Newsletter
Lamination is the application of mainly films to items made of Makrolon®, Axpet® and Vivak® for the purpose of decoration, marking, reinforcement (e.g. splinter protection) or subsequent colouring (e.g. sunscreen).
These films can only be applied to flat, cylindrical or slightly curved surfaces. Normally they cannot be (thermo-) formed in Makrolon®, Axpet® or Vivak®.
When selecting films or labels, first ensure that they will not cause stress cracks on Makrolon®, Axpet® or Vivak®. Stress cracks can be caused by adverse reaction to plasticisers coming from the plastic film (primarily PVC) or to aggressive solvents in adhesives.
Occasionally air bubbles may form between the sheets and the film immediately or shortly after lamination. This can also occur under certain climatic conditions on sheets that have been in use for some time.
Apart from any moisture content absorbed from the ambient air, Makrolon®, Vivak® or Axpet® sheets do not contain any components sufficiently volatile to cause air bubbles to form under climatic conditions.
Therefore we recommend contacting the manufacturer before using an adhesive film, ensuring that the one selected fulfils all requirements.
Our experience shows that (semi-) permeable or perforated film types are the most suitable.
However, ambient dust particles trapped between the film and the sheet or the remains of cleaning agents can cause subsequent partial or large-scale delamination.
The protective film on the plastic sheets should not be removed until immediately before lamination. Flawless results can be obtained by cleaning the surface of the sheet ensuring that it is dry and that the air around it is clean.
Self-adhesive films should be rolled on bubble-free or pressed on with a soft cloth. For manual lamination we recommend removing the protective sheet on the lamination film and applying it in sections for easier handling.
Large-scale laminations should always be performed using a laminating machine fitted with a roller. This prevents air bubbles being trapped and maintains the correct contact pressure to ensure optically smooth lamination.
Some manufacturers of certain film types recommend or require sprinkling the film or sheet surface with water (e.g. for films without an adhesive coating, for large surfaces, etc.).
These wet lamination processes can increase the likelihood of bubbles appearing between the film and the sheet and are not recommended for use on Makrolon®, Axpet® and Vivak® sheets.
Product liability clause: This information and our technical advise - whether verbal, in writing or by way of trials - are given in good faith but without warranty, and this also applies where proprietary rights of third parties are involved. Our advice does not release you from the obligation to verify the information currently provided - especially that contained in our safety data and technical information sheets - and to test products as to their suitability for the intended processes and uses. The application, use and processing of our products and the products manufactured by you on the basis of our technical advice are beyond our control and, therefore, entirely your own responsibility. Our products are sold in accordance with the current version of our General Conditions of Sale and Delivery.