Pressure Sensitive Film
The process of laminating your documents or photographs or other items that require to be preserved against rough or repeated use, folding, exposure to environment, fingerprints, grease, spillage, dirt, moisture, aging, etc can be of either the cold-roll type or the hot-roller type. The process used is determined by customer requirement, type of object that’s being laminated and the quantity.
The cold-roll process is quite popular in terms of being compatible with present-day ink-jet printers as the paper and inks used in this are not suited to the thermal lamination process. In most other instances too, the cold-roll process may be used to ensure that the material that’s being laminated remains safe and un-damaged due to the heating process. The gums or adhesives used in this process are also easier to transport and store. The film used in this process is a pressure sensitive coated polyester material, pre-coated with adhesive and also a backing paper in case single-sided laminating is required. Banners, out-door signage, pop-ups and large advertising hoardings use this type of laminated board which may use materials that are temperature sensitive, hence the pressure welding laminating or cold-roll machines are used. No heat is required in this process and machines can range from small desk-top printer-type machines to large complex equipment with multiple controls for film release, pressure-control and tension-control of the film. Smaller personal laminators can be used in homes and offices to laminate personal id cards, documents, luggage-tags or business cards and photographs.
Pressure sensitive film can also be treated to have UV resistant properties, magnetic properties, etc which enhance the functionality of the coating. The UV inhibitors ensure that your signage, banner or outdoor display does not fade due to exposure to sunlight. They are also available in a variety of finishes including glossy, matte, crystal and satin depending on customer or product requirements.
The adhesives are usually solvent-acrylic based and this makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor durability. Other types of adhesives are water soluble but bond to the surface and become resistant to water once they are applied. Currently, the new trend is biodegradable laminating film which is fully compatible with environmental guidelines and landfill regulations when the laminated material is consigned to trash. Textured effects can provide the additional appeal to display boards and signs and these types of pressure sensitive films are used in indoor or specialty displays at art events, for brochures and greeting-cards.
Pressure sensitive film is available in rolls, standard paper sizes or can be customized according to client requirements.
