Major Types of Lamination Films and their Applications

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Every product has distinct characteristics such as material, color, texture, form, size, and longevity, which enable it to fulfill its intended function optimally. In order to optimize the protection and durability of these products, it is necessary to customize their packaging to accommodate their various qualities. Furthermore, there are situations in flexible packaging when a single material is inadequate in maintaining long-term product protection. To tackle this issue, using a composite consisting of many layers of the special material is optimal for enhanced performance. Laminated films (thermal lamination included) and packaging provide unique options in this context.
 

Laminated Films Dominate Our Daily Life

Every day we come across several instances of laminated films, such as flavored drinks, sauces, preserved meals, and powders, which are packaged using this technique. Typically, these films consist of many layers, with one of the polymer films or paper providing support for the aluminum or metalized films. Barrier films are specifically engineered to provide exceptional resistance against odors or aromas.
 

Lamination Films Strengthen Product Longevity, Aesthetics, and Performance 

In addition to strengthening product longevity, thermal laminating packaging solutions may also enhance its aesthetic appeal, hence contributing to an improved overall user experience. Given that the consumer's first observation is focused on the product's look, the premium films may attest to its exceptional quality, hence enabling the product to distinguish itself among a multitude of comparable items on the shelf. A frequently used method for film lamination is the combination of several polymeric films, foils, sheets, etc., using a polymeric adhesive agent.
 
The flexible packaging sector is huge, including several categories and subcategories of goods. When it comes to thermal and print lamination films, there is a wide variety of solutions available to cater to the unique requirements of your goods. Now, let's examine the main categories of lamination films- 
 

Various Categories of Thermal Lamination Films

Films for Cold Lamination

Cold lamination is a recent concept. Cold adhesive functions primarily as a pressure-sensitive substance. It is optimal for laminating heat-sensitive goods, such as car wrap vinyl. Cold laminating films have exceptional adhesive properties and may be effortlessly applied to product surfaces using pressure alone, without the need for heat. The primary duty of a release liner is to safeguard the adhesive until it is prepared for application, often on a cold-roll laminator.
 
These films are ideal for laminating printed, unprinted, and paper boards, as well as for laminating cartons. Although hot laminating films tend to be more expensive, they may still be a cost-effective option when used with non-heated laminators, especially in comparison to other alternatives.
 

Notable Characteristics:

 
  • UV protection properties
  • Excellent air tightness
  • Static & aging resistance, and
  • Mould-proof.
 

Thermal Lamination Films

Frankly speaking, the word 'thermal' is specifically used for double-sided encapsulation that operates at a temperature of 130˚C. However, in contemporary use, the phrase is now applied to any and all processes of heated lamination, thereby becoming a more inclusive concept. Thermal lamination sheets are covered with a resin or thermal adhesive that may melt at low temperatures. The film's characteristic enables the lamination of paper goods by the application of pressure and heat.
 
This particular lamination film is often used for one-sided purposes, such as the lamination of commercial items and packaging printers. The laminator's malleability allows for effortless separation and bursting of the sheets. Furthermore, a thermal lamination film is capable of being used in conjunction with coating methods such as spot UV, embossing, or foil, and even jobs that call for print lamination.
 

Notable Characteristics:

 
  • Exceptional pliability
  • Provide structural integrity and enhances thickness
  • Perfect for frequently used items, and
  • Open to enhancements. 
 

BOPP Lamination Films

BOPP is what creates these lamination films. This lamination is done by applying the adhesive on the film, followed by wet or dry attaching it to the product surface. Sometimes, BOPP is laminated with a layer of foil covering to aid in increasing its performance.
These films are ultra-durable and offer outstanding resistance to moisture. They also have the additional advantage of clarity, making them the best option when it comes to retail packaging. Given that these films are available in numerous colors, shades, thicknesses, and finishes, they perform wonders when it comes to increasing a product’s visual appeal. Some additional popular applications include packaging for pesticide products and personal care and hygiene products. 
 

Notable characteristics

 
  • Excellent gloss
  • Great chemical resistance
  • Superior moisture barrier
  • High transparency
 

PET Lamination Films

Popularly known as Polyester films, PET lamination films are one of the most excellent alternatives for a large number of applications. What makes them the favored option for almost all applications includes their prominent characteristics, including exceptional printability, a strong oxygen barrier, and great machinability resulting from their high-temperature resistance.
Furthermore, this particular film has exceptional tensile, rip, and impact strength, which remains intact even after the lamination process. Typical applications include menu cards as well as identification cards for workplace or college use. If your project requires both durability and heat resistance, then these films are the most suitable choice. The products are also offered in matte and gloss variations. 
 

Notable Characteristics:

 
  • Multi-functional protective coating
  • High thermal stability
  • Durable and adaptable
  • Superb durability against scratches.
 

Conclusion

Packaging methods, inventiveness, and material quality are crucial in many industries, including food. Everything visible sells nowadays, making it more significant. Good food packaging is even more crucial in the era of online and offline advertising. Packaging may persuade purchasers that the contents are high-quality. According to psychology, humans initially assess things by their appearance, including food. Thus, always treat packaging quality as seriously as product quality. 
 
Jindal Poly Films Limited is a part of the $ 2 billion B.C. Jindal Group, and a manufacturer and supplier of choice for supreme quality pressure-sensitive labels and pressure-sensitive labels in India. The company offers a comprehensive variety of packaging solutions for over 60 years. The company's primary products include BOPP, PET, Metalized, Coated, CPP, Thermal, Non-Tearable Paper (NTR), and Medical X-Ray Films.