When engineers and sourcing teams type polyester near me, they’re usually trying to solve a practical problem: a dependable release liner that controls peel, runs fast on press, and keeps adhesive where it belongs—on the product. Silicone coated release films based on polyester (PET/BOPET) deliver that consistency. At Pilcher Hamilton Corporation (PHC), located at 850 South Buncombe Road
Greer – South carolina, we engineer silicone-coated polyester film systems to deliver predictable release force curves, clean removability, and robust surface energy for downstream lamination or print.
Key Takeaways
- Polyester (PET/BOPET) release liners provide dimensional stability, clarity, and heat resistance versus paper liners—ideal for tight-tolerance die-cutting and high-speed converting.
- Release forces can be tuned (e.g., 8–15 g/in “easy,” 20–40 g/in “medium,” 60–120+ g/in “tight”) to match acrylic, rubber, and silicone PSAs.
- Surface energy after treatment typically targets 42–48 dynes/cm; liners may use single- or double-sided silicone with differential release.
- Typical gauges: 48–200 gauge (12–50 µm); common formats include 48g, 75g, 92g, and 100g.
- PHC offers slitting, sheeting, winding, and coating services to deliver liner rolls ready for press. See our all services overview.
The Basics of Silicone Coated Polyester Release Films
Why polyester? PET/BOPET provides a smooth, inert, and highly stable base for silicone systems. Compared to paper, polyester film resists humidity curl, maintains low MD/TD shrink at typical application temperatures, and supports precise die-cut registration. For applications like electronics, automotive tapes, labels, and graphics, this stability reduces waste and improves kiss-cut accuracy.
Silicone systems. The release layer is usually a polysiloxane cured to the PET surface through thermal or UV mechanisms. Platinum-catalyzed (addition-cure) silicones are common for low-migration, consistent release; tin-catalyzed (condensation-cure) variants may be used in certain value-driven constructions. Solventless systems dominate for efficiency and sustainability; solvent-based and emulsion coatings are used when rheology, coverage, or special anchorage is required.
Single-side vs. double-side. You can specify one-side (1S) silicone or two-side (2S) for roll-to-roll efficiency. Differential release (e.g., 15 g/in on side A, 80 g/in on side B) helps manage multi-layer assemblies and complex die-cut packs.
Release Properties Explained: Matching Liner to Adhesive
A release liner must let go precisely when and how your process demands. We tune to release force, typically measured in grams per inch (g/in) or N/25 mm at a specified peel angle and speed. Key variables:
- Adhesive family: Acrylic PSAs often prefer “easy to medium” release; rubber-based may need tighter release to prevent pre-dispense; silicone PSAs require specially formulated silicone-over-silicone systems.
- Aging behavior: Properly formulated silicones maintain a stable release curve after thermal/humidity aging; we design to avoid post-cure growth or adhesive pickup.
- Surface energy balance: The silicone side targets controlled low surface energy; the opposite side may be corona-treated for laminating or printing, typically >42 dynes/cm. Explore our corona-treated PET guidance.
Typical release ranges (guide values at 12 in/min, 180°):
- Easy: 8–15 g/in | Medium: 20–40 g/in | Tight: 60–120+ g/in
We can target custom ranges and differential pairs to stabilize your line.
Uses in Adhesives, Graphics, and Industrial Applications
Pressure-Sensitive Tapes & Labels
- Acrylic transfer tapes and double-coated tapes benefit from medium/tight release to minimize pre-dispense and telescoping.
- Electronics and automotive assemblies demand low shrink, high clarity, and consistent peel across lot codes—classic PET strengths.
- Graphic films & signage: PET liners keep facestocks flat, improve clarity for registration, and provide clean release for print-and-cut workflows.
Medical & Hygiene (non-sterile liners)
- Consistent release is critical for drape films, hydrocolloid dressings, and elastic tapes. Polyester film’s moisture resistance avoids paper cockle in humid storage.
Converting Packs & Kiss-Cut Parts
- Die-cut gaskets, foam parts, and EMI shielding benefit from low silicone transfer and clean release to protect adhesive performance before final application.
For a broader view of PHC’s portfolio, see our All Products and reference-grade Film Specs library.
Specification Guidelines: Build the Right Silicone-PET System
1) Base Film (PET/BOPET):
- Gauges: 48–200 gauge (12–50 µm) common; thicker gauges support stiffer layflat and rough handling.
- Clarity/Haze: Clear or hazy bases; graphics workflow may prefer ultra-clear for optical inspection.
2) Surface Treatments:
- Silicone side: Primed or in-line treated for anchorage; target stable release over shelf life.
- Back side: Corona-treated (42–48 dynes/cm) or chemical-treated to bond print primers, adhesives, or laminates.
3) Silicone Cure & Chemistry:
- Platinum-catalyzed, solventless: low extractables, fast cure, consistent release.
- Tin-catalyzed: cost-oriented where allowed.
- UV-curable: when thermal exposure must be minimized.
4) Release Force Targets:
- Declare initial and aged release (e.g., 70°C × 24–72 hr; 50% RH) and acceptable growth (e.g., <20% change).
5) COF & Handling:
- PET liner COF typically 0.30–0.55; specify for unwind/rewind stability on high-speed lines.
6) Roll Format:
- Widths up to typical converting limits (project-specific), OD to match press, 3 in / 6 in cores. See Slitting, Sheeting, and Winding.
7) Documentation:
- Pair specifications with technical data and agreed test methods. Browse Technical Datasheets.
Specification Table: Common PET Silicone Release Options (Guide)
| Parameter | Option A | Option B | Option C |
| PET Gauge (µm / gauge) | 12 µm / 48g | 19 µm / 75g | 23–25 µm / 92–100g |
| Silicone Type | Solventless, Pt-cure | Solvent-based, Pt-cure | UV-cure |
| Release Target (g/in) | 10–15 (easy) | 20–40 (medium) | 60–120 (tight) |
| Construction | 1S silicone / corona back | 2S differential (15/80) | 1S silicone / print primer back |
| Back-Side Dyne | 42–46 dynes/cm | 44–48 dynes/cm | 42–46 dynes/cm |
| Typical Use | Graphics, labels | Transfer tapes | Silicone PSA, foam tape packs |
Values are representative; PHC will tune to your test method, adhesive, and line speed.
Process Control: Making Release Predictable
Anchorage & Migration: We control silicone anchorage through primers, surface prep, and cure. Proper anchorage prevents silicone pickup onto the adhesive, protecting bond strength and shear.
Thermal/Humidity Stability: Polyester liners maintain low shrink; we design for storage stability (e.g., 15–30°C, <60% RH) and line conditions (e.g., nips at 60–90 psi, web temps as required). Release growth after aging is tested to your spec.
Cleanliness: PET’s smooth surface supports low defect counts (gels, pits). Converting hygiene reduces fish-eyes and voids that can telegraph through thin adhesive layers.
Trends in Release Technology
- Differential systems for multi-layer adhesive packs (liner/liner, liner/laminate).
- Low-migration silicones to protect electronics and optical assemblies.
- Hybrid primers for aggressive acrylics and silicone PSAs.
- Process analytics (inline dyne, coat weight) to reduce lot-to-lot variability.
- Sustainable options: pairing silicone systems with post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET where feasible; explore PHC’s PCR PET initiatives.
Practical Comparison: Polyester vs. Paper Release Liners (Quick View)
| Attribute | PET/BOPET Release Film | Paper (Glassine/CCK) |
| Dimensional Stability | Excellent (low humidity curl) | Sensitive to humidity |
| Optical Clarity | High (inspection, registration) | Opaque |
| Heat Resistance | High (PET Tg ~70–80°C; melts ~250°C / 482°F) | Lower |
| Die-Cut Accuracy | Excellent for tight tolerances | Good, varies with basis weight |
| Cost per MSI | Moderate–High | Low–Moderate |
| Recyclability Pathways | Improving (PET streams) | Paper recycling widely available |
Choose PET when precision, cleanliness, and heat stability outweigh raw liner cost.
Buyer’s Checklist
- Adhesive family (acrylic, rubber, silicone) and target release force (g/in) initial & aged.
- PET gauge (48, 75, 92/100, 150, 200 gauge) and stiffness requirements.
- Silicone system (solventless Pt, solvent-based Pt, UV; tin where applicable).
- Construction (1S, 2S, differential), back-side dyne (42–48 dynes/cm).
- Roll build (width, OD, core), splice policy, inspection specs.
- COF range for unwind/rewind (typ. 0.30–0.55).
- Aging protocol (temperature/humidity/time) and acceptable release growth.
- Converting services needed: Slitting, Sheeting, Winding.
FAQ
Q1: What release range should I choose for an acrylic transfer tape?
Most acrylic transfer tapes run well with medium release (20–40 g/in) to prevent premature dispensing while keeping liner removal smooth at application.
Q2: Can you supply differential release (two different peels on each side)?
Yes. PET liners are ideal for 2S differential (e.g., 15/80 g/in) to stage multi-layer adhesive assemblies without confusion in production.
Q3: How do you maintain stable release over time?
Through anchorage chemistry, controlled cure, and aging protocols that verify release growth limits. We document with lot-based data in your agreed method; see our Technical Datasheets.
Q4: Is polyester better than paper for die-cut accuracy?
For tight tolerances and humidity resilience, polyester film typically wins due to dimensional stability, smoothness, and lower curl.
Q5: Where can I find polyester near me for release liner applications?
PHC serves customers nationwide from Greer, South Carolina. We’ll match the release profile to your adhesive and deliver press-ready rolls.
Talk to PHC Release Liner Specialists
If you’re benchmarking liners and searching for polyester near me, connect with Pilcher Hamilton Corporation for tuned silicone coated release films that protect adhesive performance and speed up your converting lines. Explore All Products, review Film Specs, or Contact Us to start a spec review.
Pilcher Hamilton Corporation
850 South Buncombe Road
Greer – South carolina