What Is Hot Melt Adhesive Film? A Complete Overview

Jan 09, 2026

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Hot melt adhesive film is an environmentally friendly bonding material that becomes adhesive when heated and solidifies upon cooling. It is widely used in garments, automotive interiors, electronics, building materials, packaging, and industrial composites.

 

Due to the wide variety of hot melt adhesive films available on the market, many customers find it difficult to identify the differences and select the right product for their applications.

 

This article provides a systematic overview of mainstream hot melt adhesive film classifications used globally, helping you quickly build a clear understanding.

 


1. Classification by Chemical System

Adhesive System Key Characteristics Typical Applications
EVA Fast bonding, easy processing, cost-effective Garment lamination, paper bonding, PET plastics
TPU High elasticity, abrasion resistance, washable Footwear, apparel heat pressing, PVC bonding
PES Heat resistant, strong metal adhesion Conductive fabrics, electronic shielding
PO Excellent aging resistance, low corrosion Automotive
PA Excellent water and dry-clean resistance Apparel and textile lamination
EAA Superior aluminum bonding, chemical resistance Flexible packaging
PUR Extremely high bonding strength, irreversible

Automotive, electronics, furniture

 


 

2. Classification by Functional Properties

Functional hot melt adhesive films are developed through formulation and process optimization to meet specific industrial needs.

High adhesion

High / low temperature resistance

Washable & boil-resistant

Flame retardant

Electrical insulation

Conductive & EMI shielding

Optical clarity (OCA)

Low VOC & environmentally friendly

Bio-based & recyclable

Peelable & repositionable

 


 

3. Classification by Substrate Structure

Carrier-free adhesive film – suitable for continuous lamination

PET-based adhesive film – stable dimensions and easy processing

Hot melt adhesive web – breathable, lightweight

Release liner adhesive film – ideal for die-cutting

Double-sided adhesive film – fast bonding of dissimilar materials

 


 

4. Classification by Application Industry

 

Industry Typical Applications Key Requirements
Apparel & Footwear Seamless garments, shoe insoles Wash resistance, elasticity
Automotive Headliners, damping pads Heat resistance, flame retardancy
Electronics Device covers, heating blankets Insulation, thickness precision
Building Materials Honeycomb panels, decorative boards High peel strength
Filtration Air & water filters Chemical stability
Medical Protective clothing Washability, flexibility
New Energy Battery protection Insulation, flame retardancy

 

5. Huizhou YIDU's Capabilities

 

Founded in 1993, Huizhou YIDU specializes in functional hot melt adhesive films and extrusion coating services.

We do more than supply films - we provide customized bonding solutions based on substrates and applications.

 

We support extrusion coating with EVA, PE, EAA, PES, EMA and offer testing on PET, PP, paper, nonwoven fabrics, textiles, leather, and metal substrates.

 

FAQ

Q1: What is a hot-melt adhesive film?
A1: Hot-melt adhesive film is an environmentally friendly and efficient industrial bonding material, widely used in clothing, automotive interiors, electronics, and building materials.

 

Q2: What are the main types of hot-melt adhesive films?
A2: The main types include hot-melt adhesive mesh, pure adhesive film, release-paper hot-melt adhesive film, and double-sided hot-melt adhesive film.

 

Q3: In which applications is PET-based hot-melt adhesive film suitable?
A3: It is suitable for building material lamination, packaging, shoe and fabric materials, new energy batteries, photovoltaic modules, flexible circuits, and medical filtration.

 

Q4: Can functional hot-melt adhesive films be customized?
A4: Yes, Yidu functional hot-melt adhesive films can be customized. We offer various product and process formulations that can be tested and sampled according to customer needs and applications to meet your specific requirements.

 

Q5: How to choose the right hot-melt adhesive film for your needs?
A5: Generally, Huizhou Yidu needs to understand several aspects of your application, such as: What material is it? → What function is required? → Who will use it? → What needs to be bonded? → How will it be used? → What form should the final product take? Based on this information, Yidu can arrange sample testing and provide R&D support accordingly.