Building Film Structures

When it comes to packaging films there are primary film categories such as Polyester, Polypropylene, or Polyethylene to list a few and 100’s of film structures (combinations of films) to choose from.  In a print production environment, a majority of the time you will have a base film or layered film structure that makes up the primary package.  From there graphics are typically printed in reverse(mirror) on 42 or 48 gage polyesters. That film is laminated to the base structure, protecting the printed image with a ½ mil of optically clear polyester sealing the print into the overall structure which makes it safe for food products.

While it would be nice to always print on your specific film structure, that is not possible.  JetComp currently offers a wide range of films from 1mil to 3mil in thickness.  We provide you with the most popular base film substrates to print on and offer support products for building film thickness or structure. 

For example, if you want a 3 mil clear hanging pouch, we would recommend printing the art on JetComp 8501, 1mil clear Poly film.  Once printed and cured, you would cold laminate JetComp 8200 1mil Clear PET pressure sensitive (PS) Over-lam film to protect the printed image and build overall film thickness prior to assembling the package prototype.  For thicker structures print on JetComp 2mil or 3mil films and laminate with 8200 Over-lam film or use a thicker cold lamination film.  2 and 3mil Polyester PS variations are readily available through most printer supply houses.  Never use Vinyl unless you like a rubbery feel to your prototype.

27” wide cold laminators can be purchased for a little as $100.00 on eBay.  You can apply the PET laminations by the sheet/piece or fed from the roll with other models.  Below is an example of a basic laminator from eBay.

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Building Film Structures

Eco-Solvent Package Prototyping Solution.
Prototyping & Proofing Films,
Inkjet Media Guide.