When engineers and procurement teams search for polyester near me, they often require a material that is both reliable and flexible enough to cover dozens of industrial and packaging needs. That solution is general purpose industrial polyester films—engineered PET (BOPET) grades that balance strength, clarity, and processability for a wide range of applications. From electrical insulation to laminating substrates, these films are the workhorse of the polyester family.
At Pilcher Hamilton Corporation (PHC), headquartered in Greer, South Carolina, we stock and convert general purpose polyester films in gauges ranging from 12 µm (48 gauge) to over 250 µm (10 mil), with options for corona treatment, slip levels, and winding formats. This breadth allows engineers, converters, and buyers to match film properties precisely to their operational requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Versatility: General purpose polyester films cover packaging, laminating, graphics, and industrial insulation.
- Gauge range: From ultra-thin 12 µm to heavy-duty 250 µm.
- Surface treatments: Options include untreated, corona treated, or chemically treated for adhesion.
- Thermal stability: PET films resist shrinkage at elevated temperatures compared to polyolefins.
- Converting support: PHC offers slitting, sheeting, winding, and toll converting across the U.S.
What Are General Purpose Industrial Polyester Films?
General purpose industrial polyester films (GP-PET) are biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET) films manufactured for broad use across industries. Unlike specialty-coated grades (such as PVDC or acrylic), these films provide a strong, clear, and thermally stable base layer for laminating, printing, and electrical or mechanical protection.
Core Features:
- Tensile strength: ~25,000–35,000 psi in MD/TD directions.
- Dimensional stability: <2% shrinkage at 150 °C.
- Optical clarity: High transparency for inspection or display applications.
- Barrier baseline: OTR ~80–120 cc/m²·day; WVTR ~2.5–3.5 g/m²·day (uncoated).
Industrial and Packaging Applications
Packaging
General purpose polyester packaging films serve as laminating layers in snack wrappers, pouches, and medical packaging. They form a durable substrate for metallization or barrier coatings. Explore PHC’s polyester packaging lineup.
Graphics & Labels
Clear PET films provide smooth surfaces for adhesive liners, protective overlays, and graphic printing. See graphic-grade options.
Industrial Uses
- Electrical insulation: Used in slot liners, coil wraps, and dielectric barriers.
- Masking & protection: Opaque white and translucent films shield surfaces during processing.
- Mechanical strength: PET films are used for membrane switches, gaskets, and spacers.
Gauge and Treatment Options
Film performance is closely tied to thickness and surface finish:
- Thin gauges (12–23 µm / 48–92 gauge): Ideal for flexible packaging and lamination.
- Medium gauges (36–75 µm / 144–300 gauge): Common in labels and graphic overlays.
- Thick gauges (100–250 µm / 4–10 mil): Used in electrical insulation, die-cutting, and industrial laminates.
Surface treatments include:
- Untreated: Smooth, low-dyne surface (~38 dynes/cm).
- Corona treated: Raised dyne level (42–56 dynes/cm) for inks and adhesives (learn more).
- Chemically treated: Enhanced adhesion durability compared to corona (chemical-treated PET).
Specification Table for General Purpose Polyester Films
| Property | Typical Range | Notes |
| Thickness (Gauge/µm) | 48 gauge (12 µm) – 10 mil (250 µm) | Broad industrial range |
| Tensile Strength | 25,000–35,000 psi (MD/TD) | Excellent mechanical strength |
| Shrinkage @ 150 °C | <2% | Superior to polyolefins |
| Surface Energy (untreated) | ~38 dynes/cm | Limited ink adhesion |
| Surface Energy (treated) | 42–56 dynes/cm | Suitable for laminating, printing |
| OTR (uncoated) | 80–120 cc/m²·day | Baseline barrier, improved with coatings |
| WVTR (uncoated) | 2.5–3.5 g/m²·day | Improved with metallization or PVDC |
| COF Range | 0.35–0.60 | Tunable slip performance |
How to Select the Right Film
When selecting general purpose polyester films, consider:
- Application environment: Will the film see heat, moisture, or mechanical stress?
- Surface compatibility: Do you need corona or chemical treatment for adhesives or inks?
- Barrier performance: Is metallization or PVDC coating required? (see PVDC-coated films)
- Converting format: Roll width, OD, core size—confirming compatibility with your line.
- Sustainability: Options include post-consumer recycled PET.
Converting and Services
PHC provides in-house converting so buyers receive production-ready rolls or sheets:
- Slitting to custom widths up to 140 inches.
- Sheeting for large-format sheets.
- Winding to specific OD/core requirements.
- Toll converting with NDA protection.
With millions of pounds in inventory, PHC ensures quick shipments and reliable availability.
FAQ
Q1: What are general purpose industrial polyester films used for?
They are versatile PET/BOPET films used in packaging, graphics, and industrial applications such as insulation, lamination, and die-cutting.
Q2: How do untreated and treated polyester films differ?
Untreated PET has ~38 dynes/cm surface energy, while corona or chemically treated films reach 42–56 dynes/cm, ensuring better adhesion for inks, adhesives, and coatings.
Q3: Are general purpose polyester films recyclable?
Yes. PET films are recyclable, and PHC also offers post-consumer recycled PET films.
Q4: How do I find polyester near me?
If you’re searching for polyester near me, PHC ships directly across the U.S. from Greer, South Carolina, supplying industrial and packaging PET films.
Q5: What gauge should I specify for electrical insulation?
Typically 125–250 µm (5–10 mil) films are used for slot liners, coil wraps, and dielectric barriers.
If your business depends on general purpose industrial polyester films, Pilcher Hamilton Corporation can supply and convert rolls to your exact specifications. Whether you need thin gauges for packaging or thick insulation films for motors, our U.S. team provides fast, dependable service.
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850 South Buncombe Road
Greer – South carolina
Learn more about our products and services, or contact us today for fast quotes and technical guidance. Stop searching for polyester near me—PHC delivers across the country.Visit our Contact and Locations pages.