Metallized film: types, purpose

Metallized film is a material consisting of several transparent or toned layers of a certain thickness, between which is a microfilm. The film is used in many industrial areas, as well as for decorative purposes.

Material Features

Metallized film based on polyester is highly resistant to wear and mechanical damage. On sale there are many variations of shades: chrome, silver, golden and so on. The material is characterized by excellent tolerance to temperature changes, negative influence of the environment. Packaging film has 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 the product or product.

Varieties of films

Various materials can serve as the basis for the metallized film:

• Polypropylene.
• Polyethylene terephthalate.
• Unplasticized PVC film.
• Polyethylene.
• Polystyrene.
• Polyamide.

Of several layers, one of which is metallized, consists of a packaging film of a combined type. The alternation of layers depends on the functional purpose of the product. As a rule, the outer layer protects from the influence of the medium and acts as a basis for printing with paint. Internal guarantees full sealing. The middle layers serve as a kind of barrier. Metalized film, based on the type of final packaging, is divided into categories: rigid and flexible.

Flexible metallized film

The flexible film is most often represented by a single-layer metallized and multilayered laminated membrane. It is used to pack a variety of products and non-food items. It is used in various industries. A film with a seal (single-layer metallized) is ideal for wrapping various confectionery products, as well as ice cream. The basis is a film of polymers that does not combine with the other materials used and the pattern applied. Some manufacturers use lacquer on one side of the film to save the picture. This greatly improves the appearance of the product.

In multilayered laminated packaging, the metallized film is one of the layers. Depending on the type of wrapper, its purpose is determined. The scope of the film is packaging:

• Chocolate;
• Snacks;
• coffee;
• Semi-finished products;
• Spices;
• Confectionery products;
• Dry mixtures.

Rigid film based on metal

Rigid metallized films with a large thickness are widely used in the process of manufacturing thermoformed packaging. This can be blisters, containers for baking, a variety of food trays. The largest distribution of this type is decorative liners (their second name is corkscrews), for example, for sweets, wafers, biscuits, etc. In addition, PVC rigid film is widely used for packing medicinal blisters.

Another area of application of hardened metalized films is the production of trays with a high barrier (substrate) for hermetic storage of fish and meat. Production method - high temperature forming 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, it is guaranteed that all the useful properties of the product will be retained for a long time.

In addition to using a metallized film with one layer as a packaging in the food industry, it is used in printing, capacitor manufacturing, for the production of promotional materials and decorative Christmas decorations, and also as an auxiliary heat-insulating material.

Polypropylene film

Widely used metallized polypropylene film is distinguished by its glossy gloss, strength, transparency and high degree of elasticity. In addition, the polypropylene film perfectly blocks foreign smells, serves as a dielectric and protects against the penetration of gas and vapors. It is produced by co-extrusion with the application of a special copolymer layer providing the ability to weld. It can be metallized, pearly, or white.

Self-adhesive and film for printing

Metallized self-adhesive film serves as an excellent tool for decorating transparent substrates. The maximum effect is created due to the metal coating on both sides, which intensively shines. Such materials are matte, relief, glossy, as well as structural. The options for the colors of the self-adhesive film are many:

• Matte coating;
• copper;
• Glossy gold;
• Glossy chrome;
• Red and blue;
• Purple and pink;
• Green and blue;
• "Scratched" silver.

Metallized film for printing also has a shiny surface. The design can be either transparent or opaque, the base is polyester. On the basis consisting of several layers, an additional coating is applied, thanks to which the film can be used for various types of printing and improving its effect.

The field of application is the sphere of advertising, plotter cutting, offset printing of ultraviolet or silk screen printing, decoration of premises, printing of labels and tablets. Widely used film for the manufacture of cut symbols and stickers, often used as a decorative substrate transparent type.