For over forty years, Metalfilms has been a benchmark in third-party metallization of technical films, thanks to its solid experience, highly technological production facility, and continuously evolving offerings. In addition to traditional metallization, the company provides advanced treatments such as lacquering, stripe metallization, and transparent ALOX metallization, which give materials specific and customized properties according to their final application. Metalfilms is capable of treating a wide variety of substrates, from plastic films to special materials, offering high-performance solutions for major industrial sectors, from packaging to electronics, and even the most technical fields
Metalfilms’ metallization process is based on Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) technology, an advanced system that deposits an ultra-thin layer of aluminum onto film and paper rolls. This treatment enhances the material’s properties by providing gas and moisture barrier, thermal and electromagnetic reflectivity, and a uniform, glossy appearance.
Inside the metallizer, the film passes over a process roller positioned above a set of evaporators that heat aluminum wire to extremely high temperatures until it completely evaporates. The aluminum then condenses on the surface of the film, forming a uniform and controlled layer, with thickness ranging from 100 to over 350 Angstroms. Thanks to strict quality controls, the deposition is highly precise and monitored in real-time to ensure maximum uniformity.
COATINGS, stripe metallization and ALOX
In addition to traditional metallization, Metalfilms offers a range of advanced treatments designed to optimize the functional performance of technical films according to specific application needs.
The lacquering process involves the controlled application of transparent coatings on one or both sides of the film, to improve its surface characteristics.
This treatment enhances ink and adhesive application, protects the metallized layer from oxidation and abrasion, and allows the creation of bilayer-coated films by applying different coatings on each side for distinct functionalities.
The formulations used by Metalfilms ensure high chemical and mechanical resistance while maintaining compatibility with downstream industrial processes.
Stripe metallization is a highly technical solution for applications requiring selective metallization, ideal for creating differentiated functional areas on the same substrate. This technology is used in applications where transparent portions of film alternate with metallized sections, such as in smart packaging or technical components.
Finally, ALOX metallization (transparent aluminum oxide) eallows for high barrier properties against oxygen and moisture without compromising the film’s transparency. This technology is particularly suitable for food and medical packaging, where it is essential to maintain product visibility without sacrificing protection.
With these solutions, Metalfilms confirms its ability to tailor every treatment to customer needs, with an approach focused on innovation, precision, and maximum reliability.
A wide range of materials for tailored solutions
Thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities, Metalfilms is capable of metallizing a broad range of materials with thicknesses ranging from 7 to 800 microns, including:
– Plastic films: OPP, BOPP, CAST, LDPE, MDPE, HDPE, PET, PVC, PS, OPS, CPP, PC, PA, NYLON;
– Special substrates: paper, cardboard, nonwoven fabric (TNT), technical fabrics made of carbon fibre and glass fibre, biodegradable films.
This flexibility allows the company to deliver customized solutions for sectors such as food packaging, cosmetics, electronics, automotive, and aerospace.
Quality and control: a constant commitment to maximum reliability
For Metalfilms, quality is not just a goal, but it is a continuous commitment. The company follows strict control protocols at every stage of the production process, assuring certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ISO 45001, and chain-of-custody standards.
The quality controls include:
– Verification of incoming roll integrity to ensure base materials meet the required standards;
– Film wettability testing, essential for optimal adhesion of aluminum and lacquer;
– Real-time monitoring of optical density during metallization to ensure uniformity of the deposited layer;
– Final testing during rewinding, with full recording of all parameters to ensure traceability and compliance with the client’s technical specifications.
Ipack-Ima 2025: Metalfilms Brings Innovation to packaging and technical materials
Metalfilms took center stage at Ipack-Ima trade fair in Milan from May 27 to 30 – one of the most important events focused on innovation in packaging materials and manufacturing industries.
With an exclusive and interactive booth, the company showcased its advanced technologies for metallization and lacquering, drawing strong interest from industry professionals. Metalfilms was the first company to present a scale model of a sailboat featuring a sail made from special metallized fabric, demonstrating the potential of its materials for niche and highly technical applications.
This participation underscores Metalfilms commitment to innovation and its pursuit of advanced solutions, further solidifying its position as a strategic partner for companies seeking next-generation technical materials.
Metallized Sail – Metalfilms has developed the world’s first sail capable of reflecting radar waves emitted by ships, making even small recreational boats clearly visible on radar screens thus enhancing navigation safety.
