Protective Film for Metals

Metal sheets, panels, and components can be damaged or scratched during manufacturing and transportation. Tool marks, moving equipment, and even brushes against other workpieces can all cause surface damage during fabrication. Parts are also vulnerable to paint and coating overspray or dust that contaminates surfaces.

While some minor damage can be repaired, it adds time and potential waste to the production process. Many surface defects, however, will compromise the integrity of the finish and leave the piece vulnerable to rust or chipped coatings. This kind of damage also affects the appearance and overall aesthetics of finished products.

Damage like this can be greatly reduced by covering in-progress products with a temporary protective film. This type of barrier can block liquids and physical damage, so metal parts and goods keep their smooth, clean surfaces throughout manufacturing. Protective films can stick onto metal for short-term transport between manufacturing phases, or they can stay in place until the end consumer buys the finished product and peels off the film themselves.

TPC Converting provides a variety of customizable protective films for metal parts and products. Learn about how these films are used and the different options available.

Uses for Protective Films for Metals

Protective films can prevent or reduce damage to parts caused during fabrication, packaging, and transportation. Some common use cases include:

Laser Cutting

High-speed laser cutting requires protective films that stay in place from start to finish. Our films are compatible with fast-moving lasers and do not interfere with making sharp and intricate cuts, nor does the film peel away prematurely.

Metal Fabrication

Protective films remain secure through fabrication processes like:

Bending
Drilling
Shearing
Stamping

The film does not negatively impact precision metal forming and machining operations. It can even stay in place during assembly stages.

Transport and Installation of Goods

While in-process metal goods face lasers, sharp cutting tools, and heavy machinery, many finished products are still at risk from hazards during transportation and installation. Some protective films are designed to remain in place from initial fabrication through to final installation. These films protect against jostling, scratches from installation tools, dust, fingerprints, and more. Once installed, the film can be peeled away without leaving residue or marks.

Some examples are:

Construction panels
HVAC components
Kitchen appliances
Metal parts and architectural finishes for roofs

Considerations for Protective Films for Metals

Because there are so many different applications for protective films and so many different hazards to protect against, TPC offers films in a variety of thicknesses and materials for different situations. Depending on the specific application, films may be more or less compatible with different metal substrates and production processes. For all these reasons, it may be best to test multiple varieties to find the right fit for what needs to be accomplished.

Consider these factors while choosing the protective film for your metal goods:

Adhesive Types

Metal goods with a smooth surface usually only need film with light adhesion properties, while textured metals typically require stronger adhesives to remain in place. This is particularly the case with highly textured surfaces with “peaks,” since the adhesive may contact as little as 5% of the surface. Films are also available without adhesive for some applications.

Tack

Tackiness, or stickiness, indicates how well an adhesive sticks to a surface. These levels are expressed as a range of ounces per lateral inch. Several variables can affect how the tackiness of an adhesive behaves in the real world, including metal type, surface finish, part size, and how long the film will remain on the component.

Film Material

Protective films can be made from a variety of materials, including low-density polyethylene film (LPDE), COEX composite film, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyolefin (PO). Each has different properties for different uses, environmental conditions, and manufacturing situations. A range of film colors is also available.

Protective films can be made for painted materials.

acrylic
Kynar
powder-coated
flat/gloss
textured surfaces
non-painted metals

Designed for Easy Application

Applying protective film correctly is just as important as selecting the right film product. At TPC Converting, our film products are produced for easy cutting, application, and storage.

Die Cutting. We offer both rotary die cutting and CNC die cutting to produce protective film in the precise width, thickness, shape, and size to match automotive, aerospace, electronic, and other components. These protective film shapes provide ongoing protection against scratches, moisture, heat, and UV damage.
Roll-to-Roll Film. Large rolls of film can be slit and rewound into narrower rolls, cut into sheets, laminated, perforated, and more to make a film product that suits your application.

Contact TPC Converting for Protective Films for Metals

Unprotected metal components can pick up scratches, fingerprints, and debris at any stage of manufacturing, finishing, and packaging. Many are still vulnerable to surface damage during transportation and installation. Adhesive films and applicators from TPC Converting help protect these parts and products and are available in precision die-cuts, sheets, or rolled formats to meet your needs.