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Cold Laminators:
Cold laminators, such as the Varitronics ProFinish
shown above, use pressure sensitive adhesives to bind
the lamination film.
Cold laminators are typically used when the material
being laminated is sensitive to heat. For example, some
ink jet printers use inks that can melt when heated.
Other types of printers use heat sensitive paper that
also must be laminated using a cold laminator.
Cold laminators are recommented for use in businesses
because they are easy to use and do not expose staff
and attendees to the safety hazard resulting from the
hot rollers. Cold laminators can be used to laminate
any flat material, without worrying about whether that
material is sensitive to heat.
Hot Laminators:
These are the most common types of laminators used
in industry. They use heat (220 to 300 degrees F) to
apply the lamination.
Hot laminators provide a better quality lamination
that is more resistant to wear and tear.
One disadvantage is the waiting until the machine warms
up. In addition, the laminate may produce odors during the lamination
process.
Laminating Material - Pouches:
Lamaninating pouches are pockets of laminating material
into which the item to be laminated is placed. A hot
laminator is used to seal the pouch and bind the layers
together.
Pouches come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses.
Size:
Select the size that is appropriate for
the item being laminated. (Large
pouches/small
pouches). The size of the pouch is made to exactly
match the size of the item being laminated, so there
is no need to trim off excess material after laminating.
Thickness: pouches are available in thicknesses
ranging from 3 mil to 10 mil. The thicker the material
used, the stiffer and more durable the laminated item
will be.
Laminating Material - Films:
Laminating
films come in a variety widths and thicknesses and
are used with both hot and cold laminators. As with
pouches, the thicker the film, the stiffer and more
durable the laminated item will be.
Some hot laminating films are identified as being "low
melt" films. These films require less heat and
are used when laminating materials that are sensitive
to high temperatures, such as photographs.
Films also provide the option of laminating one side
or both sides of an item. Single-sided lamination is
used, for example, to laminate over a poster that is to be mounted on a backing board.
Laminating films are available in a variety of finishes
such as gloss, matte and satin.
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