Plastic Film

Plastic film or PVC film is a thin engineering material no more than 10 mm thick — any thicker, and the material is classed as a plastic sheet. Plastic film comes in a range of sizes, thicknesses, and polymer types, making it suitable for use across a vast array of industrial, electrical, and commercial applications. Plastic film is generally opaque, translucent, transparent, or clear depending on the material and manufacturing process. RS New Zealand stocks a broad range of high-quality plastic films to meet the needs of engineers, procurement teams, and industrial buyers.

How Does Plastic FIlm Work (Basic Material Properties)

Plastic film is manufactured by forming polymer resins into thin, flexible sheets through controlled industrial processes. The resulting material retains the base polymer's core properties — mechanical strength, flexibility, and chemical stability — while conforming to precise thickness tolerances suited to the intended application.

Two primary processing methods shape the final characteristics of the film. Blown film extrusion forces molten polymer through a circular die, producing a tubular film with balanced mechanical properties and good moisture resistance. Cast film extrusion draws the polymer across a flat die and cooling rollers, yielding superior optical clarity and tighter thickness control.

Engineered film properties vary considerably by material type, spanning mechanical strength, chemical resistance, electrical insulation value, and thermal stability. Depending on specification, plastic films function as protective overlays, dielectric insulators, barrier layers, and structural components within broader assemblies across electrical, manufacturing, and industrial applications.

Types of Plastic Film Offered

RS New Zealand stocks a range of plastic film types suited to electrical insulation, industrial processing, and high-performance engineering applications.

FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene): FEP film is a transparent, chemically resistant, non-stick plastic film that is non-flammable and offers high electrical insulation. Suited to electrical wiring insulation and 3D printing applications.
Mica: Mica film is a thin, layered plastic film that is soft and lightweight with outstanding thermal, mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties. Moisture-proof and flexible, mica film is commonly specified for electronic and electrical applications in New Zealand.
Mylar: Mylar film is a transparent, multipurpose polyester film offering excellent resistance to moisture and most chemicals. Flexible, strong, and durable, Mylar plastic sheets are typically used in laminating, electrical insulation, and general industrial applications.
PEEK: PEEK is a high-performance thermoplastic film with strong resistance to elevated temperatures and good chemical resistance. Commonly specified for PCB applications, injection moulding, laminating, and 3D printing.
PET: PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a polyester film with high tensile strength, UV resistance, and excellent electrical properties. PET plastic film suits a wide range of printing and laminating applications.
Polypropylene: Polypropylene or PP film is a low-cost, clear thermoplastic PVC film alternative with excellent dielectric strength. Typical applications include shrink wrap, packaging, and food-grade packaging across New Zealand.
Kapton: Kapton is a polyimide plastic film used in printed circuits and thermal blankets for spacecraft, satellites, and space instruments. Stable across both high and low temperature ranges, with strong humidity resistance.

Key Benefits of Plastic Film

Plastic film delivers a range of engineered performance characteristics that make it a practical material choice across electrical, industrial, and manufacturing applications in New Zealand.

Adaptable Formats: Plastic films are available in a wide range of thicknesses, widths, and polymer types to suit varied project specifications. Procurement teams across New Zealand can select formats matched to precise dimensional and performance requirements.
Mechanical Performance: Engineering-grade plastic film offers high tensile strength and tear resistance relative to its low material weight. Films such as PEEK and PET maintain structural integrity under repeated mechanical stress in demanding industrial assemblies.
Barrier Properties: PVC film and fluoropolymer variants provide reliable resistance to moisture, chemicals, and contaminants. Barrier films protect sensitive components and substrates in food processing, electronics manufacturing, and chemical handling environments.
Electrical Insulation: Dielectric plastic films — including Kapton, Mylar plastic film, and FEP — are widely specified as insulating layers in PCB assemblies, cable wrapping, and switchboard components. Their stable insulation values hold across a broad range of operating temperatures.
Lightweight & Flexible: Plastic film adds minimal mass to assemblies while conforming readily to irregular surfaces and tight geometries. Flexibility makes film materials well suited to winding, wrapping, and laminating processes in both automated and manual production environments.

How to Choose the Right Plastic Film

Selecting the correct plastic film requires matching material properties, dimensional specifications, and performance requirements to the intended application and operating environment.

Material Properties: Different polymer types offer distinct mechanical, chemical, and thermal characteristics. Specifying Mylar polyester film for moisture resistance, FEP for chemical inertness, or Kapton for thermal stability ensures the film performs reliably within its intended assembly or process role.
Thickness & Size: Film thickness directly affects flexibility, barrier performance, and mechanical strength. Thinner gauges suit wrapping and laminating applications, while heavier gauges provide additional protection in industrial manufacturing and component assembly environments across New Zealand.
Environmental Requirements: Consider the operating temperature range, humidity exposure, and chemical contact the plastic film will encounter. Fluoropolymer and polyimide films are well suited to harsh industrial conditions, including the high-humidity environments common in New Zealand coastal and processing facilities.
Electrical Insulation Needs: Applications involving PCB assemblies, cable insulation, or switchboard components require films with defined dielectric properties. Mylar plastic film, Kapton, and FEP each offer stable insulation values across a range of voltages and operating temperatures.
Clarity & Appearance: Optical clarity varies significantly between film types. Cast PVC film and Mylar film offer high transparency suited to display, laminating, and inspection applications, while opaque variants are preferred where light blocking or surface protection is required.
Regulatory & Safety Requirements: Food-contact, aerospace, and medical applications require films that meet specific compliance standards. Confirming the relevant material certification before procurement reduces risk and ensures the selected plastic film meets New Zealand regulatory and project specifications.

Applications of Plastic Film

Plastic film serves a broad range of industrial and commercial roles across New Zealand, with material versatility making it applicable across electronics, manufacturing, packaging, and beyond.

Electronics & Electrical Insulation: Dielectric plastic films including Kapton and Mylar polyester film are widely used as insulating layers in PCB assemblies, transformer windings, and cable wrapping. Stable electrical properties across temperature ranges make them a reliable specification choice for electronics manufacturers in New Zealand.
Industrial Manufacturing: PVC film and engineering-grade polymer films serve as release liners, protective overlays, and process barriers in industrial fabrication environments. Consistent dimensional tolerances support repeatable performance in automated production and laminating processes.
Packaging & Component Protection: Polypropylene and PET plastic films are specified for protective wrapping, component packaging, and surface protection during transit and storage. Their combination of flexibility and tear resistance suits both light-duty and industrial-grade packaging requirements.
3D Printing & Prototyping: FEP and Mylar plastic film are used to build surface liners and release films in resin-based 3D printing processes. Their non-stick properties and dimensional stability support consistent print release without surface contamination.
Thermal & Environmental Barriers: High-performance films including Kapton and Mylar film function as thermal insulation layers and environmental barriers in assemblies exposed to temperature cycling, UV radiation, or moisture ingress. Space, defence, and industrial instrumentation applications regularly specify these materials.
General Protection & Masking: Flexible plastic film is used across workshops, construction sites, and manufacturing facilities in New Zealand for surface masking, dust protection, and temporary coverage during finishing or installation processes. Low cost and easy application make polypropylene and PET variants a practical choice.

Shop Durable Plastic Films Online Today

RS New Zealand is a trusted supplier and distributor of plastic film and engineering material solutions. We stock a focused range of plastic films sourced from reputable brands including Goodfellow and RS PRO, ensuring reliable options across electrical insulation, industrial processing, and general engineering applications.

Beyond plastic film, RS also supplies a broad range of plastic and rubber materials — including rubber sheets, tarpaulin, and plastic tubes — catering to the full scope of your material and fabrication requirements.

Browse our online store for the complete range and have your order delivered directly to your door. Flexible delivery options ensure you receive your products when needed. For full details on delivery timeframes and fees, refer to our Delivery page.