective film meets any industry-specific standards or requirements, especially in sectors like aerospace, electronics, and healthcare.
At Coast Label, we understand the importance of protecting your products and surfaces. That&#;s why we only use the best materials to manufacture our protective film. Our application specialists will work with you one-on-one to help you choose the right protective film for your needs.
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You&#;ve just purchased your brand new car, and you&#;re excited to drive off the lot when you notice a huge scratch arcing down the side. The big mistake? A lack of protective film.
Are you interested in learning more about Protective Film for Aluminum? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Protective film has always been the magic that's brought your sparkling new cars from the manufacturer to the dealer's lot.
For decades, Strouse has been transforming protective film into custom-made pieces to cover vehicles, devices, and more.
Once you&#;ve read the industry benefits, you&#;ll understand how protective film helps protect vehicles and other surfaces from the daily wear and tear that comes with regular usage.
What is Protective Film?
Protective film is a material that protects surfaces that are susceptible to damage: minor or moderate abrasions to scratches and more.
Protective films were originally developed with military applications in mind.
Back in the '60s, the U.S Department of Defense realized that their helicopter blades could not escape the damage caused by debris in the air. This problem eventually inspired the creation of a protective layer that was designed to be transparent, lightweight, and strong enough to prevent damage to the military equipment in use.
These protective layers, or &#;helicopter tape,&#; evolved into the protective film we see on modern-day vehicles.
Today, we&#;ll discuss the protective film benefits we&#;ve seen in industries we&#;ve worked with and how it could benefit your future projects.
What is Protective Film Made of?
Protective film serves many different purposes and industries, so its composition depends on the part application.
Here are a few specific types of materials, primarily plastic, that are commonly used to create protective film:
Low-density polythene films
have enhanced elasticity and flexibility, and are generally low in weight
Polyvinyl chloride
is sleek with relatively higher levels of elasticity, making it an ideal option for metal surface protection
Polypropylene
is less elastic and holds firm even in higher temperatures
Polyolefin
works exceptionally well with glass or painted metal, and specific variants are used for packaging
Co-extruded, low-density polythene
provides a higher level of protection by using layering techniques
Paper
is generally used to protect against very low-impact damage
Types of Protective Film
Protective film comes in a variety of styles, each specifically designed for an application, and they generally vary according to thickness, material, and adhesive strength.
These are two of the most common types of protective film you&#;ll encounter:
1. SURFACE PROTECTIVE FILM
A high-quality surface protective film can easily be applied and removed while providing a sleek finish to the surface it is used on. These films protect vulnerable surfaces: glass, commercial glazing, plastic, stone, brick, granite, marble, and more.
Industries with a focus on manufacturing and distribution of packaged products generally find themselves with a need for this kind of protection. However, cutting these films into appropriate shapes to fit various surfaces becomes difficult. Additionally, the user has to ensure minimal bubbling upon application, which often requires a professional&#;s expertise in surface protection films.
2. PROTECTION FILM FOR PAINTED SURFACES
Paint protection films generally have a higher resistance toward impact. Variants such as the clear paint protection film (PPF) have &#;self-healing&#; properties that allow them to return to their natural shape after impact or abrasions.
These kinds of films are usually made from elastomeric polymer, providing elasticity to the film. They&#;re traditionally invisible, allowing the object to maintain its aesthetic value while adding a level of protection. That&#;s why common uses include cell phones, electronics, cars, airplanes, and other equipment.
While PPF is not bulletproof, it does provide superior protection against rock chips and other environmental contaminants. It is also chemical resistant, allowing you to wash or clean your equipment without fearing the loss of adhesive or the inability to execute maintenance practices.
What are the Benefits of Using Protective Film in my Industry?
Protective film applications are varied and nearly limitless. However, in the aerospace, electronics, industrial, automotive, medical, and defense industries, protective film can be especially crucial to functionality.
In the following industries, the protective film offers benefits such as protection from scratches and abrasions, shielding against humidity and dirt, resistance against hot or cold temperatures, UV resistance, and chemical resistance.
Flexible material converting is complex! Get your questions answered in this handy Q&A guide.
AEROSPACE
Aerospace engineering constantly strives to create quieter, lighter, and damage-resistant equipment. In the aerospace industry, films are essential for prolonging longevity and enhancing the quality of aircraft materials.
ELECTRONICS
Electronics like mobile phones and other hardware are susceptible to physical damage, particularly screen damage. There is also a wide range of application possibilities for television manufacturing companies, electronic shipment companies, and other similar businesses.
INDUSTRIAL
In general, industries have broad applications for protective film and often require customized protective film pieces to fit equipment or newly manufactured products. End products can suffer plenty of damage on the commutes to distribution centers or warehouses.
AUTOMOTIVE
From wheels and doors to fenders and bumpers, cars need overall protection. Protective films are a fantastic way to achieve general surface protection without compromising the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle.
MEDICAL
Medical devices are usually expensive and require high maintenance to prevent metal corrosion. Adding a protective layer helps prevent premature wear and tear and keeps the machines running smoothly.
DEFENSE
Defense equipment likely requires more intense types of surface protection. Protective films help ensure critical military equipment, weaponry, and machinery run efficiently.
Which Protective Film Should I Choose?
To correctly choose the right kind of film for your needs, you should consider the following elements:
Longevity: Installing cheap film that will spoil within a few months is counter-productive. Instead, invest in a high-quality, branded film that offers durability.
Warranty: Ensure that the product you are investing in has reputable customer care and good deals on warranty. Generally, a Pregis PPF would provide up to ten years of warranty. This is excellent for equipment like cars that you will likely use long-term.
Quality: Now that you're aware of the role material plays in determining the quality of the film, ensure that you ask questions about it. At the very least, you should be able to get PPF that crosses all the basic requirements of being scratch-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and UV protected.
Of course, quality depends on the budget you have, but on the whole, it is relatively easy to get high quality for reasonable prices.
Application: The application or installation of protective film can be challenging, especially when you have no experience. Ideally, you should hire an expert to ensure you avoid bubbles on the surface.
How To Succeed in Using Protective Film
No doubt, the quality of the film material largely determines if it&#;ll be adequate for the task required. That said, two aspects of protective films are critical to remember.
First, partner with someone who understands material selection &#; the variety of sizes and degrees of thickness, with some offering multi-layered, stronger protection. The more complex the object, the higher the need for customization, the second vital aspect.
Second, make a plan to execute your project: modern-day advances in rotary die-cutting allow converters to achieve precise results even when dealing with highly specialized aircraft and other intricately designed objects. Protective film application to complex objects requires expertise in working with heat guns, torches, plotters, spray fitting, and other installation techniques.
You may have a vision in mind for how protective film will benefit your particular industry, but you may be wondering what type you should use, or when your part will reach its final design. Using the experience we have working with a wide range of materials, our engineers at Strouse know it&#;s essential to find the right film and optimize the design for your innovative solution.
If you have a protective film application, your next step could be finding a converter who meets your particular needs. At Strouse, we pride ourselves on being able to deliver highly customized parts that fit the particular needs of your product and application.
See what it&#;s like to work with us or reach out for a quote today:
Want more information on stainless steel protective film? Feel free to contact us.
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