What is

Polyamide film?

OPA polyamide film

Biaxially stretched, also 2-dimensionally oriented, polyamide films (OPA) usually consist of PA6 and can be produced in different ways. For this purpose, mf-films uses the sequential, i.e. step-by-step, stretching process on an effectively cooled flat film. During the stretching process, the polymer chains of the PA6 are aligned 2-dimensionally (i.e. in the machine direction and crosswise) and the associated stresses in the polymer are then removed by heat treatment (heat setting), resulting in a virtually shrink-free film for high-end packaging.

The orientation of the polyamide chains leads to a significantly improved level of properties in the film compared to "normal", non-oriented flat films and with a significantly reduced film thickness. The advantages are particularly evident in terms of puncture resistance, tensile strength and barrier properties, especially oxygen transmission.

The following table compares the most important property values of OPA polyamide films with non-oriented (CPA) cast films and illustrates, among other things, a possible reduction in thickness.

The next figures show the comparison of important mechanical characteristics of OPA polyamide films of different thicknesses compared to oriented polyester (OPET) and polypropylene (OPP) films of comparable film thickness, showing both the differences between the polymers and the advantages of an OPA film are impressively illustrated.*

*(Data shown are averages of longitudinal (MD) and transverse (TD) measurements of the films)

In addition, the next figure shows the comparison of important mechanical characteristics of OPA polyamide films of different thicknesses compared to oriented polyester (OPET) and polypropylene (OPP) films of comparable film thickness, showing both the differences between the polymers and the advantages impressively illustrated on an OPA slide.

Our OPA films are packaged to protect them from moisture in order to guarantee a high degree of dimensional stability during the value chain (intermediate storage, transport, further processing through laminating and printing processes) and to be able to rule out uncontrolled residual shrinkage ("cold shrinkage").

CPA polyamide films

Our CPA polyamide film is a PA 6 cast film that has a balanced relationship between flexibility, toughness, rigidity, puncture resistance and transparency, which we can influence or adjust by selecting the appropriate raw materials and processing conditions.

CPA polyamide films are significantly thicker than OPA polyamide films, but also more flexible and tough-elastic, which makes them extremely suitable for thermoforming packaging. The good deep-drawing properties of the CPA polyamide films ensure packaging that is particularly true to form, promotes sales and is therefore economical.

Nevertheless, they have an E-module (stiffness) that enables problem-free printing in laminated composites.

By adding additives (e.g. heat stabilizers or antioxidants) or by combining different base polyamides, we can adapt or enhance the performance of our CPA films for special areas of application.

CPBT polyester films

We not only process polyamides, but also produce films made of thermoplastic polyester (polybutylene terephthalate = PBT). This is another class of technical, semi-crystalline thermoplastics, which primarily offers improved heat resistance compared to PA 6 due to the higher crystalline melting point.

PBT also contains almost no residual monomer and does not store any moisture in the molecule, which results in excellent dimensional stability in connection with a higher modulus of elasticity.

This film class is also produced using flat film extrusion, whereby our portfolio is characterized exclusively by mono films.