optimont® 501

optimont® 501 – BO-PET film for a wide range of applications

optimont® 501 is a biaxially oriented polyester film (BO-PET) that can be used for a wide variety of packaging solutions and technical applications. It is produced by Bleher Folientechnik and, according to the technical data sheet, is available in thicknesses from 7 to 250 µm.

An important field of application for this food-compliant film is viewing windows for cardboard packaging, also referred to as film for folding cartons. optimont® 501 is also used for packaging that is manufactured entirely from film material. In addition, optimont® 501 is used as a technical film for automotive applications as well as a process film or release film and in many other areas of industrial manufacturing.

Properties of optimont® 501 film

As a biaxially oriented polyester film, optimont® 501 is highly heat-resistant, exhibits very good mechanical strength values, and is dimensionally stable. The term biaxial orientation originates from the production step in which the film is stretched after extrusion in the machine direction and transverse to it, or “oriented,” as the technical term is used. This processing step, carried out with the application of heat, is responsible for the film’s good mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and heat resistance.

optimont® 501 complies with food contact requirements in accordance with EU Regulation 10/2011 as well as the specifications of the U.S. authority FDA 21 CFR 177.1630. The film material is equipped with a one-sided adhesion-promoting surface, which ensures printability and coatability.

optimont® 501 film for viewing window packaging applications

The most important prerequisite for use as a viewing window film is that optimont® 501 is a transparent film. According to the data sheet, the optical properties of the film include a light transmission of 85 to 88 percent, a haze value of less than three percent, and a gloss level of 100 to 120 percent at a 45-degree angle of light incidence. These optical properties make the transparent optimont® 501 film an ideal material for viewing windows.

In addition, the clear film offers mechanical robustness, food compliance, and heat resistance. The robust film is also widely used as a viewing window in the non-food sector, for example in the packaging of loose hardware store items such as screws, nails, nuts, or washers. optimont® 501 film is also very well suited for food additives or medicines in viewing window packaging.

optimont® 501 as packaging film

Primarily in thinner versions than those used for viewing window film, optimont® 501 is also used as a packaging film for the complete packaging of products of all kinds. Due to the one-sided adhesion-promoting surface, the packaging can be printed with product information and advertising messages. Laminations that fully or partially obscure the packaged product are also possible on this material.

As a result, optimont® 501 film is a frequently used film in both the food packaging sector and for other products, offering producers a robust yet cost-effective packaging solution that meets the requirements of various product areas as well as those of marketing departments.

optimont® 501 as a technical film

The properties described above and the one-sided adhesion-promoting surface open up a wide range of applications for optimont® 501 film in industry and technology. For example, the PET film can be used as a process film or carrier film in various technical fields or in printing technology.

As a film for automotive applications, meaning everything related to the automotive industry, the heat-resistant and robust BO-PET film offers a wide range of possible uses. Transparent films are used not only in automobile manufacturing itself, but also by suppliers and component manufacturers. The transparent film is also used in the aerospace sector due to its high durability and long service life.

Biaxially oriented polyester films in the automotive industry and other technical application areas

In industrial applications of optimont® 501, the clear films are required to withstand high loads in various respects. Temperature resistance in both high and low temperature ranges has already been mentioned. In addition to tensile and tear strength, the chemical resistance of the films also plays a decisive role.

For use in long-lasting products such as automobiles, aircraft, or even spacecraft, the aging resistance of the material is also important. In addition, polyester films are good electrical insulators and achieve high dielectric strength of up to 180 kV/mm. The low moisture absorption, which is only approx. 0.3 percent, is also a significant argument for the use of BO-PET films in industrial applications.

Film applications in the automotive sector

Below are just a few examples of film applications in the automotive industry. Which areas optimont® 501 film is suitable for and which applications can be covered by other films from the Bleher product range can be clarified in consultation with the Bleher service team:

• Entry sill plates for vehicles
• Decorative elements and trim parts in the interior
• Displays and switches
• Control units, keyboards, and control panels
• Instrument covers such as speedometer dials
• Front panels
• Surface finishing
• Black panel effect for instrument and information displays
• Various interior components in automobiles
• Light diffusion films
• Thermoformed housings and molded parts

Environmental aspects of using optimont® 501 film

optimont® 501 film is manufactured from PET material, which is known to have a well-established recycling loop. When appropriately integrated into this recycling process, the film is significantly more sustainable than other film materials, despite its origin from petrochemical raw materials.

In addition, optimont® 501-R-PET is available, a film that has nearly identical product properties to optimont® 501 film but is manufactured with up to 90 percent post-consumer recycled content, i.e. recycled PET. When using this recycled film, significant savings in energy and water consumption are possible, which have a positive impact on the film’s environmental footprint.

Storage, cutting, and dimensions of optimont® 501 film

optimont® 501 film is available in cut sheet formats according to customer requirements. In addition, delivery is possible as narrow rolls, short rolls, as well as jumbo rolls and master rolls.

When storing optimont® 501 films, it should be ensured that the films are stored in a closed storage room or warehouse. The films must not be exposed to direct sunlight or other light sources. Moisture and heat should be avoided. It is recommended to store the films dry in the original packaging at temperatures below 40° Celsius.