Skip to content

Taking a Close Look at the Uses and Attributes of Films

This time of year is typically “award season” for the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, many awards shows are already postponed due to the pandemic. While we must wait to find out who will take home golden trophies at the Academy Awards, we can recognize a different category of films – the type that plays a supporting role in making all types of products.

What are films?

Films are interesting because they’re so ubiquitous that we can all picture them on our heads – but it’s trickier to come up with a definition. In general, film is a thin, continuous polymeric material that’s produced into sheets or rolls. Films can be used to make everything from outdoor graphics to labels to instrument panels. You can source films in various plastics, including PET, PVC, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, and many more. The raw material is converted – often combined with inks, coatings, or adhesives – to create the desired product or component.

Applications for films

Versatile and durable, films are used on curved surfaces or when a thin substrate is required. In today’s market, a wide variety of general-purpose and specialty films are available, making them popular in a range of industries, including (but certainly not limited to):

  • Aerospace
  • Appliances
  • Automotive
  • Electrical and electronics
  • Medical devices
  • Industrial and construction equipment
  • Liners
  • Packaging
  • Solar

Film properties

When selecting the ideal film, it’s important to consider many factors, including the end-product’s use and environment, application surface, manufacturing processes, and more. You can align your specifications with film attributes such as:

  • Thickness
  • Color
  • Haze and opacity
  • Gloss
  • Surface energy
  • Shrinkage (when exposed to heat)
  • Tensile strength
  • Elongation (ability to stretch without breaking)
  • Tear resistance (initiation and propagation)
  • Handle (stiffness or flexibility)

Custom converting for films

Today’s innovative films offer more options, functionality, and durability than ever before. Of course, with such a vast selection, choosing the right product can be more challenging. That’s where Tapecon can help. We have extensive materials expertise and relationships with leading film manufacturers to identify the optimal film for your exact needs. From there, we offer a full suite of converting techniques – including slitting, cutting, and laminating – to transform the raw material into a high-quality final product.

Get started with films

At Tapecon, we have over 100 years of experience helping customers solve their complex product challenges. Learn more about our custom materials converting services.

Subscribe To Our Monthly Newsletter 

Lorem Ipsum.

Talk to Us