Staying ahead of the curve in high-tech applications demands constant innovation and improved product efficiency. When looking for ways to create thinner, lighter, and more efficient products, ultra-thin skived films could be the answer. This article will discuss skived films, exploring typical applications and highlighting their unparalleled benefits.
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The Most Important Challenges Skived Films can Solve
First, we will address the main theme and reveal what major challenges skived films can help overcome. These highly resistant films have excellent protection properties to withstand extreme temperatures, chemicals, and radiation exposure. This makes them well-suited for applications where other polymers fail, such as in harsh working environments.
Comprised of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), skived films can be used in complex applications requiring non-stick properties. These may include use in the food or packaging industry, the aerospace industry, or other industrial applications, such as printed circuit board applications. Skived films' electrical shielding and dielectric properties are also perfect if protecting sensitive components, wires, and cables is needed.
Understanding Skived Film Manufacturing and How it Makes These Films Special
The skived film manufacturing process begins with high-grade premium resins, which are pressed and sintered into billets up to two meters high. These billets turn against a static knife to shave premium films from ultra-thin 12.5 µm thickness up to three millimeters.
Tailoring the thickness and width for a given application and specific customer needs is possible. Moreover, Saint-Gobain’s special surface activation processes can make the PTFE materials bondable, which is usually extremely difficult to achieve. The combination of flexible, ultra-thin, yet extremely durable, and customizable solutions makes Saint-Gobain’s PTFE films “special” for demanding applications, says Application Engineer Jan Kupzig.
Why Skived Films are the Ultimate Choice for High-Tech Applications
“Compared To Other Polymers (Like PE, PP, PET Or PA), PTFE Is The Material Offering The Widest Property Range,” explains Jan Kupzig, Application Engineer Films, Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions.
According to Jan, PTFE is the perfect material for applications that work with temperatures exceeding 150 °C. Moreover, PTFE materials are practical in applications using aggressive substances, such as hydrochloric acid, or those that necessitate inertness of materials or the lowest surface friction with a coefficient of friction (COF) of less than 0.1.
Saint-Gobain’s PTFE skived films outstrip other polymer solutions by extending performance and hurdle any process limits.
Skived PTFE films in pump diaphragms are a prime example of a demanding application as they are usually installed in harsh surroundings. To pump corrosive substances like acids with high pressure and high temperatures up to 260 °C, Saint-Gobain’s skived films offer unmatched component protection for reliable, failure-free operation, longer lifetimes, and reduced maintenance.
Other applications, such as hydrogen production, play a key role in future energy storage and supply. Saint-Gobain’s skived PTFE films act as a frame gasket that seals and protects sensitive components exposed to high temperatures and pressure.
The exceptional sealing properties of PTFE films also demonstrate proven performance in similar, demanding applications, such as those where chloride substances are present.
Electric motor applications are another key example of skived films being the difference. Today, E-motor technology is experiencing a tremendous wave of development as the drivers behind moving small and ultra-precision parts up to electrified vehicles and large industrial applications where they move several tons of weight.
Skived PTFE films are leveraged in high-performance and high-voltage electric motors to ensure reliable protection against short circuits. The Comparative Tracking Index (CTI), which exceeds 600 for PTFE, advances e-motor design as higher voltages for increased power output and safety are possible.
Conclusion
This article has outlined how skived PTFE films combine exceptional durability, resistance, and high protection properties to endure harsh environments with extreme temperatures, corrosive chemicals, and radiation.
With superior flexibility, conformability, and facilitated use, the dynamic properties of PTFE films can be tailored, making them well-suited for high-end applications like in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and food processing, where other polymer materials demonstrate their limitations when delivering high performance under challenging situations.
Skived films may be the missing piece of the puzzle to achieve the next level of product performance. Contact a Saint-Gobain expert today for information on skived PTFE films and experience the outstanding value these thin materials offer.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions.
For more information on this source, please visit Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions.