Glossary – Pütz Folien

In the following, you will find clearly presented explanations of technical terms related to film converting. The explanations are based on the technical world, but with direct practical relevance to film converting.

General processing terms at Pütz Folien

Converting

Summary of various processing steps of plastics (e.g. made of PET, PP, PVC, PI, acetate). Typical work steps are cutting rolls to formats, cutting and winding rolls, as well as packaging – at Pütz Folien this includes e.g. rolls, format goods (sheets) and spools technique.

Roll Goods

Slitting / Rewinding / Winding to specific widths, lengths, or roll diameters.

Format goods (sheets)

Cut, rectangular or defined film pieces that are produced to customer specifications – ideal for direct consumption or further processing.

Spools technique

Winding form in which film is wound obliquely overlapping – ensures even tension and better further processing on machines.

Finishing Techniques

Printing

Refining by applying motifs or text to films using flexographic, screen, gravure or digital printing via partner companies – enables durable, UV- and chemical-resistant decorations.

Lamination

Bonding technology in which several film layers or film and material are bonded with adhesive to optimize stability, protection and functionality.

Surface Finishing

Refining the film surface, for example by coating or structuring – serves to improve appearance, feel or functional properties.

Orange Peel Effect

The “orange peel effect” refers to an undesirable, irregular surface structure of films that visually resembles the peel of an orange. It occurs when the surface is not perfectly smooth, but shows microscopic irregularities.

• Relevance in film converting: affects transparency, print quality and refining.
• Consequences: haziness, poorer color acceptance, limitations in coatings.
• Avoidance: through highly transparent special films such as Super Clear PET (e.g., Type 41.31), optimized production parameters, and special surface treatments.

Avoiding the Orange Peel Effect is particularly important for optically demanding applications such as displays, coatings, or premium packaging.

Material & Substrates

Substrate

Base material of a film, such as PET, PP, PVC, polyimides (e.g. polyester) or other specialty films.

Brand Name

A brand name such as Hostaphan®, Kapton® or Melinex® refers to special film products from a manufacturer, which can be clearly assigned to a specific source, recipe and quality standard by their name (® – Registered trademark).

Upilex®

High-performance polyimide film with extreme heat resistance up to approx. 400 °C, high mechanical stability, chemical resistance, and electrical insulation – used, for example, in electronics or aerospace.

Technical Properties & Processes

Coextrusion

Process for producing multilayer films by simultaneous extrusion of different layers – enables targeted combination of properties.

Biaxially Oriented

Mechanical alignment of the film in two directions (longitudinal and transverse) to increase strength, impact resistance and dimensional stability.

Monoaxially Oriented

Alignment in only one direction – often to increase longitudinal strength, e.g. for monoaxial PP films.

Μm (Micrometer)

Unit of measurement for specifying the film thickness – 1 µm = 0.001 mm. Typical film thicknesses range from a few micrometers to several hundred µm.

Functional Requirements

Heat Resistance

Ability of the film to withstand high temperatures – important e.g. for Upilex®; relevant for applications such as hot stamping or thermoforming.

UV Protection

Protection against UV radiation to prevent aging and discoloration – particularly important for outdoor applications and light protection.

Hydrolysis Resistance

Resistance to chemical degradation by water – crucial for humid or wet-stressed applications.

Bio-based Films

Films made of bio-based or biodegradable materials, such as PLA or cellulose acetate – offer a sustainable alternative to classic plastic film.

Special film types

Film with PCR content

Recycled film with post-consumer recycled content – ecological through recycling.

Release film

Release film or cover film that facilitates the detachment or protection of sensitive surfaces – e.g., in packaging or for adhesive protection.

Processing Methods

Film production

Basic processes such as extrusion, calendering, or casting, with or without coextrusion – to produce the raw film.

Thermoforming

Heating the film and forming it over a mold – e.g. for packaging trays or technical applications.

Toll converting

External or customer-specific cutting service – films are cut to customer dimensions, e.g. as a sheets service.