Process for protecting thermoformed films

摘要

A process for thermoforming a decorative glossy film to a relatively rigid substrate includes the steps of: providing a carrier film having a heat absorption limit or a plurality of heat absorption limits above which decorative degradation occurs during direct exposure to heat sources of thermoforming apparatus; thermally protecting the surface of the carrier film with a layer of material with a heat absorption rate which will shield the carrier film against excessive heat buildup while softening the carrier film for drawing against a substrate; drawing the carrier film and the protective layer thereon into bonded engagement with the relatively rigid substrate; and thereafter removing the thermal protection layer without degrading the appearance of the decorative carrier film.