Polyethylene film is a plastic film made from ethylene, a hydrocarbon which is mainly obtained from natural gas or petroleum. The terms 'plastic sheeting', 'polyethylene sheet', 'poly sheeting' or 'poly film' are often used as synonyms for polyethylene film.
The term polyethylene is abbreviated as 'PE', the same way polystyrene and polypropylene are abbreviated as 'PS' and 'PP' respectively. In the United Kingdom, the word 'polythene' is often used instead of 'polyethylene'.
PE protective film
The process for making polyethylene film and bags is called extrusion. This plastic film manufacturing process starts with melting down small plastic pellets, ( called resin ), until they become molten and pliable.
ㆍLLDPE resin
The molten plastic is pushed, ( extruded ), through a circular die to form a continuous tube of plastic called the bubble. The bubble is inflated with air to the desired diameter and drawn vertically up a tower giving it time to cool before it is flattened to its lay-flat width. The thickness of the film is controlled by the speed at which it is pulled from the die. The width of the film is controlled by the amount of air inserted in the bubble.
ㆍThe bubble
Film color can be changed in the molten process by adding resin pellets that contain colored pigment.
Many things can be done during this “inline” process. A printing press may be printing images, instructions, warnings, company logos, ect.. on the film. A bag making machine can seal and perforate the film to form varying lengths of bags on rolls. The film can be cut and separated for individually cut bags. You can also add vent holes, which are punched through the film in a variety of patterns and sizes.
The inline plastic film manufacturing process has some further processing limitations. If the film requires more technical alterations then rolled film will be taken off the extrusion line to be further modified in what is known as out of line converting. Here is where you see process printing and laminating, in addition to the plastic bag manufacturing process of making side weld bags, reclosable bags, and wicketed bags is done out of line.
Polyethylene film can be made of different types of polyethylene. The most sold types of polyethylene are:
ㆍLow-Density Polyethylene (LDPE).
ㆍHigh-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
ㆍLinear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE).
Polyethylene film can also be manufactured in different colours or be transparent. In addition, it can be purchased in different thicknesses.
Self-adhesive PE protective film
Polyethylene film is the most common plastic that can be found out there nowadays. As a result, it is used for a wide range of applications, including the following:
ㆍPackaging.
ㆍThe manufacturing of labels.
ㆍThe manufacturing of plastic products (e.g. plastic bags).
ㆍCovering machinery or equipment.
ㆍProtecting surfaces in indoor painting.
ㆍPolyethylene and labeling
Aside from being the most common plastic, polyethylene is the cheapest labeling material there is. As a result, businesses use it quite often to manufacture their labels.
As already mentioned, polyethylene film is made from ethylene, a hydrocarbon that is mainly obtained from petroleum or natural gas. However, it is important to note that ethylene can also be produced from renewable sources.
Although polyethylene biodegrades naturally, it can take a very long time (decades) until this happens. Several methods have been developed to accelerate its biodegradation. One of them consists in modifying the carbon chain of polyethylene with the help of an additive. This process improves the level of degradability and, as a result, the biodegradability of polyethylene. Another method consists in manufacturing film using a biodegradable substance that possesses similar properties to polyethylene (e.g. starch).
Good Film is a professional PE protection film manufacturer. We have been engaged in PE protection film production for 14 years. We have introduced German high-speed production lines and have our own factories and technicians. Therefore, our quality is more strictly controlled, and the price is also the ex-factory price. Our products are sold all over the world and are well received. We have multiple production lines with short lead time and faster delivery.
If you have any needs, please feel free to contact us. We will provide you with the most professional answer in the shortest possible time.
Application of Self-adhesive Protection Film
May. 09, 2022
