About Films
The film determines the overall physical properties of the label (physical strength, resistance to high temperatures, etc.), and may account for up to 70% of the overall cost of a label. Generally speaking, higher performance means higher cost. UV resistance, heat & solvent resistance, die-cuttability, surface quality and overall stiffness for print and apply are all crucial elements in helping to decide the correct material to use. For example, Polyonics manufactures high temperature label materials based on Polyimide film & aluminum foil. Polyimide film is engineered for short term performance at very high temperatures and will not shrink even at temperatures up to 500-600° F., unlike most other synthetic film materials. Polyimide film is chemically resistant, and exhibits very high dimensional stability, i.e. does not stretch, while being coated, converted, and used even at high temperatures. Because polyimide films are dark amber in color, they must be coated with an opaque top-coating for any printing to be legible, and especially for the print contrast to reliably scan bar codes. These attributes make a polyimide pressure sensitive label ideal for identifying printed circuit boards and components in the electronics industry. Coated aluminum foil is available for label applications that require prolonged exposure to extreme temperature, such as in metallurgical processing.
Vinyl or PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) |
165° (74°) |
- |
General purpose film; excellent moisture, solvent, abrasion & smudge resistant and outdoor durability. Flexible, tamper evident, flame retardant; available in various colors. |
Polystyrene |
175° (79°) |
- |
Thermoplastic with hard, rigid surface. Material is unaffected by moisture; typically used on timber tags- stapled to the end of finished timber. Also available in a brittle tamper-evident version. |
Polyolefin |
200° (93°) |
- |
Low cost synthetic, commonly used for general purpose and economy label solutions. Better solvent/chemical resistance than paper. Used mostly in indoor applications |
Paper |
212° (100°) |
- |
Typically less expensive than film, provides limited resistance to moisture, temperature, and chemicals. Generally used for short-term indoor applications |
Tedlar (or PVF, Polyvinylfluoride) |
225° (107°) |
375° (191°) |
Has excellent flame retardant properties, as well as extraordinary resistance to UV. Highly chemical resistant and expensive. Widely used in wire and cable marking applications |
Polycarbonate *(Lexan) |
250° (121°) |
- |
Low temperature material, used in network identification and is a flame retardant material. |
Polypropylene (PP) |
300° (149°) |
|
Excellent substitute for Vinyl labels. Hard & rigid to the touch. Stretches in only one direction. Designed for 6 months outdoor exposure. Resistant to blood, alcohol and oils. |
Polyester (PET)* |
325° (163°) |
400° (204°) |
Tough, high performance film provide excellent outdoor durability, chemical & heat resistance. Displays excellent dimensional stability and high tensile strength. Popular applications include rating plates and fixed asset identification.. |
Polyethelyene Naphthulate (PEN) * |
400° (204°) |
- |
Moderate stiffness, stretches in all directions, but will tear quite easily. Designed for 6 months outdoor use. Useful for labeling products that expand and contract. |
Polyetherimide * |
450° (232°) |
500°-550° (260°-288°) |
High temperature & chemical resistance, superior tensile strength and tear resistance. Unaffected by process used in PCB application. Recent problem with availability |
Kapton (Polyimide) * |
500° (260°) |
750°-1000° (399°-538°) |
Dupont's trade name for Polyimide. Very tough material, provides highest level of performance to meet the most challenging applications. Extremely high temperature & chemical resistance, superior tensile strength and tear resistance. |
Aluminum Foil * |
700° (371°) |
1112° (600°) |
Long term heat exposure, alternative cheaper label construction for high temperature solutions |
Ceramic |
850° (454°) |
(1400°) |
used for extreme applications where conventional labels are not durable enough. |
* Materials offered at Polyonics.
