What is Melinex Film?

Melinex is a popular type of polyester plastic film that can benefit organizations in a variety of industries. If you’re evaluating your company’s material needs, it’s important to understand the qualities and benefits of Melinex and other plastic film options to make an informed decision. 

For those who are interested in learning more about this popular plastic material, here’s a guide to Melinex film for commercial and industrial applications. 

What Is Melinex Film?

Melinex is a specific type of polyester PET film. It’s actually a brand-name product produced by DuPont Teijin Films, but the brand has become synonymous with the material in many markets, so the terms are often used interchangeably. While all Melinex products are PET, there are PET plastics that are not technically Melinex. 

This specific type of plastic film offers several high-performance properties, including optical clarity and a chemical makeup that allows it to be presented as amorphous, crystalline, or even a combination of the two. This makes it a versatile option that works in a huge array of industries and applications.

Visually, Melinex often has a clear, glossy finish. It can be produced with various finishes and textures, from rough surfaces to a hazy or matte finish. The surface also offers anti-fog and anti-glare properties, meaning harsh sunlight or other elements will not change the appearance or makeup of the film. It may even be treated with various chemical additives to improve adhesion or apply printed materials or special coatings that alter the appearance for specific settings or applications. 

In addition to its visual properties, Melinex offers high-performance properties like heat stabilization. Specifically, it does not shrink or lose its form if placed next to hot surfaces or in areas with extreme temperature shifts. It is also fairly impact-resistant and can be utilized in areas where it may be exposed to force or flying debris. 

What Is Melinex Film Used For?

There are many common uses for Melinex film, from printed electronics to signage. Since it’s incredibly versatile, the potential applications are nearly endless.

Because of its durability, thermoformability, and optical clarity, Melinex film is often used in clear packaging. It’s especially common in the food and beverage industries, as it is available in grades that are compliant with FDA and USDA food safety regulations. It can be produced in specific shapes and protects food items without releasing any chemicals or harmful materials into the food. 

Melinex film is also popular in signage and display applications. The high-performance properties prevent shrinkage and protect various visual media. Additives can be combined with the raw material, making it ideal for printing or adding graphic elements.  Signs can even be placed outdoors due to the durability of Melinex in various temperatures and environments. It’s also a popular choice for secure ID cards.

In addition, Melinex’s heat-resistant properties make it ideal for use in circuits and printed electronics. The film is able to hold its original form and chemical makeup, even when exposed to wiring or other heat-producing components. So it can easily be integrated into these components without any concerns about melting or releasing fumes or toxic materials.

What Sets Melinex Film Apart From Other Plastic Films?

Melinex film is often compared to other plastics – especially those in the polyester film category. However, it offers high-performance properties that allow it to stand out in many of the applications outlined above. 

One of the other brand-name polyester films that is often compared to Melinex is Mylar. These two materials have many of the same high-performance properties, making them interchangeable in certain industries or specific applications, but there are some slight differences. Mylar is a strong, flexible, transparent Polyester film. Additionally, it has high impact and tensile strength and can hold up in high temperatures. However, Melinex film is often known more for its various finishes and printing capabilities or chemical treatments, whereas Mylar is more synonymous with strength. 

There are other PET and polyester films that offer similar properties to Mylar and Melinex. However, the benefits and properties listed above allow Melinex to stand out in industries like graphics, signage, food packaging, and printed electronics. 

In general, PET film is known for being more translucent than other clear films like acrylic and polycarbonate. It can also be more flexible and versatile than these options. In terms of strength and impact resistance PET falls between acrylic and polycarbonate. It can absorb impact from flying debris or intentional manipulation more effectively than acrylic, but it is not quite as strong as polycarbonate, which is often used in ballistic-resistant glass and similar products. All of these are significantly more impact resistant than glass. 

If you’re in the market for Melinex or want to learn more about the various plastic film products that could support your company’s applications, PolymerFilms can help. We offer a huge array of products and solutions from top industry manufacturers like DuPont. We have extensive experience working with various industries, including printed electronics, signage, and packaging, so our team can guide you to the ideal solutions for your particular applications. If you want to learn more about Melinex film or how it stacks up against other film options, just visit our website to request a free consultation with your closest PolymerFilms branch.