Glossary of film converting at Pütz Folien
Below you will find clear explanations of technical terms related to film converting. The explanations are based on industry standards, but are directly relevant to film converting.
General processing terms at Pütz Folien
Converting
Summary of various processing steps for plastics (e.g., PET, PP, PVC, PI, acetate). Typical work steps include cutting rolls to size, slitting and rewinding rolls, and packaging – at Pütz Folien, this includes, for example, rolls, cut-to-size products (sheets), and cross-wound spools.
Roll goods
Cutting / rerolling / winding to specific widths, lengths, or roll diameters.
Sheet products
Cut-to-size, rectangular, or defined pieces of film produced to customer specifications – ideal for direct consumption or further processing.
Cross-wound spool
A winding method in which the film is wound diagonally and overlapped – ensures even tension and improved processing on machines.
Finishing techniques
Printing
Finishing by applying motifs or text to films using flexo, screen, gravure, or digital printing through partner companies – enables durable, UV- and chemical-resistant designs.
Lamination
A lamination technique where several film layers or film and material are joined with adhesive to optimize stability, protection, and functionality.
Surface finishing
Finishing the film surface, for example, by coating or texturing – serves to improve optics, tactile properties, or functional properties.
Materials & substrates
Substrate
The base material of a film, such as PET, PP, PVC, polyimides (e.g., polyester), or other specialty films.
Brand name
A brand name like Hostaphan®, Kapton®, or Melinex® refers to special film products from a manufacturer that can be clearly assigned to a specific source, formulation, and quality standard by their name (® – Registered trademark).
Upilex®
Polyimide high-performance film with extreme heat resistance up to approx. 400 °C, high mechanical stability, chemical resistance, and electrical insulation – e.g., used in electronics or aerospace.
Technical properties & processes
Coextrusion
A process for manufacturing multi-layer films by simultaneous extrusion of different layers – enables targeted combination of properties.
Biaxially oriented
Mechanical orientation of the film in two directions (longitudinal and transverse) to increase strength, impact resistance, and dimensional stability.
Monoaxially oriented
Orientation in only one direction – often to increase longitudinal strength, e.g., with monoaxially oriented PP films.
µm (micrometer)
Unit of measurement for 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 – especially important for outdoor applications and light protection.
Hydrolysis resistance
Resistance to chemical degradation by water – crucial for humid or wet applications.
Bio-based films
Films made from bio-based or biodegradable materials, such as PLA or cellulose acetate – offer a sustainable alternative to classic plastic films.
Special film types
Film with PCR content
Recycled film with post-consumer recycled content – environmentally friendly through recycling.
Release film
Separation film or cover film that facilitates the detachment or protection of sensitive surfaces – e.g., in packaging or for adhesive protection.
Processing methods
Film manufacturing
Basic processes such as extrusion, calendering, or casting, with or without coextrusion – to produce the raw film.
Thermoforming
Heating the film and reshaping 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 cutting service.