Foil and Film Faced Fabrics: Understanding the Difference

Foil and film faced fabrics are essential products in the industry, serving as radiant heat shields, insulation layers, and vapour-proof barriers. The two materials can often be difficult to tell apart, however they both utilise unique and important purposes that you won’t want to get mixed up.

At THS Industrial Textiles we supple an extensive range of faced fabrics, so understanding the differences between them is essential when picking your next product.

Foil vs. Film: Differentiating Between the Two

The terms ‘aluminized glass’ or ‘foiled glass’ are commonly used to describe both foil and film laminated glass cloth, leading to the confusion. However, there is a straightforward way to distinguish between the two. Here are three of them:

The Roast Chicken and Crisp Bag Test: Foil vs. Film

A simple analogy can help identify the distinction. Foil is like the material used for roasting chicken, while film is closer to the material used for crisp bags. Remembering this makes it easier to differentiate between the two.

The Folding Test: Foil and Film Behaviours

Folding a sample over itself provides a practical method to tell the two materials apart. When you fold a foil product, it tends to stay folded after letting go, creating a noticeable crease. On the other hand, a film product springs back more easily and does not hold a noticeable crease.

Combustibility: Film vs. Non-Flammable Foil

Another significant difference lies in the combustibility of the materials. Film products, manufactured from aluminium sprayed polyester film, are prone to burning. On the other hand, foil products, composed of aluminium sheets typically ranging from 12µ to 25µ, are non-flammable.

Applications and Preferences for Foil and Film

The choice between foil and film faced fabrics depends on the intended application and specific requirements. Here are some factors to consider:

Surface Finish and Radiant Applications: Film

Film products generally feature a smoother and cleaner surface finish. These fabrics, made from aluminium sprayed polyester film, are often selected for radiant or reflective applications, such as protective clothing.

They are suitable when high contact temperatures are not anticipated, and radiation protection is the primary objective. Additionally, some insulation jacket manufacturers prefer film over foil due to its enhanced aesthetic appeal after fabrication.

Thickness and Durability: Foil

Foil products consist of aluminium sheets with thicknesses ranging from 12µ to 25µ on average, though higher micron foils up to 100µ exist for heavy-duty applications. Lower micron foils are easily fabricated and cost-effective, making them suitable for thermal insulation applications.

At the other end of the spectrum, higher micron foils are used in demanding scenarios, such as exhaust wraps or heat shields, where durability is essential.

If you have any further questions about THS Industrial Textile’s products, please get in touch today and speak with a member of our team.