Product Spotlight: PVC Film
If you’re at all familiar with plastics, you’ve likely heard of PVC Film. However, this material comes in a huge array of different forms. So you may not be quite as familiar with this specific type of product as you previously thought.
The film version of this popular plastic is known for its incredible versatility. Since it’s available in so many different forms and finishes, even those who have some familiarity with the plastics industry may be unaware of just how many potential applications and use cases there are for PVC film.
Attributes of PVC Film
PVC stands for Polyvinyl Chloride. The film version of this thermoplastic generally comes in two very different forms: rigid and flexible. And within each of these main categories, you can opt for a wide array of different finishes and forms including firm, soft, clear, opaque, coated, and matte. This makes it one of the most versatile plastic film products available on the market today.
In addition to its versatility and ability to be customized to meet specific needs, PVC film is known for its ability to be softened easily. This makes it especially well suited for thermoforming, since it can become increasingly more flexible as heat is applied. This is what allows it to exhibit different levels of firmness and flexibility. However, it doesn’t lose its general makeup when heat is applied.
Additionally, PVC film can offer high visual clarity, allowing it to be used in applications where transparency and light transmission are important. However, it can have more opaque finishes as well, if needed. It offers good dimensional stability, so it doesn’t generally break down or lose its form over time. And it’s easy to customize beyond just thermoforming, since it’s also approved for fabrication methods like die-cutting and printing.
Applications of PVC Film
Since PVC film is so durable, economical, and versatile, it’s a good choice for a huge array of applications. More specifically, it is popular in packaging, food and beverage containers, graphics and print products, transportation accessories, and even the medical industry.
The specific use cases for PVC vary depending on whether rigid or flexible film is used. For example, rigid PVC is often used in applications like shrink wrap, stretch wrap, bags, liners, and other types of packaging. In retail settings, it can also be used in point of purchase displays, signage, and loyalty cards. In the medical field, it is commonly used for bags, like those used in storing blood or IV fluids.
When it comes to flexible PVC, applications include office products like stationary. In the transportation field, it can be used to craft fabric interiors and film laminates. It can also be used in decorative applications like wall coverings.
These are just a handful of the many potential applications for PVC. Nearly any company and industry can make use of this material since it’s available in so many different forms and finishes. Basically, if you need an economic and versatile plastic film solution, PVC should at least be on your list.
Benefits of PVC Film
Overall, one of the biggest benefits of PVC film is its versatility and ability to be customized to the specific practical and aesthetic needs of each project. Whether you need a rigid plastic film for medical bags or flexible options for displays, there are products to suit your needs. However, there are plenty of benefits beyond just versatility. They generally also vary depending on what type of PVC you actually use.
For example, rigid PVC film is known for being strong enough for applications like medical bags and packaging. It provides good tensile strength and high impact resistance. It’s also durable, with qualities like chemical and heat resistance. However, it is also lightweight, making it practical enough for use in small items like packaging or shrink wrap. Visually, it offers both good opacity and transparency, depending on the needs of your project. And it is embossable. So you can basically choose the type of look and level of clarity that you want for each use case.
On the other hand, flexible PVC film is known for its ability to be thermoformed, which makes it perfect for a huge array of applications. It’s also puncture resistant and offers good dimensional stability and impact strength. It’s also incredibly cost efficient, making it a popular choice for those looking for quality plastic film products on a tight budget.
If you’re ready to experience the versatility and other benefits of PVC, contact PolymerFilms to discuss your plastic needs today. We’re proud to offer a full line of PVC film products from world-leading producers like Nan Ya Plastics and Kappus. PVC and our other plastic films are available in various gauges and sizes, and we even offer in-house conversion capabilities to ensure that each film is produced to the exact specifications of the client. In addition to PVC film, we stock an array of plastic films from top manufacturers, including acrylic, polycarbonate, UHMW, and many more. Additionally, our five distribution centers are spread throughout North America, allowing our team to provide personalized service and fast turnaround times to each client. If you’re ready to discuss PVC or any other plastic film products, visit our website to request a free consultation tod