Protective Films and Custom Protective Film Automation

What Is Surface Protection Film?

Surface protection film protects the surface of a product, shielding it from environmental hazards. The thin, protective layer can help prevent scratches, dents, and dust from damaging the item during installation, transportation, and product storage. By maintaining the product’s appearance and quality, protective films can prevent damage and reduce the costs associated with repairs, rework, and replacements. Once the product is delivered or installed at its final destination, the film is easily pulled off for removal.

TPC Converting offers a wide selection of protective films suitable for appliance, automotive, building, construction, electronic, and other applications. Our protective film products are available with or without adhesive, and typical converting operations include the following:

Interleaving
Die Cutting
Pre-masking

Laminating
Rewinding
Slitting and Rewinding

Sheeting
Tipping
Perforating

For more than five decades, TPC Converting has helped thousands of customers meet the demands of their specific packaging applications. Our surface protection films come in various materials that provide a range of benefits depending on the application. We also offer automated film applicator equipment that helps customers reduce manual labor and increase throughput.

Learn more about the types and applications of surface protection films, as well as the automated protective film applicator machines available from TPC Converting.

Types of Surface Protection Films

TPC Converting can customize surface protection films in a wide selection of colors, thicknesses, and material options. Here’s an overview of the protective film materials we offer:

Low-Density Polyethylene Film
Low-Density Polyethylene Film:
Typically referred to as LDPE, this highly durable material is known for its flexibility, lightweight nature, and impact and puncture resistance. Due to their low cost, high clarity, and easy processing, LDPE films are often used to protect consumer goods.
COEX
COEX:
This multi-layer film is manufactured by extruding several layers of various materials to create a composite protective film with distinct properties. COEX provides enhanced strength, durability, and barrier properties that vary depending on the materials used.
Polyvinyl Chloride
Polyvinyl Chloride:
Known as PVC, this strong plastic material is extremely durable. It is weather- and chemical-resistant and often used as a protective film for metal surfaces.
Polyolefin
Polyolefin:
Commonly referred to as PO, this plastic film is often used for protecting painted metal and acrylic glass surfaces. Polyolefin is lightweight, durable, and easy to apply.

Applications of Surface Protection Films

Surface protection films are vital in many industries to ensure customers and end-users receive a top-quality product. The most common applications for surface protection films include the following:

Automobiles: Films protect plastic interior surfaces, metal and painted exteriors, door trims, and other Class A surfaces.
Appliances: Materials used in appliances require special attention during installation and shipping to prevent damage. Small and large household appliances benefit from surface protection films, ensuring customers receive a scratch-free product.
Building & Construction Materials: Protective films safeguard flooring, countertops, windows, and doors during renovation and construction projects, maintaining a pristine appearance.
Electronics: Most electronic devices are sensitive to scratches and easily collect dust. Gaming devices, smartphones, computers, and other electronics benefit from surface protection films.
Metals: Whether during transportation or fabrication, metals like aluminum and steel are susceptible to scratches and abrasions. Protective films serve as a shield, preserving the surface integrity of metal components.

Custom Protection Film Automation

In addition to manufacturing surface protection films, TPC Converting also offers automated protective film applicator machines and surface protection film tapes. Our protective film applicator can help to reduce manual labor, increase throughput, and enhance productivity. It also ensures consistency and accuracy in cutting and applying the protective film on every product’s surface.

Variations in pressure, speed, and the direction of drawdown can result in irregularities during film application. Other factors that can influence results are the weight and shear rate of the applicator. Our automatic protective film applicator machine stabilizes these factors, adjusting the application process to create a consistently even film thickness over the entire intended surface. Samples produced using the automated film applicator are easy to reproduce, and it is possible to quickly manufacture a large amount of identical laboratory precision drawdowns with this equipment.

Our protection film automation equipment features HMI touchscreens for easy-to-use programming, and it can accommodate partial or total product coverage.

Benefits of Surface Protection Film

Regardless of your industry or application, surface protection films offer a broad range of benefits, including but not limited to the following:

Protection Against Dirt & Humidity
Protection Against Dirt & Humidity:
Surface protection films can prevent the buildup of undesirable debris, dirt, moisture, and dust, protecting products from damage.
Chemical Resistance
Chemical Resistance:
Chemical exposure can easily damage a product’s surface. Protective films create an effective barrier, enhancing the product’s resistance to foreign substances.
Protection Against Abrasion
Protection Against Abrasion:
Surface protection films help maintain the quality and appearance of a surface by effectively creating a barrier against physical damage to the product.
UV Resistance
UV Resistance:
Unprotected surfaces are susceptible to discoloration caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. Protective films can prevent fading and other damage caused by UV exposure.
Temperature Resistance
Temperature Resistance:
Surface protection films can withstand extreme hot and cold environments and protect sensitive surfaces from temperature fluctuations.

Partner with TPC Converting for Surface Protection Film

Many products require reliable custom surface protection to keep them in like-new condition during transportation, warehousing, and installation. TPC Converting provides customers with a broad range of surface protection films, surface protection film tapes, and applicator equipment. We can help you develop or choose the most effective and attractive solutions for your products. Our services are tailored to each client’s specific demands and deliver cost-efficiency and quick turnarounds.

Since 1967, TPC Converting has optimized packaging and protective solutions for a wide range of industries and applications. By staying up to date with the newest packaging and converting technologies, our team can offer the best information to inform your specific product needs. TPC Converting’s dedicated supplier network allows us to quickly secure the highest quality materials, regardless of the application’s apparent challenges or level of complexity.

Contact us to learn more about surface protection films and how your products can benefit. You can also request a quote for detailed pricing information about your specific application.

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