Thermal lamination films are films laminated onto the steel plates after their coating. These are widely used for packaging purposes. The outer layer of the film has a heat activated resin coating - hence the term Thermal Lamination. The thickness of the polyester determines the stiffness of the film, and the quality of the polyester usually determines the clarity.

Laminate usually consist of 2 plies with each ply made up of overlaminate film and an adhesive. The document is placed between the two plies and passed through the equipment where the dry adhesive is made tacky by heat. The adhesive is then pressed onto the document under high pressure. After cooling, the adhesive solidifies.

Thermal lamination films are available in a range of thickness and finishing characteristics. They are also available in colored metallic finish. Thermal laminating film is the ultimate way to finish printed materials for beautiful and long-lasting results. The films can be used to make various packaging products like attractive packaging pouches, packaging bags, sheets, gift wrappers etc.

Types of Thermal Laminating Films

Standard Thermal Laminating Films - These are polyester films with a polyethylene adhesive that requires temperatures between 210º-240ºF to bond. These are the most popular films today, largely due to their low price. They can also be the most problematic to work with.

Low-Temperature Thermal Laminating Films - These are polyester films with a polyethylene adhesive that requires lower temperature of about 185º-210ºFto bond. These are essentially second-generation thermal laminating films. These laminates will in all likelihood replace standard thermal films in the near future.

Heatset (or Heat-Assisted) Laminating Films - These are usually PVC- or polyester-based films with few exceptions. The adhesive, however, is thermoplastic and only requires 170º-195ºF to bond to the substrate being laminated.

Thermal Lamination Film Finishes

Glossy Clear Film - A film with a glossy, shiny surface and excellent optics. It is bi axially oriented polypropylen film with uniformly extrusion coated with adhesives all along the film surface. It shows excellent bonding with all kinds of printed paper products.

Matt Film - A film with a matte surface, a surface that enhances the appearance of laminated products. It is bi axially oriented polypropylen film with uniformly extrusion coated with adhesives all along the film surface. It shows excellent bonding with all kinds of paper products.

Advantages of Thermal Lamination Films

• The film leaves no residue on removal
• Film has low cost of installation and application
• Keeps scratches, dust and moisture away from painted steel plates
• Protects surface from damage during storage and transport
• Easy to set up
• Needs less space
• Low luster film
• Enhances contrast
• Enhances image and presentation

Applications of Thermal Lamination Films

• Steel and aluminum industry
• Tire manufacturers and automotive suppliers
• Automotive industry
• Construction industry
• Plastic industry
• Ideal for protecting trade show images
• Great for packaging
• For menus, placemats and posters