Types of Protective Films - Surface Armor Resources

With a plethora of surface protection films available, it can be overwhelming to decipher which type to use for specific applications.

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This article explores the various kinds of protective films and the unique characteristics that distinguish them.

• LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is the most widely utilized protective film. Derived from polyethylene, this is the most common type of plastic. Unlike its high-density counterpart (HDPE), which is more rigid and less adaptable, LDPE offers greater flexibility. This versatility makes LDPE films suitable for a multitude of applications.
• COEX, or Co-Extruded LDPE, refers to the method of simultaneous production of multiple layers of plastic, resulting in a singular film. One prevalent configuration features a black layer paired with a white top layer, leveraging each layer's specific qualities, such as the white layer providing UV reflection while the black layer absorbs UV light, thus enhancing UV protection overall.
• PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is one of the most recognizable plastics. Known for its elasticity and smooth surface, PVC film is exceptionally useful in various metal forming applications and more.
• PP, or polypropylene, serves well in high-temperature scenarios. Its dimensional stability ensures it retains its form without the stretch exhibited by PVC films.
• PO, or polyolefin, is suitable for certain painted metal surfaces and acrylic glass uses.
• Additionally, paper can function as a protective film, given its dimensional stability and ability to absorb some impacts.

In simple terms, a temporary surface protection film consists of a plastic layer coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) of specified thickness. These films are designed to be temporary, ensuring they do not remain on surfaces indefinitely. So, what sets different types of protective films apart?

The most common types of plastic used in protective films are

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene).

Co-Ex (co-extruded LDPE), and

PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

LDPE is particularly favored as a protective film. Being the most common plastic available, it is highly adaptable and applicable across various settings.

COEX, or Co-Ex LDPE, combines multiple plastic layers into one film. For instance, a common configuration is a black layer with a white top layer, enabling the fusion of different attributes like UV reflection from the white and UV absorption by the black.

Protective Film for Deep Drawing

For further details, please check out the Protective Film for Aluminum.

PVC is possibly the most recognized plastic type. Its flexible nature and smooth texture make it ideal for various metal forming applications.

PP, or polypropylene, is effective in high-heat contexts while maintaining its structure and resisting stretching better than PVC.

PO, or polyolefin, finds relevance in protecting painted metal surfaces and acrylic glass applications.

Paper also serves well as a protection film, standing out for its stability and impact absorption.

Choosing Protective Films

The thickness of the film is a crucial factor, defined by the combined thickness of plastic and adhesive. In the U.S., film thickness is generally measured in mils (thousandths of an inch), contrary to millimeters. Typical thicknesses range from 1 mil to over 6 mils. Thicker films offer higher resistance to abrasion and scratching, although their rigidity can make them challenging to apply to curved surfaces.

The adhesive type is another vital consideration. Textured surfaces typically necessitate thicker, softer adhesives to ensure better contact with the peaks of the texture. In cases where the adhesive contacts only a small surface area, it may not provide adequate hold, leading to peeling issues.

Adhesion, or tackiness, is quantified in ounces per inch, and it is crucial for optimal performance to utilize adhesives with sufficient tackiness to secure the film during its intended lifespan. However, using excessively high adhesion can complicate the removal process or leave residue. For example, films protecting LCD screens generally possess a tackiness of around 1 ounce per inch, while those for carpeting can exceed 25 ounces/inch. Misapplying a carpet film on an LCD display may cause damage upon removal.

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