Differences Between Metallized PE, PET, CPP, BOPP Films and Metallized VMPE, VMPET, VMCPP, VMBOPP Films
In the world of metallized films, the primary differences between PE, PET, CPP, BOPP films and their VM (vacuum metallized) counterparts (such as VMPE, VMPET, VMCPP, VMBOPP) lie in the production processes, final film properties, and their specific applications. Let’s analyze in detail the main differences between these two types of films.
1. Metallized PE, PET, CPP, BOPP Films
Product Overview:
- Metallized PE (Polyethylene): A thin metallic layer (usually aluminum) is deposited on the surface of polyethylene film. This film is widely used in food packaging, cosmetics, and electronics packaging, providing moisture and oxygen barriers, as well as aesthetic appeal.
- Metallized PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Known for its excellent clarity and strong barrier properties, metallized PET film is used in high-end packaging applications, such as luxury goods and electronics packaging.
- Metallized CPP (Cast Polypropylene): Primarily used in food packaging (such as snacks and frozen foods), metallized CPP film provides moisture protection and heat stability.
- Metallized BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene): BOPP film is widely used in food packaging and cosmetics packaging due to its mechanical strength, gloss, and good printability.
Production Technology:
Metallized films are typically produced using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technology. This process involves heating the metal (usually aluminum) to high temperatures to form vapor, which is then deposited onto the surface of the film material in a vacuum environment. This creates a thin metallic layer on the film, which provides barriers, gloss, and aesthetic appeal.
Metallization of PE, PET, CPP, and BOPP films typically uses coating spray or sputtering methods. In these processes, metal material is vaporized through an electric field or high-temperature environment and deposited onto the film surface.
The benefits of these processes include lower cost and the ability to produce films in bulk.
Key Features:
- Barrier Properties: These films are designed to provide oxygen, moisture, and light barriers. The metalized coating is applied via vacuum deposition to provide a thin yet effective metallic layer.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Metallized films are often used for visual effect, featuring high gloss and reflectivity, making them ideal for premium packaging.
- Application Range: These films are widely used in food packaging, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and electronics industries. BOPP and PET films are the most commonly used due to their strength and barrier efficiency.
Advantages:
- Good Barrier Properties: Offers excellent protection against oxygen and moisture, making it suitable for food and pharmaceutical packaging.
- Cost-effective: These films are more affordable compared to VM films as they use standard metallization processes.
- Good Mechanical Strength: BOPP and CPP films offer excellent tear resistance and flexibility.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Barrier Enhancement: The barrier protection offered by these films is weaker than that of VM films.
- Standard Performance: While effective, standard metallized films do not provide the enhanced barrier performance or aesthetics that VM films do.
2. Metallized VMPE, VMPET, VMCPP, VMBOPP Films
Product Overview:
- VMPE (Vacuum Metallized Polyethylene): This is a polyethylene film with a thin metallic layer (usually aluminum) deposited through a vacuum metallization process. This process offers superior barrier properties compared to standard metallization.
- VMPET (Vacuum Metallized Polyethylene Terephthalate): Vacuum metallized PET films significantly improve moisture resistance, oxygen barrier, and light protection. These films are often used in luxury goods packaging, cosmetics packaging, and electronics packaging.
- VMCPP (Vacuum Metallized Cast Polypropylene): After vacuum metallization, this film significantly enhances moisture and oxygen barrier properties, widely used in food packaging, especially for snacks, frozen foods, and candy packaging.
- VMBOPP (Vacuum Metallized Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene): Vacuum metallized BOPP film provides superior optical properties, enhanced barrier performance, and excellent printability, commonly used in high-end food packaging, cosmetics, and luxury goods packaging.
Production Technology:
Vacuum metallization involves Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), where metal vapor (usually aluminum) is deposited onto the surface of the film in a vacuum environment. This process creates an even and thin metallic layer, ensuring superior oxygen and moisture barrier properties.
Compared to standard metallization, vacuum metallization uses higher deposition temperatures and more precise evaporation control, resulting in a more uniform and tightly adhered metallic layer.
This high-precision metallization process also results in better reflectivity, making these films suitable for applications that demand high-quality visual effects.
Key Features:
- Superior Barrier Properties: The vacuum metallization process makes these films’ metallic layers more durable, providing stronger protection against oxygen, moisture, and light, with long-lasting protective qualities.
- Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: VM films offer higher gloss and more uniform metallic coatings, making them ideal for premium packaging applications where aesthetics are essential.
- High-end Applications: These films are better suited for luxury products, premium packaging, and applications with high barrier requirements, such as pharmaceuticals and food packaging.
Advantages:
- Superior Barrier Performance: The vacuum metallization process provides more durable protection against oxygen, moisture, and light.
- Better Aesthetics: These films have higher transparency, stronger gloss, and more uniform metallic coatings, making them highly suitable for premium retail packaging.
- Durability: The metallized layer firmly adheres to the film, providing better scratch resistance and longer lifespan.
Disadvantages:
- Higher Cost: Due to the vacuum metallization process and superior barrier properties, VM films are typically more expensive than standard metallized films.
- Less Flexibility: Some VM films may have less flexibility and are not suitable for all packaging applications.
Key Differences Between Metallized Films and Vacuum Metallized Films
| Feature | Metallized PE, PET, CPP, BOPP Films | Vacuum Metallized VMPE, VMPET, VMCPP, VMBOPP Films |
|---|---|---|
| Metallization Process | Standard metallization using vacuum deposition or wet coating methods. | Vacuum metallization using vacuum deposition process. |
| Barrier Properties | Provides good moisture and oxygen barrier but not as strong as VM films. | Provides superior barrier protection, especially for moisture, oxygen, and light. |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Glossy but with uneven coating. | Offers higher gloss and more uniform coating, suitable for high-end packaging. |
| Durability | Good tear resistance and flexibility. | Provides better durability, scratch resistance, and stronger adhesion of the metallic layer. |
| Flexibility | Flexible and suitable for various applications. | Some VM films may have reduced flexibility but perform better in certain applications. |
| Cost | Cost-effective, suitable for mass market applications. | Higher cost, suitable for high-end and specialized market needs. |
| Common Applications | Standard packaging, snacks, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals. | Luxury packaging, high-end food packaging, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals. |
Tradsark New Materials Co., Ltd. – A Leader in Metallized Films
As a leading metallized film manufacturer in China, Weifang Tradsark New Materials Co., Ltd. specializes in the production and research of high-performance plastic films, dedicated to providing sustainable and innovative packaging solutions globally. Our metallized films are widely used in food packaging, cosmetics, electronics packaging, and more, including Metallized BOPP, PET, CPP films, and vacuum metallized film products.
Our Product Advantages:
- Superior Barrier Properties: Tradsark’s metallized films provide excellent oxygen, moisture, and light protection, prolonging product shelf life.
- Eco-Friendly and Recyclable: We are committed to producing environmentally friendly, recyclable metallized films that contribute to global sustainability.
- Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Our films feature high gloss and excellent reflectivity, making them ideal for premium packaging applications.
Our Technological Advantages:
- Advanced Metallization Technology: Using international advanced PVD technology, we ensure uniform and high-quality metal layers on the films, providing optimal barrier and aesthetic properties.
- Customization Services: Tradsark offers personalized services, tailoring film specifications, thicknesses, coatings, and more to meet specific packaging needs.
Contact Us:
- 📞 Phone: +86 190 0646 0458
- 📧 Email: tradsark@gmail.com, info@tradsark.net
