PVC decorative film is a versatile material widely used as a surface finish for wall panels, flooring, door panels, cabinet surfaces, and more. Different manufacturers often employ distinct processing techniques based on their product requirements. For example, door panel manufacturers typically use vacuum forming machines, while wall panel manufacturers tend to prefer flat lamination machines.

A common question raised by clients is: If I own both flat lamination and vacuum forming equipment, can the same PVC decorative film be used for both processes?This would help avoid ordering separate batches of the same film type for different methods, ultimately saving costs and optimizing storage space. To address this, let’s briefly explore how the same PVC decorative film may be adjusted during production to suit different processing methods.
1. Adjustments for Vacuum Forming
Manufacturers using vacuum forming machines—whether positive-pressure or negative-pressure systems—generally require PVC films with thicknesses ranging from 18C to 40C. Only films within this thickness range can withstand the stretching and shaping involved in vacuum forming. To meet these needs, we increase the thickness of the base layer during production to enhance durability and formability .
2. Considerations for Flat Lamination
For manufacturers using flat lamination, the film thickness requirements are more flexible. Since the process doesn’t involve significant stretching or deep drawing, the base layer does not require special thickening. Standard-grade films often suffice, making them suitable for cost-sensitive applications without compromising performance .
3. Applications in Acrylic Panel Lamination
When PVC decorative film is used for acrylic panel coating, the typical thickness required is 14C–16C. In these cases, no special thickening treatment is needed. However, to improve adhesion and ensure bubble-free application, a primer treatment is often applied before shipping. This step enhances bonding strength between the film and substrate .

Why Choose Team Value?
As a professional PVC decorative film manufacturer with extensive industry experience, Team Value provides tailored solutions for different processing methods. We help you select the right thickness, surface treatment, and primer options to ensure optimal performance—whether for vacuum forming, flat lamination, or acrylic panel coating.
✅ Vacuum forming → Thicker base layer (18–40C)
✅ Flat lamination → Standard thickness, no thickening needed
✅ Acrylic panel lamination → Thin film (14–16C) + Primer treatment
If you have specific processing requirements or need further guidance, feel free to contact us for personalized recommendations and technical support. We are committed to helping you reduce costs, simplify inventory, and achieve high-quality finishing results.
To Learn More About Our Products, You Can Download Our Product Catalog:https://www.pvcfilmfactory.com/downloads





