Bubbles may form under the film if cutting gas escapes between the sheet and the film during cutting. The risks are as follows:
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In 90% of cases, bubbling occurs during the drilling phase.
The risk of bubbling is amplified when the cuts are very close together. For example, small holes that are very close together. The gas pressure is concentrated on a very small surface and bubbles appear. There is also a strong risk of bubbling when the holes are less than 5mm apart. In this case, vaporisation must be carried out to avoid bubbling, i.e., burning the film before the cutting and, more specifically, the drilling phase. ‘Pre-drilling’ is available on most machines and can be done in the same operation as drilling, without significantly impacting productivity.
When the distance between the holes is greater, the holes are made in an area where the film is intact. There is therefore less risk of bubbles.
Protective film on sheet metal impacts the production process. Yet, suppliers standardise films, at the cost of optimising the cutting process. However, when the volumes are high enough, or if the film is applied in-house, then the manufacturer can choose a more suitable film.
When choosing the film, it’s important to find a balance between high adhesion to limit bubbles and low adhesion to make the film easier to remove.
A) With this in mind, there are several aspects to consider when choosing a film :
? the cutting technology: fibre laser source or CO2 laser
A fibre laser’s wavelength is ten times shorter than that of a CO2 laser and is not absorbed by the plastic. Thus, using a film designed for CO2 laser would create a very uneven cut if used with a fibre laser source. In fact, films specifically for fibre laser cutting have built-in absorbers.
? the material: stainless steel, aluminium, pre-lacquered, etc.
Stainless steel/aluminium: Some materials are highly thermally conductive, e.g., aluminium, copper, etc. In this case, the heat spreads when cutting and can melt the film. The sheet protection for these materials therefore must be adapted, with a higher level of thermal resistance than a film for stainless steel, for example.
Pre-lacquered steel: Cutting pre-lacquered steel can be problematic if the lacquer used is not designed for good laser wave absorption. Even if there are specific films, the lacquer must be adapted, in particular with specific additives.
Double-sided: Double-sided protection can cause a small amount of burring during cutting, because the film on the table side retains the material. It is therefore recommended to use thin films, which reduce, or even eliminate, quality problems.
? Thickness of the sheet metal used
Depending on the thickness, the pressure of the cutting gas is different and therefore does not require the same level of adhesion. As a result, a film designed for thin sheet metal will result in a lot of bubbling if used on thick sheet metal.
? Material finishes: brushed, glossy, scotch-brite, etc.
Adhesion depends on the surface and the film products are adapted to each surface. It is therefore important to take the finish of the material into account when choosing a film.
B) Quality control: how to ensure that the film is suitable and properly applied?
? Specific colour codes and markings enable the operator to identify the type of film for visual inspection. Brice Lequette – Novacel explains: "The protective film for a CO2 laser is black on the glue side and white on the outside, whereas for a fibre laser it is black on the glue side and grey on the outside.”
? It is important to properly apply the film, especially by limiting its elongation. This is because plastic is a shape memory material that will return to its original size if elongated. Elongation reduces adhesion and the film will therefore be less resistant to gas pressure, leading to an increased risk of bubbling.
A quick test can be carried out to check that the film has been properly applied:
A few visual clues can also alert to any issues, such as small application defects like bubbles, etc.
? The sheet metal should not be cut for 48 hours after applying the film.
Picking the right temporary surface protection film for your construction project might look complex. After all, each film can be very subtly different.
But it doesn’t have to be difficult!
Our quick read overview explains how each film works on your jobsite, the specific risk a film is designed to remove and an essential feature every film should have.
Plus! Read on to discover a temporary surface protection film checklist you can use to make sure you match the risk to the right film. We’ve even included information about sourcing free project assistance to make this process super simple.
We’ll explore essentials such as assessing when temporary surface protection film can be used as the most cost-effective solution vs other products, the different specifications of film and also the types of surfaces they can be used to protect.
Let’s nail down the main types of temporary surface protection film…
In short, the materials used for the construction of your film will depend on the risk the film is designed to remove. Simple.
These materials can be modified or combined with other additives to make the film even more effective against that specific risk. For example, UV stabilizers to add resistance against sunlight or extra adhesion might be included.
The specific composition, though, can vary between manufacturers and product lines (keep reading for a highly recommended tip to ensure consistent performance!).
Plus, different films are designed for specific applications, such as protecting painted surfaces, glass, stainless steel, or automotive parts.
Tip: Combine your temporary surface protection film with temporary surface protection products like floor, stairway and dust control solutions to benefit from delivery as fast as the next day for your jobsite’s complete surface protection package.
There’s a big reason for choosing film over boards, fleece or other products.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of stainless steel protective film. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Put simply, if impact resistance isn’t needed then film may be the most cost-effective option as the thinner material found in film can be more than enough to prevent scrapes, mud, dust and spills from causing damage.
Temporary surface protection film often covers surfaces like window frames, mullions, sills, cabinets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers BUT a high-performance carpet film with its own applicator is also available and delivers great results for construction professionals.
Want to test a specific film for yourself before you order? Our famous Axiom Sample Box service lets you try before you buy (and we’ll even include a free pack of candy to say thanks!).
Asking just four questions will go a long way towards choosing exactly the right film for each project.
1. What surface do you need to protect?
Why it’s important: There’s a big difference between a hard surface and a carpeted surface as each needs a different adhesive to ensure firm hold without damage. Plus, porous or chemical-finished surfaces need special consideration.
2. How long does the protection need to be in place?
Why it’s important: Some films are rated for 45 days, some for 60 and some for as long as 365 days! You’ll want to have confidence that the film will hold well and remove without leaving a residue.
3. Will the surface be in direct sunlight?
Why it’s important: Choosing a UV-protected film for a surface like window frames means the product’s performance will continue even in prolonged exposure to bright sunlight.
4. How much strength does the risk demand?
Why it’s important: Different films have unique thicknesses to be more durable than others and can be matched to your jobsite.
Pro tip! Thinking through the full application you need AND the end result of using a film on your jobsite helps with working backwards to the right solution. ‘Beginning with the end’ helps to single out the right film options very quickly.
You, however, can access free Project Assistance to help match your risk factors to the right choice of film. Simply book your call (we even do site visits) to speak to an Axiom Temporary Surface Protection specialist.
But our biggest recommendation? Axiom’s temporary surface protection films are purpose-made and have been tried, tested and proven by construction pros across the country like you. Taking a chance on a lesser brand, a generalist supplier or a cheap workaround can lead to costly and disruptive repairs on your jobsite.
Why take our word for it? Well, we eat sleep and breathe temporary surface protection because it’s all we do! Click to find out what makes Axiom different from regular suppliers.
As well as our Project Assistance service, there are two ways to make choosing between surface protection films extremely easy…
Choosing Axiom for temporary surface protection means expert, rapid and personal help before, during and after your order.
Most of all, we’re super passionate about helping you save time, save money and look good on your jobsites. And we think it shows in everything we do.
For more information, please visit aluminium protective solution.