Single-Sided Laminating Film Types
OPP (POLYPROPYLENE):
OPP films are the most common laminates used for single-sided applications. They are available in numerous finishes and adhesive types, and are more economical than equivalent Polyester (PET) and most Nylon (curl-free* and lay-flat*) laminates. They offer excellent creasing and folding characteristics and can be foil stamped and glued.
- All OPP films carried by Sydney Stone (up to and including 1.8mil Superstick) are “Burstable”.
- They have excellent chemical resistance and good tear resistance.
- Common Applications: Hard and soft book covers & Dust jackets, Magazines, Presentation folders, Greeting and Postcards, Business cards, Brochures and Product sheets.
- Note: OPP film will conform to “crimped spine” hard cover books better than Nylon
- Note; *”curl-free” and “lay-flat” are registered trade names for Nylon laminates.
Finishes:
- Gloss: Gloss level is considered high with average abrasion resistance.
- Matte: A slightly dulled finish with average abrasion resistance.
- Scuff-Free Matte: A slightly dulled finish with excellent abrasion resistance.
- Soft Touch: A slightly dulled finish with a unique “feel” and good abrasion resistance.
Adhesives:
- Regular: Copolymer thermal adhesive with excellent adhesion on Offset output.
- Superstick*: Hybrid thermal adhesive with excellent adhesion on most Digital output.
- Digistick**: Hybrid thermal adhesive with good adhesion on most Digital output.
NYLON:
Nylon films are the best choice for single-sided applications when long-term continued flatness is a primary requirement. Although OPP laminates will remain relatively flat minor curl can occur when substantial changes in humidity take place after laminating. Nylon is unique in that it reacts to changes in humidity levels at a similar rate as paper, thereby remaining curl-free even when substantial changes in humidity levels occur.
- Nylon films are more stable than OPP films during the lamination process and do not stretch or expand when exposed to heat and therefore do not shrink or curl when cooling.
- Nylon films start out curl-free and remain curl-free better than any other laminate.
- They offer excellent creasing and folding characteristics and can be foil stamped and glued.
- They also have excellent chemical resistance and good tear resistance.
- The Nylon films carried by Sydney Stone (1.1mil Regular & Superstick) are “Burstable”.
- Common Applications: Soft Book covers, Dust jackets, Magazines, Presentation folders, Greeting and Postcards, Business cards, Brochures and Product sheets.
Finishes:
- Gloss: Gloss level is considered high with excellent abrasion resistance. Nylon BXT* 1.1mil Burstable is currently available in Gloss finish only.
Adhesives:
- Regular: Copolymer thermal adhesive with excellent adhesion on Offset output.
- Superstick*: Hybrid thermal adhesive with excellent adhesion on most Digital output.
- Note: “Nylon BXT”, “Superstick”, “Digistick” and “Curl-Free” are registered trademarks.
- Note: “Superstick” adhesive is “Xerox Finishing Lab Validated”.
READ MORE:
>> Best Practices for Single-Sided Lamination
>> Types of Single Side Laminators and Guidelines
>> Guidelines for Temperature & Speed by Laminator & Film Type
OPP films are the most common laminates used for single-sided applications. They are available in numerous finishes and adhesive types, and are more economical than equivalent Polyester (PET) and most Nylon (curl-free* and lay-flat*) laminates. They offer excellent creasing and folding characteristics and can be foil stamped and glued.
- All OPP films carried by Sydney Stone (up to and including 1.8mil Superstick) are “Burstable”.
- They have excellent chemical resistance and good tear resistance.
- Common Applications: Hard and soft book covers & Dust jackets, Magazines, Presentation folders, Greeting and Postcards, Business cards, Brochures and Product sheets.
- Note: OPP film will conform to “crimped spine” hard cover books better than Nylon
- Note; *”curl-free” and “lay-flat” are registered trade names for Nylon laminates.
Finishes:
- Gloss: Gloss level is considered high with average abrasion resistance.
- Matte: A slightly dulled finish with average abrasion resistance.
- Scuff-Free Matte: A slightly dulled finish with excellent abrasion resistance.
- Soft Touch: A slightly dulled finish with a unique “feel” and good abrasion resistance.
Adhesives:
- Regular: Copolymer thermal adhesive with excellent adhesion on Offset output.
- Superstick*: Hybrid thermal adhesive with excellent adhesion on most Digital output.
- Digistick**: Hybrid thermal adhesive with good adhesion on most Digital output.
NYLON:
Nylon films are the best choice for single-sided applications when long-term continued flatness is a primary requirement. Although OPP laminates will remain relatively flat minor curl can occur when substantial changes in humidity take place after laminating. Nylon is unique in that it reacts to changes in humidity levels at a similar rate as paper, thereby remaining curl-free even when substantial changes in humidity levels occur.
- Nylon films are more stable than OPP films during the lamination process and do not stretch or expand when exposed to heat and therefore do not shrink or curl when cooling.
- Nylon films start out curl-free and remain curl-free better than any other laminate.
- They offer excellent creasing and folding characteristics and can be foil stamped and glued.
- They also have excellent chemical resistance and good tear resistance.
- The Nylon films carried by Sydney Stone (1.1mil Regular & Superstick) are “Burstable”.
- Common Applications: Soft Book covers, Dust jackets, Magazines, Presentation folders, Greeting and Postcards, Business cards, Brochures and Product sheets.
Finishes:
- Gloss: Gloss level is considered high with excellent abrasion resistance. Nylon BXT* 1.1mil Burstable is currently available in Gloss finish only.
Adhesives:
- Regular: Copolymer thermal adhesive with excellent adhesion on Offset output.
- Superstick*: Hybrid thermal adhesive with excellent adhesion on most Digital output.
- Note: “Nylon BXT”, “Superstick”, “Digistick” and “Curl-Free” are registered trademarks.
- Note: “Superstick” adhesive is “Xerox Finishing Lab Validated”.
READ MORE:
>> Best Practices for Single-Sided Lamination
>> Types of Single Side Laminators and Guidelines
>> Guidelines for Temperature & Speed by Laminator & Film Type