5 FAQs About Release Liners for Medical Applications

Release liner selection is a highly technical process, especially in the medical device industry. There are many considerations that medical device manufacturers need to identify, analyze, and discuss with their material supplier. At Fox River Associates our team is experienced in the specific technical components of the release liners – substrates, coating, converting, packaging, and storage, along with the needs for compatibility with adhesives, drug components, and other device components.

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Ready to learn more? Here are 5 of the most common questions that medical device engineers ask when specifying siliconized paper and film release liners for pressure-sensitive medical devices, answered.

1. What are the considerations for choosing between paper and film substrates for release liners?

• • Application Environment: Paper is breathable and suitable for applications requiring moisture transmission, like wound dressings. Film is preferred for applications requiring higher moisture resistance and a more durable barrier.
  • Mechanical Properties: Film offers better tear resistance and flexibility, making it an ideal substrate for release liners which will be die cut into complex shapes or where a more robust liner is needed.
  • Barrier Properties: The release liner, whether film release liner or paper release liner, should provide a barrier to contaminants while maintaining adhesive properties post-sterilization.
  • Regulatory Requirements: Ensure the chosen material meets the relevant FDA and ISO standards for biocompatibility and safety. Fox River Associates is now ISO : Certified.
  • Residue-Free Release: The release liner should release from the adhesive cleanly without leaving silicone or other residues that could compromise the medical device's safety or performance.
  • Paper: Paper release liners offer breathability, which may be important for applications like wound dressings that require moisture vapor transmission. However, paper is generally less durable and has lower tear resistance than filmic release liners.
  • Film: Provides higher durability, tear resistance, and a more consistent release profile. Film release liners are preferred in applications where flexibility, moisture resistance, and durability are critical, such as transdermal patches and electrodes.

Contact Fox River Associates today to learn more about our full line of paper release liners and film release liners for medical applications. Message our experienced medical team at or call us at 1-800-647-. We’re ready to work for you.

2. How do I ensure that the release liner is compatible with the adhesive used in my medical device?

Compatibility can be ensured by:

• • Adhesive Testing: Conduct compatibility testing between the release liner and the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) under conditions that mimic the actual use environment. Release from soft adhesives requires a release liner with a silicone formulation that allows clean removal with no residue restricting the adhesives functionality.
  • Cohesion and Adhesion Balance: Ensure the release liner allows the adhesive to adhere well to the device while releasing cleanly from the liner.
  • Supplier Collaboration: Engage with both adhesive and liner suppliers to verify compatibility and conduct joint testing if possible.
  • Release Force: The liner should offer a consistent and appropriate release force that aligns with the adhesive's properties. Too high or too low a release force can affect the performance and ease of use of the medical device.
  • Adhesive Transfer: Ensure the liner allows the adhesive to transfer cleanly to the application surface without leaving residue or compromising adhesive properties.

The Fox River Associates team is experienced in the technical aspects of adhesive/release liner compatibility. Let our technical medical release liner team help you identify the appropriate release liner options for your medical release liner. us at or use the form on this page.

3. What are the silicone coating factors to consider when selecting a release liner for medical devices like transdermal patches, electrodes, bandages, and emerging medical applications?

• • Silicone Coating: Ensure that the silicone coating chosen for your product provides consistent and reliable release force compatible with the adhesive used. The Fox River Associates team can help you identify the appropriate release coating type to use for your application. The type of release coating chemistry (e.g., solvent-based, solventless, UV-cured) affects the release properties and compatibility with the adhesive. Release liners from Fox River Associates’ release liner products are of the highest quality with uniform silicone coating to ensure consistent release force across the entire liner surface, which is crucial for maintaining product quality.

Learn more about release liners for medical applications and the right release coating for your product – contact the Fox River Associates team today. Call us at 1-800-647- or fill out the form on this page and our experienced team will contact you.

4. How do I ensure that the release liner will maintain consistent performance over time?

• • Aging Studies: Conduct aging studies to evaluate how the release force changes over time under various environmental conditions.
  • Storage Conditions: Proper storage conditions, such as temperature and humidity control, are crucial. Ensure the release liner supplier provides guidelines on optimal storage.
  • Batch-to-Batch Consistency: Work with suppliers who offer tight process controls and can provide detailed Certificates of Analysis (CoA) for each batch, ensuring consistent silicone coating weight and curing.
  • Environmental Conditions: The release liner must maintain its shape and size under varying environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity) to ensure consistent application and performance.
  • Tensile Strength and Elongation: For film release liners, these mechanical properties are important to prevent stretching or tearing during the device manufacturing process.

Release liners from Fox River Associates are of the highest quality. As the leading resource and innovative supplier of siliconized film and paper release liners, Fox River Associates partners with medical customers to ensure the release liners we supply help grow your business. Use the form on this page or call us at 1-800-647- to start the conversation.

5. What are the release force specifications for medical applications, and how can they be controlled?

• • Target Release Force: Define the release force required based on the adhesive and application. For medical devices, a low to moderate release force is typically desired to prevent skin damage during removal.
  • Testing and Quality Control: Perform peel tests under standardized conditions (e.g., ASTM D) to ensure consistent release properties.

These questions and answers cover critical aspects of selecting and specifying release liners for pressure-sensitive medical devices. When selecting a paper or film release liner for a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) product, medical device manufacturers must carefully consider several factors to ensure the liner meets the specific needs of the application.

Contact Fox River Associates today to learn more about our full line of paper release liners and film release liners for medical applications. Message our experienced medical team at or call us at 1-800-647-. We’re ready to work for you.

Fox River Associates is now ISO : Certified.

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A Guide to Understanding Release Liners in Manufacturing

Release liners are an often overlooked but crucial component in various manufacturing processes. These specially designed materials serve as a protective barrier, preventing adhesion during production and ensuring high-quality end products. In industries such as rubber, automotive, and packaging, the right release liner can significantly impact efficiency and product performance. 

In this guide, we will explore the fundamentals of release liners, their types, applications, and why choosing a trusted supplier like OTEGO is essential for maximizing productivity and maintaining product quality.

What Are Release Liners?

At their core, release liners are thin layers of material designed to carry adhesive substances until they are ready to be applied. They provide a temporary barrier between adhesives and other surfaces, ensuring that the adhesive remains functional and uncontaminated during storage, transportation, or processing. 

The non-stick coating applied to the surface of release liners can be made from various materials, with silicone being the most common due to its excellent non-stick properties. Alternative silicone-release coatings like polyethylene or wax are used for different applications, particularly when silicone is either too costly or not needed for the job. The choice of liner depends on the requirements of the specific manufacturing process, including the type of adhesive used, environmental conditions, and the demands of the final product. 

How Release Liners Work

Release liners are designed to be peeled off easily, exposing the adhesive surface when it’s ready to be applied. In many manufacturing scenarios, the adhesive product (such as tape, stickers, or medical patches) is laminated to the release liner during production. The liner protects the adhesive from dirt, moisture, and damage, preserving its quality until it reaches the final application stage. 

Because these liners are designed to be non-stick, they can prevent costly errors in manufacturing. For example, adhesives may get stuck prematurely during a production run, leading to waste, delays, and poor product quality. Release liners ensure that adhesives stay intact until the moment they need to be applied, offering precision and control. 

Common Types of Release Liners

Release liners come in various types, each suited for specific needs. Here’s a more in-depth look at the most commonly used kinds: 

For more information, please visit release liner suppliers.

1. Paper-Based Release Liners
These liners are typically made from standard or specialized paper and are coated with materials like silicone or wax to create a non-stick surface. Silicone release papers are widely used in applications that do not require extreme durability or heat resistance. They are often found in consumer products like self-adhesive labels, tapes, and packaging. Though cost-effective, they may not stand up to the wear and tear of more demanding industrial applications.

2. Film-Based Release Liners
These liners use polyester (PET), polyethylene (PE), or other films made of plastic material as the base material. The use of films provides increased strength, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors such as heat and moisture. Film-based release liners are essential in high-performance environments like electronics and automotive manufacturing, where precision and durability are key. They also allow for tighter tolerances in terms of thickness and performance, which is often critical in high-tech industries.

3. Single-Sided vs. Double-Sided Release Liners

• Single-sided liners have a coating on only one side, which is enough for simple adhesive applications. These are commonly used in everyday products like stickers, labels, or consumer packaging.
• Double-sided liners, meanwhile, have non-stick coatings on both sides. They are often used in complex manufacturing processes where both surfaces of the liner need to be adhesive-free. For instance, in multi-layered electronic components, a double-sided liner can keep different layers from bonding prematurely.

4. Perforated Release Liners
These liners feature small perforations to allow for easy tearing or dispensing. They are frequently used in packaging applications where rapid processing and dispensing are necessary, such as roll labels or tapes. Perforated liners are also used in processes where precision cuts are needed, as the perforations guide where the liner should tear or peel away. In some applications, just a little pressure is required to separate the liner from the adhesive surface.

Uses of Release Liners in Manufacturing

Release liners have become essential across a wide range of industries. Their role in protecting adhesives and facilitating clean, precise applications makes them indispensable for many production processes. Here’s a closer look at how different sectors utilize release liners: 

1. Tire and Rubber Manufacturing

Release liners are commonly used in the production of tires and other rubber products. In processes like rubber calendaring or extrusion, the liner acts as a barrier that prevents rubber compounds from sticking to machinery or unwanted surfaces. They ensure smooth handling, protect the rubber’s adhesive layer, and help maintain product quality during vulcanization or molding. 

2. Composite Materials

In industries like aerospace, automotive, and construction, release liners are used with composite materials such as carbon fiber or fiberglass. These composites are often pre-impregnated with resin, and release liners keep them from sticking together during storage or handling. The liners are removed right before the composite is applied to molds or structures, ensuring accurate positioning and preventing contamination. 

3. Adhesive Tape and Sealants

Industrial-grade tapes, sealants, and other adhesive-backed materials also use release liners to protect their adhesive sides until they are ready for application. In heavy-duty applications like construction, automotive assembly, and industrial maintenance, release liners prevent adhesives from sticking to unwanted surfaces, ensuring a clean and accurate bond when applied. 

4. Protective Films and Coatings

Release liners are essential in manufacturing protective films and coatings for industrial equipment, machinery, and electronics. These films are often applied to surfaces to shield them from scratches, dust, or corrosion. The liners protect the adhesive layer of the film during storage or transport and ensure it’s clean and effective when applied to surfaces. 

5. Roofing and Insulation Materials

In construction and building materials, release liners are widely used with adhesive roofing membranes, waterproofing materials, and insulation products. These liners protect the adhesives in the materials from environmental exposure and premature bonding, ensuring easy and effective application on construction sites. 

6. Conveyor Belts and Rubber Profiles

Release liners are used in the production of conveyor belts and rubber profiles for industrial use. During the manufacturing process, the liner prevents the rubber or adhesive from sticking to equipment, ensuring smooth production and protecting the product’s quality until it’s applied or assembled. 

In all of these industrial applications, release liners help streamline manufacturing processes, reduce waste, and maintain the integrity of the materials being produced, ensuring clean, efficient production. 

Choosing the Right Release Liner for Your Application

Selecting the best release liner involves considering several factors, such as:

• Adhesive Compatibility: Not all liners work well with every adhesive. Silicone-release liners, for example, are the best choice for high-performance adhesives that require heat resistance and durability.

• Environmental Conditions: For applications exposed to high temperatures, moisture, or chemicals, film-based liners with heat-resistant properties are often necessary.

• Ease of Use: The release force (how easily the liner can be removed) is an important consideration. Some applications require easy peel-off, while others may need a liner that holds firmly until the right moment.

• Cost Considerations: For everyday applications like labels or consumer packaging, paper-based liners are often a cost-effective solution. However, for high-tech or industrial uses, film-based liners, though more expensive, offer better performance and longevity.

FAQs on Release Liners

Selecting the best release liner involves considering several factors, such as: 

What is the purpose of a release liner?

A release liner serves as a protective backing for adhesives, keeping them intact and uncontaminated until they’re ready for use. Its non-stick surface ensures that the adhesive doesn’t bond to unintended surfaces or objects during production, storage, or transport. The liner also helps in the easy application of adhesives by peeling off smoothly when the adhesive is ready to be applied. 

What can I use as a release liner?

Various materials can be used as release liners depending on the specific application. Common materials include paper-based liners with a silicone coating, plastic films like polyethylene or polyester, and even wax-coated paper. The choice of release liner depends on factors like the type of adhesive, environmental conditions, and whether the application requires flexibility, durability, or resistance to moisture or heat. 

What material is used for tape-release liners?

Tape-release liners are often made from materials like silicone-release paper or plastic films such as polyethylene or polyester (PET). Silicone is the most common coating because it offers excellent non-stick properties and can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for tape applications. Film-based liners are preferred when durability, moisture resistance, or flexibility are essential for the application. 

OTEGO – World-leading Supplier of Release Liners in Manufacturing

Selecting the best release liner involves considering several factors, such as: 

Release liners may seem like a small part of the manufacturing process, but their role is crucial across many industries. Whether it’s protecting adhesives for medical devices, helping assemble electronics, or ensuring precision in the aerospace and automotive sectors, release liners keep things running smoothly. Understanding the different types of release liners and their applications will help manufacturers choose the right product for their needs, improving efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring product quality. 

Selecting the right release liner is essential for improving quality and productivity in manufacturing. At OTEGO, we bring over 50 years of expertise in technical release liners, particularly for the tire and rubber industries. Our liners, made from fabrics, films, or coated materials, are trusted by international manufacturers and designed to reduce rubber waste, minimize downtime, and enhance efficiency. 

We focus on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and deliver solutions that provide long-term value. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, OTEGO ensures you get high-performance, environmentally friendly products tailored to your needs. 

Ready to enhance your manufacturing process? Contact us today to learn more about our high-quality release liners and how we can support your business! 

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