Metallized films are based on aluminum attached to a flexible plastic film. These films have one side metallized and one side sealable. They are designed to reflect the light where one needs to control thrip and other pests that carry disease. They will support combustion if ignited.

Metallized films use vacuum sputtering techniques to coat a dielectric film with a metal composition. They also tend to be self-healing, in that a high voltage arc will vaporize the metal deposit but will be contained by the dielectric, such that the damage remains localized. They are made of neutral tones, therefore when anyone looking through these films, gets true color perception. They offer higher heat rejection figures. They do not fade or discolor with time.

Manufacturing
The film is drawn through a vacuum chamber with a hot metal ingot. An electromagnetic field directs streams of ions toward the metal as the heat causes the metal to give up particles, which then migrate onto the film’s surface. The result is a reflective layer with very little mirror effect. Finally an ultra clear polymer layer is laminated on that and the hard coating of materials like acrylic is applied. This finally gives out the quality metallized films.

Metallized films can be of various metals including aluminum, chromium, or a combination of nickel and chromium. Metallized films are available in two version, Metallized polypropylene film and Metallized polyester film.

Aluminum Film
It has highly consistent optical density. It acts as a barrier to moisture and light, with superior heat sealing properties. It is highly craze and crack resistant.

Nickel-Chromium Films
Nickel-Chromium Films films does not contain any dyes that can fade or turn purple. These are clean looking neutral color films that are virtually invisible, blending well with all exterior and interior color schemes. They are extremely durable and are resistant to fading, cracking, peeling, delaminating and discoloration.

Applications: Metallized films and packaging
Metallized films are used for extrusion and adhesive laminations. Recommended for most moisture and light sensitive products, such as salty snacks, fruits, candy, and baked goods. They can also be used as aluminum foil replacement in three-ply laminations cold seal coated. They are widely used for food packaging. Some of the packaging products made out of metalized films are as follows:

• Food packaging laminates
• Pharma packaging materials
• Aluminum foils
• Aluminum scrap
• Aluminum sheet
• Cosmetic packaging etc.