Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Extruders define films in different ways, but generally they have thicknesses
ranging from 0.001 inch through 0.30 inch. As explained in this report,
minimum film thicknesses are trending towards micro as exciting technologies
emerge. Most high-temperature films are in the range of 0.001 inch to 0.010
inch.
A word on film thickness units: both English and metric units commonly are
used. U.S. film thickness is expressed in gauge. In film technology, gauge is
a measurement where one gauge unit equals 0.01 mil or about 0.25 micrometers
(microns). Perhaps the easiest way to remember the relationship between these
unit systems is that 100-gauge film is 1 mil or 25 microns thick.
SCOPE OF STUDY
This report contains:
- Significant trends affecting high-performance polymer films and their
major end-use application markets, including polyesters, nylons,
polyolefin-based, polycarbonates, fluoropolymers, cyclic olefin copolymers and
polyimides
- Forecasts for specific end markets for high-performance films by material
types, with sections devoted to each class of high-performance film
- Analyses and market developments from the viewpoint of major applications
for high-performance films including: automotive, electrical/electronic,
magnetic media, packaging, photographic/reprographic, and release films
- Environmental and regulatory considerations that affect high-performance
films, and their impact on products and markets
- Profiles of the major companies in the industry and a detailed patent
analysis.
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
Extensive searches were made of the literature and the Internet, including
many of the leading trade publications, as well as technical compendia,
government publications and information from trade and other associations.
Additional product and market information was obtained from principals
involved in the industry. Other sources included directories, articles and
Internet sites.
AUTHOR' S CREDENTIALS
Douglas A. Smock was the chief editor of Plastics World Magazine from 1986 to
1994 at Cahners Publishing Co. (now part of Reed-Elsevier). He also served as
a senior editor of Modern Plastics at McGraw-Hill Publishing Co., associate
publisher and editorial director of Modern Mold & Tooling at the McGraw-Hill
Publishing Co., and chief editor of Purchasing Magazine at Reed Business
Information from 2000 to 2004.
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