Delamination (de-lam) is an age-old problem in the thermal lamination industry, especially for cards and other products requiring long-term performance or outdoor durability. Many cards laminated with thermal films fall apart after being exposed to water or cleaning solutions. Additional wear and tear also causes de-lam over time.
Thermal polyester laminating films are typically manufactured with a primer layer between the base PET film and adhesive. This primer layer anchors the adhesive to the film but also creates a weak point where separation, or de-lamination (de-lam) occurs. By modifying the polyester surface and eliminating the primer layer, thermal films become impossible to de-lam, even when exposed to water, solvents or physical abuse.
This session covers new manufacturing technologies and processes that permanently eliminate de-lam in cards and ID products.