Adhesive film is frequently used to bond, coat, laminate and seal substrates in the automotive and apparel industries. Adhesive films are also used to secure monitors to patients in the medical industry, create the elastic tabs on disposable diapers and secure the soles in athletic shoes. A variety of materials are used in adhesive films, including nylon, polyester, polyurethane and polyethylene.

Adhesive film distributors offer products in a variety of widths, thickness and lengths. Because of their ability to bond to many substrate surfaces, including ceramics, leather, concrete, foam, metal, plastic, paper, fabrics and wood, adhesive films are used in a wide array of industries. When purchasing adhesive films, consider the following:

1. Use heat-activated adhesive film for a strong bond or seal.

2. Implement pressure-sensitive adhesive films for assembly purposes.

3. Contact custom adhesive film manufacturers for sizes and features based on your specifications.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use heat-activated adhesive film

Heat-activated adhesive films become tacky with a temperature increase. This type of adhesive film is convenient to work with because you don't need to worry about protecting the film's adhesive side during application. Heat-activated adhesive film manufacturers serve a variety of industries, including automotive and composite.

I recommend: Browse a selection of heat-activated adhesive films at Bemis Associates. The adhesive film manufacturer fabricates film adhesives for the apparel, automotive, woodworking and composite industries. Tuftane Extrusion Technologies offers adhesive film that seals with the application of heat. The company offers low-melt film with high heat resistance. Find heat-activated adhesive film for sale at Lenderink Technologies.

Purchase pressure-sensitive industrial adhesive film

Many industrial adhesive films are pressure sensitive. As the name implies, these adhesive products form a bond when pressure is applied. Pressure-sensitive adhesive films offer easy application. Simply peel off the backing and stick to the substrate.

I recommend: Scapa North America manufactures a wide variety of pressure-sensitive adhesive films, including silicone and acrylic adhesive film for industrial assembly. Buy adhesive film from 3M. The company's pressure-sensitive adhesive films are die-cut, hand-cut and kiss-cut, and are ideal for rigid substrates.

Buy from custom adhesive film manufacturers

Purchasing custom adhesive film allows you to select the features best suited for your unique application. Some features to consider are the film's activation temperature, peel strength and tensile strength. Custom adhesive film suppliers can also cut your adhesive film to your specifications.

I recommend: Order a custom adhesive film from Bloomer Plastics. The company offers several features, including activation temperatures, melt flows and strengths and different melt point layers. Argotec offers custom adhesive films ranging in widths from 10 inches to 85 inches. The custom manufacturer serves a variety of industries, including automotive, marine, textile, medical and athletic footwear.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When purchasing adhesive protective film, consider the environmental conditions in which it must function. Silicone adhesive films have high heat resistance. Rubber-based adhesive films are extremely flexible while maintaining their bond. Polyurethane adhesive films are durable.