PVC Laminated Tarpaulin: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Today’s guide has compiled 7 FAQs that will help you understand all aspects of PVC laminated tarpaulins.
So if you have any questions, this guide will definitely have your answers.

Let me be your expert in the field:

What is PVC laminated tarpaulin？

PVC laminated tarpaulin, also known as PVC laminated fabric, is a type of PVC tarpaulin fabric. It is made of 2 to 8 layers of PVC films and polyester base fabric bonded under high pressure and high temperature. Mainly using lamination technology, there are two manufacturing methods in PVC tarpaulin manufacturing: hot melt calendaring and cold lamination. They produce high-quality PVC tarpaulins and economical PVC tarpaulins respectively. This lamination process increases the strength, durability, and resistance of the PVC laminated tarp material to environmental factors. has become the solution of choice for those looking for a durable, weather-resistant, and versatile PVC laminated fabric material.

PVC laminated tarpaulin will use three production machines: calendering machine, hot melt calendering machine, and cold laminating machine. Compared with the knife coating technology, the lamination technology invests much more in the cost of machines and personnel than the knife coating technology. But why did the factory still add this production line? There are three main reasons:

• This production line can not only produce PVC laminated tarpaulins but also can produce PVC flex banners, wall covering fabrics, swimming pool linings, roller blind fabrics, PVC ceiling films, transparent films, etc. These products can bring markets in different fields to the PVC tarpaulin material suppliers.
• Lamination technology can produce lower-cost PVC laminated tarpaulins with stronger price competition.
• The PVC laminated tarpaulin material produced by lamination technology has good air tightness and is very suitable for use in inflatable products, such as inflatable castles, inflatable boats, etc.

What are the properties of vinyl tarp fabric? 

• Waterproof: One of the main advantages of PVC vinyl tarp is its excellent waterproofing ability. The PVC laminated tarpaulin fabric a barrier that prevents water from penetrating the fabric, making it ideal for applications that require protection from rain and moisture.

• Weather resistance: Vinyl tarpaulin can withstand temperatures of -30℃~+70℃, and can withstand extreme temperatures in outdoor environments.

• Durability: The lamination process enhances the durability and strength of the vinyl tarp. This makes it resistant to tearing, abrasion and general wear and tear, ensuring longer life and better performance in challenging conditions.

• UV Resistant: PVC laminated tarpaulins are typically ultraviolet (UV) resistant. This UV resistance helps prevent the material from degrading or fading when exposed to prolonged sunlight, making it suitable for outdoor applications.

• Fire resistance: Custom vinyl tarps can choose B1, B2, M1, M2 fire resistance levels independently.

• Chemical Resistance: PVC coatings offer a level of resistance to a variety of chemicals, making waterproof vinyl tarps suitable for industrial applications that require contact with potentially corrosive substances.

• Tear resistance: In some heavy-duty applications, a high-strength base fabric can be appropriately selected to increase the tear resistance of the PVC vinyl tarp fabric.

• Versatility: 5.1m large vinyl tarps have applications in a variety of industries. It is commonly used for truck and trailer covers, outdoor shelters, construction site covers, agricultural uses such as hay covers, and more.

• Customizability: Heavy dutys are available in a variety of sizes, colors, and features, allowing users to choose based on their needs or specific applications.

There is no difference between PVC laminated tarpaulin and PVC coated tarpaulin in terms of quality and cost. The only difference is that PVC laminated tarpaulin has better air tightness and is suitable for air tight products. PVC coated tarpaulin has good flexibility. Their choice depends on your end application.

What are the uses of PVC laminated fabric?

PVC laminated tarpaulin fabric applications are only a small part. If the performance of these materials can also meet your project products, you can contact us directly. We will let professional experts develop a product plan that suits you.

What sizes and thicknesses are available for vinyl tarpaulin material?

The size and thickness of PVC vinyl tarpaulins can be customized based on customer needs and intended application. Common thicknesses for waterproof vinyl tarps typically range from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm or more.

Size:

• Standard Sizes: Common standard sizes of heavy vinyl tarp materials include 6×8 feet, 8×10 feet, 10×12 feet, etc. These standard sizes are generally readily available and widely used for a variety of purposes.
• Custom Sizes: FLFX PVC tarpaulin manufacturers also have the flexibility to produce custom-sized vinyl tarps based on customers’ specific requirements. This can be better suited for unique applications.

Thickness:

• Lightweight: Vinyl tarpaulins with a thickness of around 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm are considered lightweight. They are suitable for applications that require flexibility and ease of operation, such as camping tarps and temporary covers.
• Medium weight: PVC laminated tarpaulins materials with a thickness between 0.5mm and 0.8mm are considered medium weight. They strike a balance between durability and flexibility and are often used in applications such as truck covers and outdoor storage.
• Heavy Duty: Vinyl tarpaulin materials that are more than 0.8 mm thick, up to 1.0 mm thick or more, are considered heavy duty. They are rugged and suitable for demanding applications including industrial hoods, construction site shelters and other situations where a high level of protection is required.

The exact size and thickness will depend on the intended use of the waterproof PVC tarpaulin. When selecting a PVC vinyl tarpaulin, it is recommended to consult with the FLFX PVC polyester fabric suppliers to ensure that the selected product meets the requirements of the intended application. Additionally, custom orders provide the flexibility to obtain tarps in sizes and thicknesses not available with standard options. Moreover, the price of the PVC tarpaulin purchased is the most favorable, and the quality is guaranteed.

Can PVC laminated tarpaulin roll be ODM/OEM?

ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) are two common production models. The difference between them mainly lies in the control rights of design and manufacturing.

OEM: OEM production can be carried out based on your existing PVC tarpaulin product technology.

ODM: We can customize or develop new PVC tarpaulin products according to your project needs.

FLFX has comprehensive production services and can choose OEM/ODM services according to customer needs. The following are items you can choose on your own:

• Width: 1.6m/ 2.5m/ 2.8m/ 3m/ 3.2m / 5.1m (optional)

• Weight: 300gsm ~ 1800gsm (10oz ~ 60oz) (optional)

• Base fabric: 500*500D, 18*17/ 840*840D, 9*9/ 1500*1500D, 30*32 100% polyester fiber (optional)

• Color: PVC laminated tarpaulin colors are available through RAL and PANTONE color cards, and you can usually choose the color that best suits your aesthetic preferences or brand requirements.

• Fire protection: B1, B2, M1, M2, NFPA701 (optional)

• Environmentally friendly: 3P, 6P, Reach, no heavy metals (optional)

• Surface treatment: PVDF, Acrylic (optional)

• Other options: UV resistance, mildew resistance, self-cleaning, tensile resistance, anti-aging, etc.

• Printing and Branding: If you need graphics printed on your waterproof PVC laminated tarpaulin material or a logo on your packaging, FLFX PVC tarpaulin fabric factorys can provide custom printing services and incorporate your branding or labeling.

• Package: kraft paper and rigid tube packaging (optional)

• Price: PVC, weight, base fabric, color, production technology, and any additional features determine the price of PVC laminated tarp fabric. Specific guidelines can be found on the PVC tarpaulins price page.

* PVC tarpaulin sample room VR scene

Laminated Tarps	Weight	Base Fabric	Length	Width
FLFX118/500	500g/㎡(17oz/sq.yd)	1000 Dtex 9×9/inch	50m; 100m	1.1-5.1M
FLFX119/610	610g/㎡(18oz/sq.yd)	1100 Dtex 20×20/inch	50m; 100m	1.1-5.1M
FLFX120/550	550g/㎡(16oz/sq.yd)	1000 Dtex 18×18/inch	50m; 100m	1.1-5.1M
FLFX121/750	750g/㎡(22oz/sq.yd)	1000 Dtex 12×12/inch	50m; 100m	1.1-5.1M
FLFX122/550	550g/㎡	500 Dtex 18×18/inch	50m; 100m	1.1-3.2M
FLFX123/450	450g/㎡(13.25oz/sq.yd)	500 Dtex 9×9/inch	50m; 100m	1.1-3.2M
FLFX124/550	550g/㎡(16oz/sq.yd)	500 Dtex 18×17/inch	50m; 100m	1.1-5.1M
FLFX125/650	650g/㎡	1000 Dtex 9×9/inch	50m; 100m	1.1-5.1M
FLFX126/750	750g/㎡(22oz/sq.yd)	1000 Dtex 3×3/inch	50m; 100m	1.1-3.2M
FLFX127/560	560g/㎡	1000 Dtex 9×9/inch	50m; 100m	1.1-3.2M
FLFX128/1.5	Thickness:1.5mm	1100 Dtex 15×15/inch	50m; 100m	1.1-3.2M
FLFX129/550	550g/㎡	600 Dtex 14×14/inch	50m; 100m	1.1-3.2M

How is PVC laminated tarpaulin manufactured?

The manufacturing of PVC laminated tarpaulin is divided into the cold lamination method and the hot melt calendering method. Their core technology is to laminate two or eight rolls of PVC film and base fabric together at high temperatures to form a PVC tarpaulin roll.

Calender machine: Both cold lamination and hot melt calendering require this calender to produce thin, uniform sheets of PVC film from PVC polymer. This PVC polymer is made by mixing raw PVC resin with various additives, plasticizers, colorants, and stabilizers in an extruder. It has the required properties and colors, such as anti-aging, environmental protection, Flame retardant, color, etc.

* Calender machine 360° VR Panorama

The mixed PVC polymer is introduced into the high temperature system for rolling. This PVC soft film material can be stretched to a maximum width of 5.1 meters. It is then rolled and cooled through a multiple roller system, and finally formed into PVC films of different thicknesses with glossy, matte, or embossed effects. The manufacturer of such calender machine FLFX has three production lines, and the selling price of each one is very expensive. In addition to producing PVC films, we can also produce clear vinyls and PVC ceiling films of different thicknesses.

Next, we will choose between the cold lamination method and the hot melt calendering method based on the customer’s expected application and material properties.

Cold Lamination Method

Cold laminating machine: The cold laminating method uses a cold laminating machine. This machine has a short production process, fast speed, and low machine operating costs. It is the first generation production machine in the PVC tarpaulin industry. It is mainly used to produce PVC vinyl tarpaulins and PVC flex banners with relatively lightweight. The maximum width of the PVC laminated tarpaulin produced is only 3.2m.

First, we will select the base fabric of appropriate specifications based on the expected application or customer requirements and put the quality-inspected PVC film roll and polyester fiber base fabric into the cold laminating machine for lamination. All materials will be simultaneously introduced into the heated area through a series of roller systems for high-temperature lamination. Since the temperature and pressure of the rollers generated by the machine are limited, the PVC laminated tarpaulin produced will have low strength and short life. Commonly used in light truck tarpaulins, PVC bag and light agricultural covering tarpaulins.

Hot Melt Calendering Method

Hot melt calendering machine: In order to solve the lack of strength of cold laminated machines for producing PVC tarpaulins, FLFX manufacturer introduced 8 hot melt calendering machines from Germany. The heavy vinyl tarps it produces are of higher quality and stronger. This process enhances the properties of the fabric, making it waterproof, durable and suitable for a variety of outdoor applications. Can be used for large PVC tents, heavy truck tarpaulins, inflatable castles, swimming pool liners, roller blinds, wall coverings, etc.

* 5M Hot melt calendering machine 360° VR Panorama

During production, the cold laminating machine can only put in a maximum of 2 layers of PVC film and 1 layer of polyester fiber base fabric. The hot melt calendering machine can simultaneously put in 8 layers of PVC film and 1 layer of polyester fiber base fabric to produce a thicker 5.1m PVC laminated tarpaulin. And a surface treatment system has also been added, which can add PVDF and acrylic treatment to the surface of the PVC laminated tarpaulin, allowing some specific application materials to achieve self-cleaning properties. The temperature and pressure of the hot melt calender have also been well upgraded, which has also greatly improved the strength and bonding performance of PVC laminated fabrics.

However, many customers think that only the PVC coated tarpaulin fabric produced by the knife coating machine is of better quality than the hot melt calendering machine. This is not the case. For manufacturers with both technologies, the cost and quality of heavy duty vinyl tarps produced in either way are the same. It mainly depends on the customer’s intended application. For sellers who frequently use inflatable products, we recommend hot melt calendaring technology. For some products where flexibility needs to be considered, we would recommend the use of knife coating technology.

PVC Laminated Tarpaulin Products Display

These PVC laminated tarpaulin fabric products are developed and produced by global customers together with us. You can get free samples of these PVC coated fabrics. Of course, the product information you want is not found below. You can tell me your product requirements directly via email.

* PVC tarpaulin sample room VR scene