It is intended to protect sensitive surfaces from scratching, marring, abrasions, UV penetration, or dirt and pollution. The word surface protection film says it all. In reality, the protective film is an adhesive tape that is common and effective due to its strength and durability. It is made from thin-film layers bonded together to form a shield, shielding everything from the glass of a building to everything else that needs protection from under-construction.
For example, it’s the shrink-wrap plastic that comes attached to your new refrigerator. It’s the role of material used, especially in the automotive industry, to cover and protect fabricated parts’ surface. And it’s used widely by metal and plastic sheet manufacturers. They are also scratch-proof and help minimize sunlight and UV ray penetration.
WHAT IS A SURFACE PROTECTION FILM?
The surface protection film is a kind of material that you can use to cover damage-prone surfaces. Minor or moderate abrasions, scratches, and more are included in this kind of injury. In general, these films differ depending on thickness, material, and adhesive strength.
These films can be properly used in several situations to prevent damage, based on different variations of these characteristics.
One fascinating thing about these movies is that they were initially made with military apps in mind. The U.S. Department of Defense knew that even back in the ’60s, the damage caused by debris in the air could not avoid their helicopter blades. Eventually, this issue prompted the development of a protective layer designed to be transparent, lightweight, and durable enough to avoid damage to the military equipment in use.
As it was named, these protective layers or “helicopter tape” later developed to spread to modern-day vehicles.
HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT SURFACE PROTECTIVE FILM?
Given the increased need for product safety, as the protective film market continues to increase in demand, it is necessary to choose the correct form for your needs. The next call to action is to pick the best type of movie for your needs. You need to understand the following tips to be able to do this correctly.
IDENTIFY THE KIND OF SURFACE REQUIRING PROTECTION
For several types of surfaces, the protective film can be added, such as:
- Metal
- Plastic
- Glass
- Granite or Stone
- Carpeting
- Surfaces painted
These kinds of surfaces, including smooth, embossed, or coated, can come in a variety of textures.
When choosing a protective film, it’s crucial to consider the surface’s essence that requires protection. This is because some films are more appropriate than others for adhesion to certain surfaces. It can lead to bond failure if the improper film is selected for a given surface.
UNDERSTAND THE ESSENCE OF THE APPLICATION:
Therefore, it is a good idea to know the situations under which the protective film for a given application will be exposed. The application can, for example, involve extreme temperatures, varying humidity levels, or different pressures. For only a few days or even up to several years, it can also enable the surface to be covered. Different kinds of application pressures, such as stretching or bending, can be placed on the protective film.
Clearly defining the essence of the application in advance would help ensure that the protective film chosen will sustain the standard of performance over its required lifecycle and decrease the risk of failure.
KNOW THE PROPERTIES NEEDED
While all protective films are designed for surface defense, they provide distinct properties. They include:
- Tints of Color
- Transparency of Optical Grade
- Defense against electrostatic discharge potential
Before selection, it is necessary to determine what properties your protective film would need to have. Doing so would guarantee that the film has the right qualities to achieve the desired end-use outcomes.
SMART PROTECTIVE FILMS ADHESIVES
In assessing protective film output capabilities, adhesives often play a significant role. Therefore, before producing the film, it is good to ensure that the selected adhesive can meet the end-use application needs. Bostik formulates smart protective film adhesives designed to offer:
- Excellent weather quality
- Resealability
- Resistance to Water
Conclusion:
Strong quality and expertise are of paramount value when it comes to protective video. You need to buy quality content, and you need someone who knows the art of installation and customization to have the experience.
We pride ourselves on being able to perform on both ends at Strouse. We know the materials out there, and we know how you are trying to use them so that we can provide your project with both a high-quality material and a die-cut solution.
