Mechanically loadable Film
What are mechanically loadable films unique makes
A film is then loadable if its properties match the actual application. High tensile strength alone is not enough. Depending on the application, films must be both stretchable, puncture-resistant, tear-resistant, or permanently flexible. The interplay of material, film structure, thickness, extrusion direction, and processing is crucial.
High tensile strength
When films are under tension, they must be able to withstand forces without permanently deforming or tearing. High tensile strength provides security during processing, assembly, and subsequent use – for example, in protective covers, protective films, and technical packaging.
We do not only consider the maximum rating value. Equally important is how the film behaves under load and whether its properties suit the intended application in both longitudinal and transverse directions.
Defined stretch
Elongation describes how far a film can stretch under tensile stress before it fails. High elongation can be crucial where the film has to adapt to shapes, edges, or movements.
Insufficient stretch can lead to brittle behavior. Excessive stretch can make it difficult to maintain shape and process materials. The appropriate balance between elasticity, resilience, and form stability depends on the specific application situation.
Breaking and tearing strength
A small incision, a damaged edge, or local overload can lead to a crack continuing to grow. Therefore, mechanically-resistant films are tested not only for their tear strength, but also for their continued tear strength.
High tear strength limits the spread of existing damage. This increases the functional reliability and extends the service life – especially for films that are subject to occasional stress during assembly, cleaning, or use.
Impact resistance
Pointy or angular objects pose different requirements than a flat tensile load. The puncture resistance indicates how resilient a film is against a concentrated, point-like load.
Depending on the application, the material type, film structure and thickness can be adjusted so that the film resists tearing for as long as possible. This is relevant for protective packaging, linings, covers and technical applications with increased contact with edges or tools.
Impact resistance
Strokes often occur suddenly and with high local energy. A shock-resistant film absorbs this load without immediately breaking or uncontrolled tearing.
Especially with varying temperatures, the choice of material must be carefully considered. Some films change their strength when exposed to cold or heat. Therefore, we always consider the mechanical load-bearing capacity in conjunction with the environmental conditions and the intended application area.
Flexibility and bending resistance
Technical films are often rolled, folded, laid down, or repeatedly bent in moving systems. Good bending and kink resistance prevents the film from becoming prematurely worn in areas subject to heavy stress.
The film must not only withstand a single bend. Its behavior under repeated movement, changing bending radii, and continuous mechanical stress is crucial. The appropriate film structure supports reliable function over many motion cycles.
Abrasion resistance
Where films glide along components, products, or other surfaces, friction occurs. Abrasion can alter the surface, thin the film, and impair its protective function.
Abrasion-resistant films withstand mechanical friction for longer periods. When combined with a suitable surface, material type and film thickness, they can help extend maintenance intervals and increase the lifespan of technical systems.
Which mechanically loadable film Does it suit you?
Not every application requires the same combination of strength, elongation, and flexibility. We consider the load-bearing capacity and together examine which material and which film structure is suitable for your solution.
PET-G film
PET-G films combine a stable, moldable material base with good properties for technical and visible applications. Depending on the design, they are suitable for film solutions where a balanced combination of strength, surface quality, and processability is required.
- suitable for technical applications with defined mechanical requirements
- Good basis for custom-made cuts and pre-assembled solutions
- Depending on the design, it can be used for transparent or visible applications
- can be processed as rolled goods or customized cut-to-size
TPU film
TPU films are interesting when elasticity, stretch and abrasion resistance are required together. They can adapt to movements and changing geometries and are therefore suitable for flexible technical applications.
- High extensibility depending on the material type
- good flexibility during repeated movement
- High resistance to abrasion in suitable applications
- interesting for flexible covers, protective and sealing solutions
Polyamide film
Polyamide films are suitable where high mechanical strength and resistance are required. When selecting them, moisture and the possible changes in the material properties resulting from it must also be taken into account.
- High tensile and tear strength depending on the design
- suitable for demanding technical applications
- Good basis for reliable film constructions
- Material selection taking humidity and temperature into account
Multilayer film
A multi-layer film combines different material properties in a coordinated structure. For example, mechanical strength, flexibility, surface function, and other requirements can be combined.
- coordinated structure for multiple functions
- Combination of strength, stretch and protective effect
- individual adaptation to processing and use
- suitable when a single material does not fully meet the requirements
Special solutions
If standard films are not sufficient, we think further. Together, we develop a solution that is tailored to load, geometry, processing, and lifespan – from the initial idea to serial production.
- customized foil constructions
- Selection and matching of suitable material types
- Roll-formed, cut-to-size or pre-assembled solution
- Consideration of traction, bending, impact, penetration and abrasion
- Solutions based on secondary raw materials, if technically feasible
- Support in sample preparation and transfer to series production
Where mechanically loadable films their strengths play out
Technical packaging
Protective packaging, intermediate layers, covers and flexible transport solutions must securely wrap products and at the same time withstand mechanical stress during handling and transport.
Machine and plant construction
Protective films, flexible covers, linings and separating elements are often exposed to repeated movements, friction and contact with edges. Here, durable, usable films that are adapted to the application are essential.
Automation and conveyor technology
In automated processes, films are moved, laid down, stretched or guided. Good bending and kink resistance as well as reliable behavior under repeated loads are important foundations for stable processes.
Construction and installation technology
Sealing, protective or separating films must be flexible and at the same time withstand mechanical stresses. Depending on the application, tensile strength, elongation, tear strength and abrasion can be crucial together.
Medical and hygiene technology
In the case of technical films for hygienic applications, in addition to mechanical durability, consideration must be given to the appropriate surface, reliable processing, and the requirements of the respective system. Therefore, the material and film structure must be carefully adapted to the intended use.
Protection and cover solutions
Whether as a flexible cover, protective layer or surface protection: Mechanically resistant films help protect sensitive areas from damage, friction and external influences.
Why Filzwieser for mechanically loadable films?
Mechanical strength is not solely created by a larger film thickness. Material, layer structure, extrusion direction, temperature control and further processing all influence how a film behaves in use.
Therefore, we consider not only the individual characteristics, but the entire application. What forces are acting? Is the film being pulled, bent, hit, or rubbed continuously? Does it need to remain flexible or be stable in shape? Is roll-wrapped material required, a cut-to-size or a pre-assembled solution?
With experience in film extrusion, we assist you in selecting the material and configuration – from the initial idea to the mass production implementation. This results in films that not only appear reliable in the data sheet, but also function reliably in your system.
What we are distinguishes
- Advice on the appropriate combination of material, film thickness and structure
- Technical understanding of tension, elongation, crack, impact, bending and abrasion
- customized technical films as roll material, cut to size or pre-assembled solution
- Testing multilayer structures for combined requirements
- Inclusion of secondary raw materials if function and circulation are well aligned
- short distances and direct communication without unnecessary distribution buffers
- Assistance from the initial idea to the serial production
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Frequently asked questions
Which mechanical properties are particularly important for a film?
It depends on the use. With tensile loading, tensile strength and elongation are crucial. In the case of sharp-edged or point-loadings, impact strength as well as tear and further tearing strength are important. If the film is frequently moved, bending and kink resistance are of primary importance. In contact with other surfaces, abrasion resistance is particularly relevant.
In many applications, several properties must be met simultaneously. That is exactly why we do not consider the foil in isolation, but in relation to its later function.
What is the difference between tear strength and tear resistance?
The tear strength describes, What load a film can withstand before tearing. The further tear strength describes, How strongly an already existing crack expands under further stress.
A film can have high tensile strength and still be sensitive to cutting damage. Therefore, both properties must be considered for applications with edges, notches, or a risk of damage.
Why is the stretch of a film important?
The elongation shows how much a film can stretch under load. High elongation can help to compensate for movements, deformations, or different component geometries.
However, maximum stretch is not automatically the best solution. Depending on the application, stretch, recovery behavior, strength, and dimensional stability must be balanced with each other.
How can the impact resistance be improved?
The impact resistance is, among other things, achieved by Material type, film thickness and film structure all influence this. A multi-layer structure can also be useful if different loads occur simultaneously.
Which solution is suitable depends on whether the film must withstand, for example, individual spikes, edges, repeated impacts or flat loads. We review the requirements together and select the structure not based on a single value but based on actual use.
Why do the properties differ in the longitudinal and transverse directions?
In the case of film extrusion, the Molecular structures and orientations in the processing direction. This can result in different mechanical properties in the longitudinal and transverse directions.
Therefore, it is important to know in which direction the film is being loaded, cut, folded, or moved for later use. This information is already factored into the material and process selection.