Lamination protects cards from damage and enhances appearance. Hot laminators are common, but cold ones are better for sensitive documents. Roll laminators are used for large projects. Consider envelope size, thickness, and speed when choosing a machine.
Lamination protects the card from tears, spills, creases and any other substances that could alter the text or graphics if they come into contact with the original card. It also intensifies colors and improves the overall appearance of printed documents and marks. Different projects require different weights of laminating film, depending on the use and location of the item to be laminated, and finishes are available in matte, gloss or satin.
Laminators are hot or cold. A hot laminating machine is the most common, but because some documents are sensitive to heat, a cold laminating machine is the more appropriate choice for some uses.
Hot pouch laminators
For this type of laminator, the laminating material comes in “pouches” which are actually two sheets of plastic film bonded at one edge. Items are placed in an appropriately sized envelope, trimmed and then placed in a cardboard backing. The backing is a simple piece of heavy card stock, similar to a file folder, and protects the laminating pouch from direct contact with the hot rollers. Once the machine has warmed up and your item is well secured in the backing, you place the closed edge of the backing into the mouth of the laminating machine and the rollers slowly pull it through, heating the backing and laminating pouch. The heat reacts with the pouch, activating an adhesive which then bonds to the paper, and the medium exits the back of the machine with the new durable and aesthetically enhanced object, ready to be placed on a wall, in a wallet or anywhere the product laminated will find its new home.
Cold pouch laminators
If the document was printed on an inkjet printer, came from a fax machine, or is a photo, it may be sensitive to heat and a hot laminating machine may cause colors to run. Cold laminating machines use pressure to activate special cold laminating pouches. Some don’t even require electricity and simply require inserting the cold pack and turning the crank to operate them. Safer and easier to use, cold laminators may be a great option, but hot-melt machines still produce better quality and durability.
Roll Laminating Machines
Roller machines are used in commercial and industrial settings where a large poster size is desired and speed is needed. Roll machines do not use envelopes. The laminating film is on a roll attached to the laminating machine and the laminating film is heated before contact with the paper. This increases speed and efficiency and allows users to complete batch laminating projects in a reasonable amount of time.
Whether you choose hot or cold pouches, there are many other variables to consider before choosing a specific model. Envelope sizes range from ID card to poster size. Think about projects that may arise in the future and be sure to select a machine that can accommodate the largest envelope size required. How heavy should your lamination be? Extra thick pouches are not compatible with all laminators as they require more heat than lighter machines, so be sure to confirm the manufacturer’s recommended maximum pouch thickness. Speed should also be considered. If you intend to use your laminator frequently, you may want to pay a little more for a faster model.
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