Metallized film: types, purpose

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Metalized film is a material consisting of several transparent or tinted layers of a certain thickness, between which there is a microfoil. The film is used in many industrial areas, as well as for decorative purposes.

Material features

Metalized film based on polyester is highly resistant to wear and mechanical damage. There are many color options on sale: chrome, silver, golden and so on. The material is characterized by excellent tolerance to temperature changes, negative environmental influences. The packaging film is distinguished by a wide range of colors. Ideal for both outdoor and indoor use.

In the production of packaging, metallization performs several functions:

• Providing light and gas permeability - protection against oxidation.
• Improve the aesthetic appearance of a product or item.

Varieties of films

Metallized film can be based on different materials:

• Polypropylene.
• Polyethylene terephthalate.
• PVC film, unplasticized.
• Polyethylene.
• Polystyrene.
• Polyamide.

Combined type packaging film consists of several layers, one of which is metallized. The alternation of layers depends on the functional purpose of the product. As a rule, the outer layer protects against environmental influences and acts as a base for printing ink. Internal guarantees complete sealing. The middle layers serve as a kind of barrier. Metallized film, based on the type of final packaging, is divided into categories: rigid and flexible.

Flexible metallized film

Flexible film is most often represented by a single-layer metallized and multi-layer laminated membrane. It is used for packaging a variety of food and non-food products. Used in various industries. Printed film (single-layer metallized) is ideal for wrapping a variety of confectionery products, as well as ice cream. The base is a polymer film that does not bond with the rest of the materials used and the applied pattern. Some manufacturers apply varnish on one side of the film in order to preserve the picture. This greatly improves the appearance of the product.

In multilayer laminated packaging, metallized film is one of the layers. Depending on the type of wrapper, its purpose is determined. Scope of applicationfilm is packaging:

• chocolate;
• snacks;
• coffee;
• semi-finished products;
• spice;
• confectionery;
• dry mixes.

Metal based rigid film

High thickness rigid metallized films are widely used in the thermoformed packaging process. These can be blisters, containers for rich pastries, various food trays. The largest distribution of this type is decorative inserts (their second name is correx), for example, for sweets, waffles, cookies, etc. In addition, rigid type PVC film is widely used for packaging medicinal blisters.

Another area of application of hard-type metallized films is the manufacture of trays with a high barrier (substrate) for hermetic storage of fish and meat. The manufacturing method is molding at high temperature from a film based on polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate, as well as polyethylene and PVC. When storing a perishable product in such a tray in a vacuum or gas environment, a long-term preservation of all the useful properties of the product is guaranteed.

In addition to being used as a packaging material in the food industry, metallized film with a single layer is also used in printing, capacitor production, advertising materials and decorative Christmas decorations, as well as an auxiliary thermal insulation material.

Polypropylene film

WideThe used metallized polypropylene film is distinguished by its glossy sheen, strength, transparency and high degree of elasticity. In addition, the polypropylene film perfectly blocks foreign odors, acts as a dielectric and protects against the penetration of gas and vapors. Manufactured by co-extrusion method with the application of a special copolymer layer that provides the ability to weld. It happens metallized, mother-of-pearl or white.

Self-adhesives and films for printing

Metalized self-adhesive film is an excellent way to decorate transparent bases. The maximum effect is created due to the metallic coating on both sides, which shines intensely. Such materials are matte, embossed, glossy, as well as structural. There are many color options for self-adhesive film:

• matte finish;
• copper;
• glossy gold;
• glossy chrome;
• red and blue;
• lilac and pink;
• green and blue;
• Scratched silver.

Metalized printable film also has a shiny surface. The design can be either transparent or opaque, the base is polyester. The multi-layer backing is coated with an additional coating, which makes the film suitable for a wide variety of printing applications and to improve its effect.

Scope of application - the field of advertising, plotter cutting, offset printing of ultraviolet or silk-screen type,decoration of premises, printing of labels and plates. The film is widely used for the manufacture of cut symbols and stickers, often used as a decoration for transparent type substrates.