Often overlooked by
adhesive users, release liner systems play a key role in
die-cut product use and assembly. Much in the same way
that composites can improve an individual material’s
performance characteristics, specialty release liner
systems can work together to greatly enhance die-cut use
or assembly.
Challenging design and manufacturing requirements
for this BSR application on the Ford Freestyle/ Taurus
shifter-bezel demanded a specialty release liner system.
Anticipating BSR issues between the narrow, chrome
finished trim bezel and a mating component, Ford
engineers sought a proactive Solution. Their unique
application requirements included: tight tolerances,
high repeatability, and precise transfer of a narrow,
3mm wide band of single-coated film. Last, but not
least, they required a method of assembly which would
allow for efficient high-volume assembly using existing
equipment.
Argent’s design team understood that these unique
application needs were impossible to deliver through
conventional means of die-cut supply and assembly; no
matter how precisely the film was die-cut, it would be
far too cumbersome to handle once removed from its
release liner. To keep assembly fast and repeatable, and
to manufacture using existing assembly equipment, they’d
need a custom-designed, specialty release liner system.
First, we designed a low-cost, yet highly-repeatable,
manufacturing process for our UHMW film, which would
remain adhered to its release liner until assembly was
complete. The die-cut featured a nested,
material-saving, two-piece design.
Next, to meet the requirements of our customer’s
manufacturing process, we designed a specialty release
liner system comprised of two materials which would
preserve die-cut to bezel alignment during assembly.
For the first material, we selected a low-tack
face-stock to retain the UHMW film. The face-stock’s
release value was designed to adhere to the UHMW
throughout the manufacturing process, but to release
once the UHMW had bonded to the bezel.
To increase the composite’s rigidity and prevent
unwanted adhesion to assembly equipment, we utilized a
custom, specialty-cut release liner as the second
material. The board-like liner contained the locating
features used to align the composite in assembly
equipment and effectively deadened (disabled adhesion)
the face-stock in key areas, while leaving the UHMW’s
adhesive exposed so that it could adhere to the bezel.
Once the UHMW film had transferred to the bezel, the
face-stock and release liner would be removed as one
piece and discarded.
For more information about specialty release liner
systems, please visit our specialty-cut product features
section.
Ford, Ford Freestyle, and Ford Taurus are registered
trademarks and/or service marks of The Ford Motor
Company, its affiliated companies, and its licensors.