Complete analysis of TPU film patch technology: In-depth guide from material characteristics to construction techniques
In the fields of automotive interior protection, electronic product protection and industrial materials applications, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) film has gradually become the preferred alternative to traditional materials due to its excellent flexibility, wear resistance and environmental protection characteristics. This article will start from the core characteristics of the TPU film, combine actual construction cases and technical details to systematically explain the key points of its patching process.
1. The core advantages of TPU membrane: Why choose it?
The physical properties of the TPU film make it perform excellent in complex environments:
High elasticity and flexibility: The TPU film can remain flexible in the range of -35℃ to 80℃, adapting to complex surfaces such as car interior curved surfaces and curved screens for electronic products.
Wear resistance and tear resistance: Its wear resistance coefficient is 3 times that of PVC, which can effectively resist scratches of hard objects such as keys and coins, and extend the service life of the interior.
Self-repair capability: Some high-end TPU films have thermal repair coatings, and slight scratches can be automatically repaired in 60℃ environments, reducing maintenance costs.
Environmentally friendly and non-toxic: complies with international environmental standards such as RoHS and REACH, and has no risk of plasticizer precipitation. It is suitable for medical, food contact and other scenarios.
2. Preparation before construction: Details determine success or failure
Taking the filming of the car center console as an example, the following steps need to be completed before construction:
Environmental cleaning:
Use a soft brush to clean the gap dust and wipe the surface with a microfiber towel + special cleaner (such as isopropanol) to ensure there is no oil residue.
After cleaning, blow dry with compressed air to avoid water stains.
Tools and materials:
Core tools: TPU film (recommended thickness 0.15-0.2mm), dishwashing detergent diluent (1:10), hot air gun, scraper (hardness 60-70 Shore A), utility knife.
Auxiliary materials: positioning tape, alcohol cotton pad (for secondary cleaning).
3. Construction process: step-by-step analysis and skills
1. Cutting and positioning
Center console surface adaptation:
Use positioning tape to temporarily fix the TPU membrane to the center console, use a marker to mark the air outlet and button area profile, and reserve 2-3mm cut allowance.
The "segment cutting method" is used: first cut a large area, then handle the details to avoid repeated tearing and deformation of the film surface.
2. Wet patch construction
Spray lubricant:
Spray the cleansing semen evenly on the surface of the center console and the glue surface of the TPU membrane to reduce the viscosity and adjust the position.
Thermoplastic:
For areas with large arcs (such as the edge of the instrument panel), heat the TPU film with a hot air gun (temperature 60-80℃) to soften it and fit the curved surface.
Tips: Use the "Z" shape to move the hot air gun to avoid local overheating and causing bubbles on the film surface.
Exhaust scraper:
Use a hard scraper to scrape the bubbles from the center to the edge with uniform force (recommended pressure 0.3-0.5MPa).
For complex structures (such as key gaps), you can dip a cotton swab in alcohol to assist in exhaust.
3. Edge processing and finishing
Edge wrapping process:
Heat the edge TPU film with a hot air gun, so that it softens and wraps the edge of the center console to form a 1-2mm edge layer to improve dust resistance.
Residual glue cleaning:
24 hours after construction, use asphalt cleaning agent + plastic scraper to clean the edge spill to avoid damaging the interior surface.
