Dec. 23, 2024
As a top leading manufacturer and supplier of release liner and face stock materials for pressure-sensitive adhesive, I am here to answer your questions about PET film.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Firsta.
PET (also abbreviated PETE) is short for polyethylene terephthalate, the chemical name for polyester. The basic building blocks of PET are ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, which are combined to form a polymer chain. The resulting spaghetti-like strands of PET are extruded, quickly cooled, and cut into small pellets. The resin pellets are then heated to a molten liquid that can be easily extruded or molded into items of practically any shape.
PET was first synthesized in North America in the mid-s by DuPont chemists searching for new synthetic fibers. DuPont later branded its PET fiber as "Dacron." Today, more than half of the world's synthetic fiber is made from PET, which is called "polyester" when used for fiber or fabric applications. When used for containers and other purposes, it is called PET or PET resin.
Mylar paper is paper that is coated with or made from a polyester film BoPET (Biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate). Mylar isn&#;t the polyester film itself but the brand of BoPET manufactured in the United States and the UK. Mylar is durable and has a high tensile strength; meaning it can be stretched for a long period of time without breaking. Its reflective and transparent nature make it a great accent for decorative projects as well as many other practical uses.
Coated PET film
PET coating, also called coated PET film, is a plastic film that has been coated with material on one or two sides of the film. The type and amount of coating applied to determine the physical, mechanical, optical, thermal, electrical and chemical properties. Coated films may also be a combination of coatings and treatments, such as coating one side / treating the other side depending on end-use application requirements.
&#; PET high-gloss glossy film
&#; PET film
&#; PET transfer film
&#; PET Reflective Film
&#; PET chemical coated film
&#; PET anti-static film
&#; PET Heat Seal Film
&#; PET heat shrink film
There are many different grades of polyester film, and some are produced specifically to be printable, using specific methods particular to those film&#;s chemical properties. Firsta has a number of specific polyester film solutions for many different printing methods, both conventional and digital. If you&#;re looking for laser-printable or inkjet-printable films, please check out our product page.
PET film is often an excellent choice for more demanding applications in food and nonfood-film applications. Major uses include microwave, and medical packaging, plastic wrap, tape backing, printed films, plastic cards, protective coatings such as solar and safety window films, release films, transformer insulation films and flexible printed circuits. PET is also used as an aroma barrier film (e.g. coffee and tobacco packaging). This type of film is sometimes metalized by vapor deposition of metals, which further improves the barrier against oxygen, water vapor and aroma loss.
Due to the low odor, high chemical resistance and inertness, many PET grades are suitable for packaging applications under FDA regulations.
Polyester film is sold in various types, thicknesses, widths with properties tailored to meet specific requirements of particular end uses.
Coated BOPP film
BOPET(BOPP) film literally means biaxially stretched polyester film, and PET means polyester chips, which are divided into three categories, large bright polyester chips, full matte polyester chips, semi-matte polyester chips, these three It is the raw material for the production of polyester film (PET film). BOPET film and PET film can be said to have no difference because the production process of PET film is bidirectional stretching, which is the industry standard for BOPET film.
PET commonly is used for water bottles, but also is FDA-approved for food packaging, so it can be used to create some clamshell packaging. It provides strong moisture resistance and it&#;s a strong, shatterproof plastic and an affordable option as well.
That's all for today. If you have any other questions, please feel free to come to me and I'll be willing to answer them for you!
by&#;Gangyuan
-07-20
BOPP vs. Polyester Film: Unveiling the Key Differences and Applications in Modern Industries
Introduction:
In the vast world of packaging materials, two heavyweights often clash: BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) and Polyester (PET) film. These films play a crucial role in various modern industries, especially in packaging applications. While both offer desirable properties, each has unique features, making them suitable for distinct purposes. In this article, we will delve into their divergences, exploring their characteristics, manufacturing processes, applications, advantages, and limitations. So let's embark on an informative journey to understand the differences between BOPP and polyester film!
Manufacturing Processes:
1. BOPP Film:
Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene film is primarily manufactured through the flat-die extrusion process. This involves melting polypropylene resin and feeding it through a flat extrusion die, where it obtains a uniform thickness. The film is then stretched in both the machine and transverse directions, known as biaxial orientation, which enhances its mechanical properties.
2. Polyester Film:
Polyester film, on the other hand, is manufactured using a process known as melt-extrusion. In this method, PET resin is melted and extruded through a slot die to create a continuous sheet. This sheet is then solidified, stretched, and simultaneously cooled in a controlled manner, resulting in a biaxially oriented polyester film.
Key Differences:
1. Chemical Composition:
The most fundamental difference between BOPP and polyester film lies in their chemical composition. BOPP, as the name suggests, is derived from polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer. In contrast, polyester film is made from a type of thermoplastic polyester called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). These varying chemical compositions lead to dissimilar physical and mechanical properties.
2. Optical Properties:
BOPP film exhibits excellent clarity and transparency, making it a preferred choice for applications that require visual presentation. Polyester film, on the other hand, possesses higher optical clarity, enabling it to provide unparalleled visibility, making it ideal for applications like window films and displays.
3. Mechanical Properties:
In terms of tensile strength, BOPP film offers good strength-to-weight ratio, making it resilient and capable of withstanding mechanical stress. Polyester film, on the other hand, exhibits exceptional tensile and impact strength. Its higher resistance to tearing, pinholing, and abrasion makes it suitable for applications that demand durability and protection.
4. Heat Resistance:
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BOPP film possesses excellent heat resistance, enabling it to withstand elevated temperatures. This property makes it suitable for applications that necessitate heat sealing and heat resistance. On the contrary, polyester film showcases superior heat stability, making it suitable for applications requiring high-temperature resistance, like electronic components and photovoltaic modules.
5. Moisture Barrier Properties:
Polyester film offers a significantly higher moisture barrier compared to BOPP film. This attribute makes it a favorable choice for applications that demand moisture protection, such as food packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, and electrical insulation.
Applications:
1. BOPP Film Applications:
BOPP film's excellent printability and mechanical properties have led to its widespread usage in various packaging applications, such as food packaging, labels, adhesive tapes, and wrapping films. Additionally, its heat resistance makes it an ideal choice for lamination purposes.
2. Polyester Film Applications:
Due to its remarkable mechanical properties and excellent barrier properties, polyester film finds extensive application in the packaging industry. It is utilized in applications like metalized films, flexible packaging, electrical insulation, solar panels, and various industrial applications that require exceptional strength and durability.
Advantages and Limitations:
1. Advantages of BOPP Film:
- Excellent optical properties for enhanced product visibility.
- Good mechanical properties, including tensile strength and tear resistance.
- Suitable for printing due to its surface properties.
- Heat resistance makes it suitable for applications involving heat sealing.
- Availability in various thicknesses and widths.
- Cost-effective compared to polyester film.
2. Limitations of BOPP Film:
- Lower moisture barrier compared to polyester film.
- Vulnerable to UV degradation over time.
- Limited heat resistance compared to polyester film.
3. Advantages of Polyester Film:
- Superior mechanical properties, including tensile and impact strength.
- Excellent optical clarity for improved visibility.
- Exceptional moisture barrier properties.
- High resistance to tearing, pinholing, and abrasion.
- Impervious to UV degradation.
- Outstanding heat stability.
4. Limitations of Polyester Film:
- Higher cost compared to BOPP film.
- Limited printability due to surface properties.
Conclusion:
After diving into the world of BOPP and polyester film, it becomes evident that these two packaging materials possess distinct properties, leading to their divergence in various applications. While BOPP film excels in optical properties and cost-effectiveness, polyester film shines in its mechanical strength, moisture barrier properties, and heat stability. By understanding the differences between BOPP and polyester film, manufacturers and industries can make informed decisions, selecting the most suitable film for their specific packaging requirements.
BOPP vs. BOPET. Have you ever wondered: what's the difference? Understanding biaxially and monoaxially oriented films can indeed be a challenge. But we&#;re here to break it down for you.
Solid-phase orientation processes create very significant changes in film properties that can be quite valuable in packaging structures. These changes permit films that are lighter weight and thinner than standard blown or cast films to satisfy performance needs by generating significant increases in such properties as tensile strength, toughness, heat stability, tear initiation resistance, and barrier.
Virtually all solid-phase film orientation takes place in-line with polymer extrusion. This is due to cost and uniformity requirements for packaging applications. Solid-phase process choices include:
Flat biaxial orientation is the most prevalent film orientation process. Most of the biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and polyester (BOPET) films used in packaging are produced using the technique detailed below. Very large units, capable of producing finished film over 300 inches wide, are being installed around the world, bringing down processing costs per pound and creating plentiful supplies for the growing global flexible packaging market.
The Process: A unit commonly called a tenter frame line performs flat biaxial orientation. The term &#;tenter frame&#; refers to the CD orientation section. The process starts with a plasticating extruder feeding a first module that operates similarly to a cast film line. (For more on cast films, download the &#;Understanding film manufacturing techniques&#; PDF here.)
With flat biaxial orientation, there are multiple chill and surface finishing rolls to handle the much thicker sheet that is formed. Orientation (or &#;stretching&#;) thins the polymer web proportionally to the orientation or stretch ratios. For example, to get to a 1-mil finished film with 5:1 stretch ratios in both MD and CD, the process must start out with roughly a 25-mil web of quenched polymer.
Once the extruded sheet has been quenched and its temperature stabilized, MD stretching is accomplished by pulling the sheet using rolls rotating with progressively increasing surface speeds; stretching takes place in small gaps between successive rollers. The small gaps minimize the potential for &#;neck in,&#; which is a reduction of the width of the web during the drawing or thinning processes.
Following MD stretching, endless chains with clips grasp the edges of the moving web and carry it into a multistage hot-air oven. The first oven stage is used to equilibrate the web at the desired temperature; this is followed by CD stretching, as the two tracks carrying the chains and clips are gradually moved farther apart, making the sheet wider. Further temperature conditioning in the final oven sections provides annealing or stress relaxation for dimensional stability and cools the film prior to winding.
Applications: BOPP and BOPET are workhorse flexible packaging films, principally in laminations, where they can be used in as-oriented form, but often are vacuum-metallized, where the films themselves do not offer sufficient barrier protection. BOPP is widely used in salty, dry snack packaging, as it offers better moisture vapor barrier than BOPET. BOPP also has the lowest density of the commonly oriented packaging films, yielding more than 6% more area per pound of film at 0.70-mil thickness than 0.48-mil BOPET.
BOPET is a popular surface film in laminations where its superior stiffness, heat-resistance, and oxygen-barrier properties compared to BOPP make it a good choice for a wide variety of products. BOPET is more stable through printing and laminating processes than BOPP and is often preferred where high-quality graphics are required. It is the surface film of choice for retort pouches because of its dimensional stability through retort sterilization.
Machines to simultaneously biaxially orient flat films had been sought for years, and workable systems are now available from machine suppliers. These machines are also equipped with clips that grasp the edges of the moving web, but in this case, prior to any solid-phase orientation. A variety of mechanical strategies are used to simultaneously move the clips farther from each other in both MD and CD.
The Process: CD separation of the tracks to achieve CD orientation is also used here, but the significant difference compared to sequential flat orientation is the need to also create MD separation of clips at the same time. The most sophisticated machines employ individual servo motors for each clip. These can be computer-controlled to create precise profiles of MD orientation while clip track CD separation takes place.
Suppliers of such machines claim that simultaneous flat orientation is capable of creating more balanced, superior mechanical performance than can be achieved in sequential orientation and also offers the ability to reach higher orientation levels. These units are also claimed to permit the orientation of complex multilayer films, including those incorporating ethylene vinyl alcohol, that are difficult or impossible to produce in sequential orientation processes due to mismatches of orientation and crystallization temperatures.
Applications: The greater mechanical complexity of these lines has limited their adoption, but as property advantages are validated in the market, and unique films introduced, we should expect to see more of these lines installed.
Simultaneous tubular film orientation, commonly known as the &#;double-bubble&#; process, offers a smaller scale of operation and more flexibility in changing orientation ratios than the very large-scale tenter frame lines just discussed. The main advantage of the double-bubble process&#;the lower scale of capital investment&#;is offset by lower product uniformity and process control challenges and low output per line. Some BOPP is produced on double-bubble lines, and biaxially oriented nylon/polyamide (BON or BOPA) films are produced using double bubble as well as flat biaxial orientation lines.
The Process: Simultaneous biaxial orientation is inherent in the tubular, or double-bubble, orientation process. As the name implies, the first half of the production line looks very much like a standard blown-film line, but rather than slitting the edges and separating the two sides of the collapsed tube, that tube is carefully reheated and re-inflated with high air pressure, expanding the diameter while simultaneously being pulled by a collapsing nip operating at a higher lineal speed than the nip sealing the beginning of the second bubble. Film is then wound in the normal manner. Generally less annealing is accomplished in this process than in the flat orientation process, yielding films with lower temperature stability and more residual shrink.
Applications: Sausage shrink films take advantage of this shrink in the form of BOPA coextrusions with EVOH processed using the double-bubble process as one example of unique properties from this approach. BOPA is superior to BOPET and BOPP in oxygen barrier and has much better puncture-resistance; these properties can often justify its higher cost compared to the other films for demanding applications.
Creating deliberately unbalanced properties in the MD and CD can provide valuable and unique performance advantages tailored to specific applications. Solid-phase orientation performed solely in the MD is termed MDO and in the CD, commonly termed TDO.
Shrink-sleeve label films are created by both MDO and TDO processes, depending on the configuration of the film relative to the desired direction of shrinkage in the formed sleeve. TDO shrink sleeves are typically created using a tenter frame and oven section like that used for the TD orientation step of biaxial flat film orientation. For these films, substantial shrinkage at relatively low temperatures is desired, and minimal annealing (stress relaxation under tension) after orientation is applied.
In standalone coextrusions and lamination films, polyethylene films post-extrusion machine direction-oriented are expanding in use, as increased MD stiffness, optical properties, and barrier, as well as TD tear strength offer downgauging opportunities and a better appearance.
The Process: Easily installed add-on modules to blown-film lines permit modest MDO of films to build additional stiffness in the MD of films treated in this manner, as well as improvements in film barrier properties. The process technology for MDO is similar to that of the MD orientation step in biaxial orientation; post-quenched film is temperature-conditioned and stretched between a pair of differential speed rollers in close proximity to minimize the unsupported gap where orientation occurs.
Applications: For cereal liners, this has allowed down-
gauging and cost reductions at equivalent packaging line and product protection performance, while offset by lowered resistance to tearing in the MD. Use of tougher copolymers in blends or coextruded film layers can somewhat alleviate the tendency for &#;splitting&#; but must be balanced against the achievement of desired strength and barrier properties.
The improvement in mechanical, optical, and barrier properties of oriented films makes them compelling choices for flexible packaging structures. Of the biaxially oriented films, BOPET offers performance at low thickness, high stiffness, good heat-resistance, and a reasonable balance of oxygen and moisture vapor barrier.
BOPP offers superior moisture vapor barrier and the lowest density of the BOPET, BOPP, and BON triumvirate. BOPA provides the best oxygen barrier and exceptional toughness and puncture-resistance. Standard versions of all three films, which tend to offer good balance in mechanical properties between MD and CD, are widely sourced and specified for their unique contributions to packages.
Single-, or mono-, direction orientation yields films with more specialized, unbalanced directional properties and must be carefully considered to take advantage of these unique attributes. Orientation processes are an important part of the polymer processing arsenal to convert pellets of plastic resin into valuable packaging films.
Tekra has been selling polyester plastic film in sheets and rolls to diverse markets since the s, and our experience shows. Advancements in the printing industry led to Tekra seeking strategic alliance partners to support those changes as well as meet the technical and commercial needs of our customers. Today, we continue our proud association with globally recognized Melinex® and Mylar® polyester brands as an authorized distributor of Mylar® Specialty Films (formerly DuPont Teijin Films&#;).
PET plastic film material is known as biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate or BOPET because of the way the film is produced, which also gives it superior properties to other plastic films. Tekra sources Melinex® and Mylar® polyester films in large roll form from Mylar® Specialty Films (formerly DuPont Teijin Films&#;) which can be converted into custom sized slit rolls or sheets according to customer specifications. Tekra offers hardcoating to help PET film materials resist scratches and abrasions while offering enhanced chemical resistance.
As a result of the biaxial orientation process, Melinex® and Mylar® polyester films offer superior properties and provide exceptional versatility when compared to other thermo-engineered plastic films. These properties include:
Tekra inventories Melinex® and Mylar® polyester film in a broad range of product types and gauges. We also apply functional custom coatings to polyester PET films in our clean room coating facility.
Tekra inventories Melinex® and Mylar® polyester PET films in sheets and rolls in a broad range of product types and thicknesses ranging from 0.48 mil to 14 mil. Tekra can offer clear polyester film materials for applications requiring excellent optical properties, hazy polyester films for various industrial end uses, and opaque white polyester films that work well with pressure sensitive labels, cards, and general printing applications. We also apply functional custom coatings to polyester PET films in our clean room coating facility.
Contact us to talk with one of our experts regarding your needs or technical questions regarding your polyester PET film application. Ready to order? Request a quote today!
For more information, please visit Optical PET Film Supplier.
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