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, particularly 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 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.

Mechanical characteristics

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 a OPA film can be impressively illustrated.*

*(data shown are averages of measurements in the longitudinal (MD) and transverse (TD) directions of the films)

Packaging and Transport

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").