Aluminum is one of the most popular, and affordable materials used in the CNC machining industry because of its strength and resistance to corrosion and its relatively low cost. Aluminum is a versatile and high-performing material and this makes it popular among architects and designers in CNC manufacturing.
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Aluminum does not rust but it corrodes when exposed to oxygen for a long period. To CNC machining businesses, this is a challenge in ensuring the quality of machined aluminum components. To this effect, several layers of protection are placed on aluminum to ensure that it is not compromised in its usage, thereby making it suitable for OEM use and long-term use. In this article, you will be able to learn about the different types of coatings and why they are crucial for CNC-machined aluminum parts. Let’s begin!
You may ask yourself—since aluminum is an element that forms a passive oxide layer in the air, why would you use a coating for it?
In today’s CNC machining, the aluminum parts standard is higher than before, and the above are some of the reasons why this is the case. As much as the metal does develop a self-healing oxide layer, it does not always afford enough protection for the metal in such conditions. Consider aerospace applications for argument’s sake. When you are machining aluminum parts for rockets, the parts undergo intense temperatures of heat close to the melting point of the oxide layer. Such temperature changes can result in cracks in the oxide film and thus decrease the protective nature of aluminum. Likewise, if you are using aluminum parts for marine purposes, the corrosive seawater has the potential to gradually degrade that thin oxide layer.
That’s why you find areas like automotive and aerospace using special coatings to protect aluminum parts. These coatings help you retain the strength, durability, and corrosion protection of the aluminum no matter the conditions to which it is exposed. For a CNC machining business owner, it is essential to use the right coating to ensure that the products serve the various requirements in the industry and meet the satisfaction of the clients.
There are advantages and disadvantages to using aluminum coatings for your CNC machining processes which should also be considered. Aluminum coatings have wide applicability in various fields such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing industries. They are much sought after due to their ability to resist rusting, being very hard-wearing, and offering protection against wear. But, as it has been said, there are strengths and weaknesses of every material that you have to evaluate.
Strength is one of the most important properties of aluminum coatings and due to this, their usage is quite widespread. Since aluminum is heat resistant it has a high melting point and can be used in the temperature range of 200°C to 650°C depending on the type of coating then you can be assured that it can be used in heat resistant areas. Besides, it has great chemical and rust protection characteristics, which makes the coatings appropriate for usage in aggressive environments.
Moreover, it’s possible to give it any desired form and use it in construction and CNC machining operations where it is necessary to have strength and load-carrying capacity.
However, there are some drawbacks to using aluminum coatings as follows: One significant disadvantage is that it has low electrical conductivity especially when compared to copper. This is to mean that it is not suitable for use where electricity is involved, as it does not efficiently transfer current. When using electrical systems in areas where there are aluminum-coated surfaces ensure that there is adequate airflow to avoid overheating.
The other thing that should be looked at is the cost of the entire process. Aluminum is costly especially when it is coated. This can be a problem when you are working on a project that requires you to work on a tight budget. Second of all, aluminum can be somewhat problematic to use as a material because it is rather soft and elastic. If you’re attempting to machine complex or intricate designs the chances are high that you will not get the right degree of precision.
Finally, aluminum has a high coefficient of thermal expansion which implies that if exposed to heat it can expand or contract. This indicates that if not well managed it is likely to crack or otherwise be damaged during the machining process hence requiring a lot of precaution.
Anodizing is among the common surface finishes used by manufacturers and designers to protect aluminum alloys from high temperatures, friction, and chemical and moisture attacks. Below are some common types of aluminum coatings suitable for various projects.
Anodizing is an electrochemical process that forms a thicker natural oxide layer, ranging from 5 to 25 microns in aluminum parts, which can improve their durability in terms of wear and corrosion. The thickness of the coating depends on the time the aluminum takes in the anodizing tank, which is an electrolyte. Other benefits; dyne levels of anodized aluminum surfaces are more vibrant, and machined aluminum has superior heat dissipation. Here below are the types of anodizing:
Clear anodizing does not incorporate any dye, and as such, the final appearance of the product is dictated by the base metal. The issue with the clear anodizing type of coating is that it is much more uniform than the darker anodized colors, which could have imperfections or uneven colors when coated.
Post-treatment anodizing includes adding color to the anodic film after anodizing has been performed. When in a dye solution, aluminum absorbs the dye through its outer oxide layer. This makes it possible to achieve a very wide array of bright and saturated colors that can be fine-tuned depending on the design requirements.
Hard, clear anodizing is more corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant than other surface treatments. It is the same as anodizing but develops a thicker and more abrasion-resistant oxide layer on the surface of the aluminum. Hard clear anodizing is ideal for parts that are clear and anodized in a hard material.
Moreover, hard anodizing provides a denser and thicker layer than soft anodizing, while dyeing makes the anodizing different colors. This process also strengthens the aluminum part and allows it to be colored to suit the client’s preference.
Blasting and anodizing are two significant processes, commonly employed in the preparation of aluminum parts. Initially, blasting is carried out, in which a material is propelled at high velocity, typically ranging from 50 to 100 meters/sec, towards the surface of the aluminum part. In the blasting process, normally, abrasive media, such as glass beads or sand, is applied to abrade off surface roughness or unnecessary material. After blasting, anodizing is carried out so as to acquire a high-standard oxide skin on the aluminum surface.
What is Powder Coating? Powder coating is an electrostatic process of applying finishes. It provides rich and long-lasting colors with excellent UV stability for different types of metals. The process starts with cleaning and preparing aluminum parts, which are washed thoroughly to remove any contaminants. After this, a dry paint powder is blown by an electrostatic gun on the surface of the glass. This powder tends to stick to the metal surface through static electricity(charge). The coated parts are then baked to melt and cure the powder, and the end product is a uniform and hard layer.
While powder coating is not as hard or as durable as anodized aluminum, it has a better look and superior anti-corrosive properties. Powder coating is not a liquid paint, but a dry material that is not hazardous like liquid paint, as it contains solvents and VOCs.
Chemical conversion coatings, also known as alodine finishes, are cheaper than anodizing. The process refineries the oxide layer on aluminum parts to improve their corrosion characteristics while giving them a nice appearance on the outer surface. Alodine coatings are especially useful for applications that need high electrical conductivity as they guarantee the good conductivity of aluminum parts.
Environmental Implications: Although chemical conversion coatings have several benefits, they are relatively more harmful to the environment than most finishing processes. The chemicals used in alodine solutions are toxic, and hazardous to the environment. Therefore, the usage should be balanced according to the benefit it brings in the specific use that it is intended for.
Chrome plating is a common process in the manufacture of consumer products and industrial products. This process involves immersing aluminum parts in an electrolytic bath to deposit a chromium layer on the surface, thus giving it a shiny, lustrous appearance. Chrome plating is widely used for ornamental applications and to improve the mechanical characteristics of components. Here are common types of chrome plating described below;
Industrial chrome plating, or Hard chrome plating, is a denser layer of chrome than decorative chrome. This type of plating is suitable for use in industries where materials require high strength, wear, and corrosion resistance. The hard chrome is long-lasting and minimizes the wear and tear between the working surfaces of the machines, thus increasing their working life. Moreover, it reduces the time of equipment operation and the frequency of maintenance.
Bright chrome plating deposits a thin layer of chromium on aluminum parts, mostly for beautification. It does not offer the same corrosion and wear resistance as hard chrome. Although, it provides some degree of it. Decorative platings are normally, easy to polish and are used where appearance matters, such as in kitchen utensils, automobile accessories, or tools.
PVDF is a resin-based coating on aluminum parts. These use color pigments and allow for a wide range of matte-finished aluminum parts. PVDF coatings are normally done in a factory setting, and they are extremely hard and prevent rusting on parts.
Coating PVDF protects the metal from fading, chemicals, and corrosive agents, making it perfect for exterior applications such as aluminum wall cladding. It is worth noting that PVDF does not need oven curing and does not contain toxic VOCs, making it a safer and environmentally friendly coating solution for metals.
Teflon refers to PTFE, a versatile coating. Typically, Teflon coatings are employed in car manufacturing, electronics, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, optics, and cookware production, among other applications. Due to its high molecular weight, this material has excellent water resistance.
Design manufacturers and Engineers prefer Teflon because it offers several benefits. It provides good electrical insulation, does not degrade when exposed to ultraviolet light, and does not swell when exposed to water. Additionally, it can resist high temperatures, so it is suitable for most applications of the technology.
Teflon’s chemical stability enables it to be used to coat aluminum parts in the medical line. Moreover, It’s widely adopted for machined components like coat tubes, pipes, and vessels and is known as the ASME code. Due to its low friction coefficient, it is also suitable for automotive and industrial applications where smooth motion is desirable.
Electrophoretic coating, commonly known as E-coat, involves submerging the aluminum parts in a coating bath. An electric current is then passed to produce a steady layer of the coating material on the surface. The electrophoretic coating process has several technical advantages, as discussed.d below.
E-coat is said to be very efficient, especially when it comes to cost. It is most commonly used in automotive applications because of its capacity to offer a durable shield. The process is very flexible, and other coatings can be incorporated to improve other performance characteristics, like surface hardness and appearance.
Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) is the surface treatment technique that can improve the properties of aluminum alloys through the formation of a dense and hard layer by plasma chemical activity. Though it has many similarities with hard anodizing, PEO offers enhanced advantages, which make it ideal for CNC-machined aluminum parts.
PEO coatings exhibit high hardness, and therefore they have good wear and corrosion-resistant properties. This makes them suitable to be used in CNC applications where the durability and protection of the product are paramount. The process leaves the surface with a rougher texture, which enhances the surface’s ability to bond with the next layer needed or another layer of protection.
PEO can be applied to any kind of industry such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics. You can also control the electrochemical bath to achieve the necessary industry standards to meet the need for CNC machining versatility in the coated surface.
The last but not the least, PEO is environmentally friendly, which is a great advantage in today’s world. In this process, no toxic chemicals are used and the solutions used are slightly toxic hence disposal is not a problem. When it comes to CNC machining, if you are seeking a replacement for toxic chemicals such as hexavalent chromium, PEO is a green solution that will also assist you in compliance with regulations.
In CNC machining, liquid painting, powder coating, and anodizing are all very important for the protection of aluminum parts. Anodizing and powder coating have better appearance and corrosion protection than other coatings. If one is to anodize and subsequently powder coat the aluminum surface, the protection offered is even better, though the price may be a little higher. These are the best coating solutions for CNC machined aluminum parts and are recommended for use where you have a large budget to meet high-end and long-lasting durability. For such unique colors or isolated regions, painting and chrome plating are ideal since they will give you the right appearance while offering the necessary performance.
Richconn offers all in-house secondary operations that can be completed for CNC-machined aluminum parts as a one-stop solution. From anodizing to powder coating, we provide the best service of surface treatments to cater to the various needs of your projects. To learn more or to get a quote, you may go to our official website and complete the quote request form.
Anodizing can enhance the corrosion protection of aluminum by as much as hr in salt spray tests thus making parts last longer in severe conditions.
PEO coatings can attain a hardness of up to HV which is an improvement to the untreated aluminum in terms of wear resistance.
Powder coatings generally apply a layer of 50 to 150 microns thickness. Normally, this results in better looks and better protection to the surface.
Temporary protective film (TPF) protects metal roofing panels during handling, transportation, and installation. It helps prevent scratches, scuffs, and other damage before the panels are fixed in place.
However, not all films have the same characteristics. Understanding how substrates affect adhesion and how to properly apply, store, and remove protective films can mean the difference between a smooth metal roof installation and a major headache.
While it may seem like a simple job of stick-on and peel-off, there’s more to using TPF than you might think. From selecting the correct tackiness level and thickness for the coil coating to proper storage and removal, understanding how to best handle protective film can save you time, money, and frustration.
Whether you purchase metal coil pre-treated with TPF or are applying it yourself, you should know something about treating and handling panels with protective film.
For this article, we sought advice from industry experts to explain the dos and don’ts of using TPF. Their insights highlight the importance of careful handling and storage, how TPF adhesives work with different types of paint systems, and why it’s critical to get it right.
First, it’s important not to confuse the protective film with the roof’s permanent PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) coating. PVDF is a paint system applied to metal coils to provide durability and corrosion resistance. In contrast, protective film is purely temporary—its only job is to protect the coil’s finish during handling and fabrication.
Temporary protective films cover a substrate surface, held on by an adhesive that will provide a protective layer to the panels until installation. TPF can be pre-applied to the coil or applied during the rollforming process with a laminator. The film is then removed prior to usage.
As Tom Southerland, National Account Manager at Sheffield Metals International (SMI), explains, “The film is just there to protect the coating in the rolling process and during handling. You tear it off before the panel goes up, or immediately after installation.”
Also, while it’s still sometimes referred to as PVC film, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) hasn’t been used in years as the industry evolved into more advanced protective film solutions. If a contractor or manufacturer refers to it as PVC, they probably mean another type of protective film and may not even realize PVC is no longer used.
Pregis® Protective Films & Coatings, Sheffield Metals International’s (SMI) partner for TPF metal coil applications, manufactures a PolyMask™ protective film. As Pregis Sales and Product Manager Bryan McMichael explains, “We supply Sheffield with a co-extruded product—a blend of LDPE and HDPE.” This superior composition improves performance, reduces costs, and is environmentally friendly compared to PVC, which has been banned or restricted in several countries and cities worldwide. Sheffield Metals is the sister company of New Tech Machinery.
The film is a thin, flexible sheet that covers a material to protect it from scratching or other types of damage. Sometimes called PVC, strippable vinyl, peel coat, protective film, mylar, paper, strippable tape, masking, or paint guard film, it’s used for various purposes, such as:
• Protective covering on metal coils or sheets to prevent scratches and scuffs during handling or transportation.
• Packaging material for consumer goods, like new appliances.
• Products that need temporary protection, including glass, carpets, solid surfaces like countertops, etc.
In metal roofing and other fabrication processes, TPF is adhered to a panel and then peeled away once installation or transport is complete.
Not all TPFs adhere to metal finishes the same. Gloss levels, paint finishes, and metallic or matte surfaces affect how well the film adheres and how easily it can be removed later. A smoother surface will need less adhesive, whereas a textured metal, because it has fewer points of contact, will require a stronger adhesive.
For more information, please visit Protective Film for Aluminum.
SMI’s Director of Operations Eric Simonsen emphasizes the importance of tackiness: “When testing the proper tackiness level of the adhesive, different coatings need different recommendations. A metallic paint system, a matte paint system, or a textured paint system each requires a unique level of tack.”
In other words, carefully selecting the TPF that matches the substrate surface ensures you won’t end up with overly aggressive adhesion that makes removal a nightmare, or with an adhesive so weak that peels off under a ceiling fan.
• Textured or Matte Finishes: Often need higher adhesion and tackiness to hold because of the uneven surfaces of the materials.
• Metallic or Smooth Finishes: Typically work well with medium or slightly lower tackiness since the smooth surface is easier for the film to adhere to uniformly.
Manufacturers and distributors provide instructions on which level of adhesive to use for a given metal finish based on rigorous testing. Rollforming machine operators who administer the protective film with an applicator should follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure they use the level of tackiness recommended for a specific metal finish.
The film is just there to protect the coating in the rolling process and during handling. You tear it off before the panel goes up, or immediately after installation.
Film thickness and elasticity also play a role in performance. Thicker films may provide more durability but can be harder to remove and less stretchy, which can complicate forming panels. Sheffield Metals, for instance, is moving towards a more uniform thickness across its products. According to Simonsen, “In , we’re going with all 1.6 mil thickness product that has really good tensile strength and elongation.”
This shift aims to improve handling while maintaining adequate protection—ensuring the TPF can stretch, conform, and still peel away without leaving residue behind. If you’re applying the film using an applicator, you’ll need to pay particular attention to what type of adhesive you’re using. The wrong level of tackiness can render the peeling-off process a nightmare and leave a residue on each one of your panels.
As mentioned, TPF used on metal panels is applied with different tackiness or adhesive strength levels, and manufacturers typically assign numbers or codes to indicate these levels. While there isn’t a single universal system across all suppliers, here are the common ways adhesive strength is measured:
Takeaways:
• Numeric codes often refer to a mix of film thickness and adhesive tack level.
• Peel strength (in oz/in or g/cm) is a standardized way labs measure how firmly the film sticks.
• Always check the supplier’s guidelines to match adhesive levels to your metal’s finish and to ensure you remove the film easily when the time comes.
Smart, Metallic, & Vintage paint systems
• 15CVU825C – 1.5 mil clear coextruded film with medium-low adhesion
Textured Low Gloss paint systems
• 251U877B – 2.5 mil blue monolayer film with very high adhesion
One of the biggest pitfalls is leaving TPF panels or coils exposed to the elements. Heat, moisture, and especially UV rays can degrade the film and its adhesive. Southerland warns, “If it gets in the sun, that sun will bake that film on that panel, and you cannot get it off.”
In extremely hot climates, just a day or two of exposure can cause this problem.
Time is also a factor. Even if kept indoors, the longer PVC film remains on the panel, the harder it can be to remove. “If it sits on there for more than six months, even indoors or in a plant, the harder it is to get the protective film off—and after a year, you might not be able to remove it at all,” says Southerland.
Simonsen echoes these concerns: “It needs to only be on the coil or in flat sheet form for six months, and it needs to be kept in a certain temperature and humidity range,” he affirms.
It’s not only the temperature and conditions but the pressure of the coil itself that can chemically break down the PVC film and adhesive if the coil isn’t used within that six-month timeline.
Takeaways:
• Recommended Timeline:
o Apply the TPF within six months of receiving it. If it has already been applied to the coil by the supplier, use it within six months.
o Keep the material in a controlled environment, away from heat and moisture.
• Avoid Outdoor Storage: Leaving coated panels or coils in direct sunlight or rain for prolonged periods can cause the adhesive to break down and the TPF to become brittle. “If it’s exposed to too much UV, the plastics will actually start to degrade,” Simonsen points out.
• Pressure Matters: The weight of stacked panels or tightly wound coils can increase the bond strength over time, making the film harder to remove.
One of the biggest pitfalls is leaving TPF panels or coils exposed to the elements. Heat, moisture, and especially UV rays can degrade the film and its adhesive.
• Store protective film products in original packaging/ shipping cartons until needed.
• Do not store substrates for longer than 6 months with protective masking films applied.
• Maintain a storage temperature range of 50˚ F-60˚ F.
• Store TPF-treated substrates in the relative humidity (Rh) range of 40% – 60%.
• Keep away from exposure to temperature extremes, direct sunlight, water, solvent, and other contaminants.
• Rotate protective film inventory on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis, ensuring usage within the warranty period.
Failing to follow these recommendations may degrade the protective film.
Because prolonged storage, exposure to sunlight, and outdoor conditions all pose risks, it’s best to apply TPF as close to the installation date as possible—and remove it promptly once the panels are put into place. “You need to strip it off as you go when you’re installing it,” advises Southerland. Delaying removal can cause the adhesive to age and bond more tightly with the paint surface.
Also, you don’t want workers stepping on the TPF-treated panels too much, as it can further bond it to the substrate. “Some installers leave the film on after they’ve installed the panels, allowing their guys to run up and down on it,” says Simonsen. “That’s a bad practice.”
If you’re purchasing coil already treated with TPF, Simonsen stresses ordering the necessary amount of material so you don’t end up with coils stored for more than six months. “Absolutely, order according to the job rather than having it just to have in stock,” he suggests.
If there’s a run on a certain type of coil, it may be worth keeping in stock if you know it will sell fast. Otherwise, you’re gambling on having a job that might not come through in time.
• Spotting—where rings or spots appear on the substrate after the TPF is removed.
• Ghosting—a light haze that occurs when looking at a panel in a certain angle of light. This occurs when there is outgassing (a chemical reaction coming from the substrate) and the film adhesive is applied too soon after manufacturing.
• Adhesive residue—The adhesive left behind after the TPF layer is removed.
• Ambient and substrate temperature should be within 60˚ F-90˚ F for best results. Colder temperatures than listed will lessen the initial bond to the substrate.
• Surfaces should be dry and clear of any lubricants, solvents, or other contaminants.
• Application pressure should not vary from initial, approved trials.
You need to strip it off as you go when you’re installing it,” advises Southerland. Delaying removal can cause the adhesive to age and bond more tightly with the paint surface.
Extreme conditions will produce a range of variables when it comes to storing and applying temporary protective film. Heat, cold, and moisture are all enemies of TPF adhesives. Check below for what to do, depending on the situation.
Hot Temperatures
If the temporary protective film on the panels has been stored or applied in temperatures above 90˚ F, the adhesive bonding will have increased. Remove the film by pulling slowly from a 90˚ angle. That should result in less ghosting or spotting.
Cold Temperatures
If the TPF is applied in temperatures below 60˚ F, the adhesive may not stick properly to the substrate. Before applying, make sure that both the film and substrate are at a recommended temperature. For removal, the film and substrate should be above 45˚ F.
Moisture
If the TPF has been applied to the substrate and encounters moisture, whether from rain, morning dew, or humidity, allow it to dry completely before attempting removal. The film will take on a bluish-white casting (known as “blushing”), signaling that it is too wet for removal. It will turn water-clear when it has dried.
Excessive Sunlight
Some films may be UV-rated, which can help mitigate damage from overexposure to sunlight. The amount of time a non-UV-protected TPF can be left out in the sun may vary, depending on the manufacturer. Refer to the manufacturer guidelines to determine the maximum UV exposure allowed under their warranty.
If you have concerns about the adhesive used on your TPF-treated coil, contact the manufacturer. Sheffield Metals can track the coil number to determine the TPF used and whether the adhesive matches the metal finish specifications.
If you’re applying the TPF with an applicator to a Sheffield coil, the film should match our brand recommendation. Using another brand that hasn’t been tested with the paint system could lead to problems. For example, Sheffield Metals tested and validated the Pregis materials for all of their paint types. Therefore, only Pregis TPF should be applied to SMI products.
Removing Residue
Say you’ve left panels out in the sun or rain for an extended period. While you may be able to tear off the temporary film, the adhesive residue can remain on the panels. In order to remove the adhesive, you can use a liquid cleaner such as Cleansweep® by Watts® Removal Products, a Sherwin-Williams® approved solution. Be sure that whatever product you use is approved by the paint manufacturer so as not to void the paint warranty.
Also, as the remover is a chemical, make sure to use the proper PPE when administering it. To learn more about the product and its application, watch the Metal Roofing Channel video “How to Remove PVC Strippable Film Stuck to Painted Metal Panels.”
The coil purchaser and panel manufacturer may know all the rules about dealing with TPF—the time limits it can be left on the metal, the impact of UV rays, and that if it’s on a coil, even if stored properly, the tackiness will strengthen over time. Again, six months should be the limit to keeping TPF-treated coil stored, even under the best conditions.
However, this information isn’t always communicated down the line. By the time the panels arrive on-site, the installers may not know that leaving them out in the sun will make removing the TPF difficult at best. Whatever your business, manufacturer or contractor, make sure everyone knows the rules of dealing with temporary protective film.
For those applying film themselves, it’s important to follow recommended guidelines for the adhesive and film type to match the metal’s surface characteristics. Deviating from tested combinations can result in poor adhesive performance.
Understanding the compatibility between protective films and metal panel coatings is essential for rollforming machine users. When buying Sheffield’s metal coil with Pregis TPF, customers benefit from rigorous testing. “We gathered a variety of different paints and surface samples from Sheffield, and sent them to our lab in North Carolina, where we measured the gloss levels of them all,” explains McMichael. “We tested 10 to 15 different material combinations on each. We had our team visually inspect for ghosting or adhesion residue. And then once we had our recommendations, Sheffield applied those to their coils for real-world production trials.”
These tests simulate various environmental conditions to ensure the film performs as intended without causing damage or leaving residue.
The thing to keep in mind is that if TPF lifts during forming, it can jam up in your machine’s rollers and dies. However, with proper machine operation, running TPF-treated coil through your rollformer shouldn’t be a problem. You may have to adjust for thicker films.
Application during the rollforming process is an option, as with NTM’s strippable TPF film applicator. The optional applicator attaches to the overhead reel rack and adheres the protective film onto the coil as it’s fed into the machine.
However, some machine users prefer to have the TPF already applied to the coil. Just make sure to keep an eye on it as it’s forming through the rollers. “The coil running through the rollers on your machine can cause some issues if too much pressure is applied,” says Simonsen. “Especially if the protective film doesn’t have enough elasticity.”
TPF should cover the whole painted side of the sheet. However, in some instances, if you’re using nail punching, be aware that it may come up during the punching process. The Pregis TPF used by SMI is puncture and abrasion-resistant, making it suitable for rollforming.
Check with the manufacturer regarding the durability of the protective film for rollforming.
Lastly, machines running TPF-treated coils should be cleaned and maintained more often to avoid buildup in the rollformer’s mechanics. Make sure the forming rollers stay clean and in proper working order.
Temporary protective film is designed to protect your panels until installation; it is not a long-term barrier against the elements. By understanding which tackiness level matches your panel’s finish, storing materials correctly, avoiding prolonged exposure to heat and sun, and removing the film in a timely manner, you’ll prevent problems it can create.
Southerland says, “The biggest issue is just not leaving it on.” Likewise, Simonsen underscores the importance of careful planning and proper usage, noting that TPF “works correctly if we store it and use it correctly.”
All said, it’s better to avoid the pitfalls of using TPF than end up with scratched or damaged panels. So, whether you’re purchasing the coil with the TPF applied or applying it yourself, protecting the panels can save you time and money.
Using the right adhesive, communicating best practices down the supply chain, and following manufacturer guidelines can ensure a smooth experience using temporary protective film and preserve the finish of your metal roofing panels.
For more information on metal coil and protective film, contact Sheffield Metals. An account manager can help you determine what best fits your project needs.
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