Protective Film Applications in Various Industries and how to choose?
Anything with a surface can be better protected because protective film applications are varied and nearly limitless. However, there are a few industries in which they offer the most value.
Aerospace
Aerospace engineering is constantly striving to create quieter, lighter, and damage-resistant equipment. Here, films are essential for prolonging longevity and enhancing the quality of these materials.
Electronics
Electronics — mobile phones and other hardware — are susceptible to physical damage, particularly screen damage. There are a wide range of application possibilities for television manufacturing companies, electronic shipment companies, and other similar businesses.
Industrial
In general, industries have wide applications for protective film and often require customized sizes to fit various pieces of equipment or newly manufactured products. End products can suffer plenty of damage on the commutes to distribution centers or warehouses.
Automotive
From wheels and doors to fenders and bumpers, a car needs overall protection. Protective films are a fantastic way of achieving this without ruining the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.
Medical
Medical devices are usually expensive and require a high level of maintenance to prevent metal corrosion. Adding a protective layer helps prevent premature wear and tear and keeps these machines running smoothly.
Defense
Protective films help ensure critical military equipment, weaponry, and machinery run efficiently. However, when it comes to defense, equipment likely requires more intense types of adhesive protection, in addition to the protective film.
Choose the Right Protective Film for Your Needs
To properly choose the right kind of film for your needs, you should consider the following elements:
LONGEVITY
It is counter-productive to install cheap film that is going to spoil within a few months. Instead, invest in a high-quality, branded film that offers durability.
This leads us perfectly into our next point.
WARRANTY
Ensure that the product you are investing in has reputable customer care and good deals on warranty. Generally, a 3M PPF would provide up to ten years of warranty. This is excellent for equipment like cars that you are likely to use long term.
QUALITY
Now that you’re aware of the role material plays in determining the quality of the film, ensure that you ask questions about it. At the very least, you should be able to get PPF that crosses all the basic requirements of being scratch-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and UV protected.
Of course, quality might also depend on the budget you have, but on the whole, it is not very difficult to get high quality for reasonable prices.
APPLICATION
Application or installation of protective film can be a challenging task, especially when you have no experience. Ideally, you should hire an expert to do this to ensure that you avoid bubbles on the surface.
The Protective Film Installation Process
In general, Here’s what you can expect from successful protective film installation:
CLEAN THE SURFACE
It’s essential to first remove dust and debris from the surface, which allows for smooth application and a snug fit. A surface not properly cleaned is likely to have air bubbles. Plus, debris underneath the film might weaken the barrier and reduce the longevity of the film. The surface must also be grease-free, so the adhesive sticks well to the surface.
CUSTOMIZE CUTTING
Some vendors sell pre-cut pieces of film that can be applied directly to a clean surface. However, it’s wise to get a customized cut from an experienced converter for equipment or vehicles in more intricate systems.
FIT PROPERLY
Fitting is the final step, during which the installer uses different procedures to ensure that the film sits snugly over the object or surface. Spray fitting is a popular choice to activate the glue or adhesive in a way that does not cause damage to the painted surface. This must be done in a clean environment to prevent dust from collecting on the clean surface again.