Trägerfolie

Trägerfolie, or carrier film, is a thin, dimensionally stable film that carries or supports a layer such as an adhesive, a graphic, or a foil during production, processing and application. It can serve as backing in self-adhesive labels and as a transfer carrier in foil transfers, decals or protective coatings. The term refers to the film material rather than to a paper liner, and the Trägerfolie is typically removed after application.

Common materials for Trägerfolien are synthetic polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE); sometimes other plastics or even paper are used for specific applications. Typical thicknesses range from roughly 12 to 125 micrometers, with variations chosen to balance handling, dimensional stability and the required barrier or transparency. One or both sides of the film may be coated or treated; a silicone release coating on the release side provides controlled adhesion and easy removal from the carried layer. The non-release side can be corona or plasma treated to improve adhesion of inks, coatings or adhesives applied later.

Manufacturing and treatment methods include extrusion or casting to form the base film, followed by surface treatments and coatings tailored to the intended use. Trägerfolien are selected for properties such as tensile strength, chemical resistance, heat tolerance and optical clarity. They are used in a range of applications including self-adhesive labeling, transfer graphics, hot-stamping foils, protective films and electronics or photovoltaic module manufacturing where a stable carrier is required.

In selection, considerations include compatibility with adhesive systems, printing processes, environmental exposure and end-of-life disposition.