A Quick Peek into Plastic Protection Film

Protective film is a type of material that shields surfaces from harm – from slight to moderate abrasions, scratches, and more.

An automobile is one example wherein plastic protective film serves to safeguard it from everyday wear and tear, as well as other more unusual damages. Protective film is also used on plastic surfaces during the different processing, assembling and finishing stages of manufacturing.

Plastic protective film is specifically designed for various applications, and generally vary according to thickness, material, and adhesive strength.

Born During Wartime

Did you know that protective films were originally designed with military applications in mind?
Back in the 1960s, the US Department of Defence understood that debris in the air would cause damage to helicopter blades. This dilemma prompted the development of a protective coating that was transparent, lightweight, and robust enough to prevent harm to military equipment in operation.

This protective layer, often known as "helicopter tape," later evolved to provide protection in a variety of modern-day settings. Today it is known as plastic protective film.

Types Of Plastic Protection Film

The first type of film is made to offer a layer of protection to sensitive surfaces such as glass, commercial glazing, plastic, stone, brick, granite, marble, and other materials. This protective film is simple to apply and remove, and it leaves a smooth finish on the surface it is applied to. This type of protection is commonly required by industries that focus on the manufacturing and distribution of packaged goods.

Paint protection films, which is the second type of film, provide a higher impact resistance and have "self-healing" qualities that allow them to recover to their original shape after impact or abrasion. These films mainly constitute elastomeric polymers, which give the film flexibility and are usually undetectable. Cell phones, electronics, automobiles, planes, and other equipment are all examples where this film is commonly used, allowing the product to retain its aesthetic value while providing protection.

Top 5 Benefits

1. Scratches and abrasion resistance

2. Chemical resistance

3. The ability to withstand cold or hot temperatures

4. Anti-humidity and anti-dirt protection

5 UV protection

And Finally, Consider This

Is the film going to be applied on a rough or smooth surface? Rougher surfaces have a larger surface area, hence a thicker adhesive is required.

Is the surface going to be painted or coated? Chemical interactions between adhesives and coatings are possible, especially if they remain in contact for a long time.

Will the film be used outside? If so, for how long? UV radiation from the sun degrade adhesives over time. Not only will the protective film yellow, but it will also become rigid and brittle, rendering it useless. The amount of UV protection required depends on how long the film will be exposed to the outdoors.

Will the film's storage and shipping have an impact on it? Consider how the film will get to the task site and how it'll be stored afterwards so that efficiency isn't jeopardised. Plastic protection films and tapes should be stored in a cool, dry location.

How long does the film have to stay on the surface? If this is a long-term project, some extra components may be required to ensure the surface's adhesion to the film for the duration you require.

Is the film going to be subjected to high temperatures? Most rubber-based adhesives can't withstand temperatures exceeding 150°F. acrylic adhesives can withstand temperatures of up to 350°F, whereas silicone adhesives can withstand temperatures of up to 500°F.

What exactly is the project's scope? Do you need a PVC film to protect windows, or do you require an LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) film to provide a moisture and vapour barrier?