Laminating Tutorial

Hot Laminating Film

Introduction to Hot Laminating Film

Laminating film is available in a variety of widths and thicknesses. The thicker the film, the stiffer and more durable the laminated item will be. Films can be used for hot or cold lamination depending on the type of document you have.

Hot laminating film consists of two layers, a polyester-base layer and an inner adhesive resin layer. The material to be laminated is placed between two sheets of laminating film. Heated rollers melt the adhesive resin layer, which then spreads over the document, hardening as it cools and creating a bond between the material and film.

The polyester and adhesive content in hot laminating films is defined as a ratio, such as 3/2 or 1/4. The first number represents the polyester content, while the second represents the adhesive content. Ratios with larger polyester contents produce stiffer lamination. Ratios with more adhesive contents will have a stronger bond. Stronger bonds are necessary when laminating thicker materials such as substrate backing or hard plastic.

There are several types of laminating film used in hot laminators:

Standard laminating film is designed for everyday lamination of documents that do not have a heavy ink lay down.
Special low melt laminating films require less heat and are used when laminating materials that are sensitive to high temperatures, such as photographs.

Hot Laminating film is available in a variety of finishes:

Matte - This is a non-reflective, slightly granular finish. It tends to make image colors more vivid.
Satin - Provides a reduced level of glare, and has a soft sheen.
Lustre - This finish also reduces glare, It has a sparkling sheen.
Gloss - Best for bright colors. Adds definition, radiance

Selecting Hot Laminating Film

There is a difference in laminating films. To select the right film, you'll need to know how it will be used.

The differences in films that can be quantified are the thickness of the film and the melt temperature. There are also differences in film and adhesive quality, both of which effect the clarity of lamination. Unfortunately, these can not be quantified. The best way to ensure film and adhesive quality is to buy your laminating film from a reputable dealer. If your laminated materials look cloudy, then you may need to switch to a different film.

1.5 mil Laminating Film: If you need to protect items for a short time and there is not much concern about curling, waviness or wrinkles, then a 1.5 mil film will get the job done and be inexpensive. Examples of this would be sports team rosters and items that are used just once such as signs used in a parade (lamination protects them from rain).

1.5 mil film requires higher laminating temperatures, usually in the 300F-310F range. Since 1.5 mil film has little thermal mass, it quickly loses heat to the material being laminated. This makes it difficult for the adhesive to remain hot enough, long enough such that it can be drawn into the the material being laminated. As a result 1.5 mil laminated materials are less durable and may delaminate in a short time.

3.0 mil Laminating Films: Laminating with a minimum of 3 mil film is a good general approach to laminating. 3 mil film typically provides excellent long term protection and it resists curling, waviness and wrinkles.

If you need to laminate output from ink jet printers, photographs or art, we recommend using a low-melt film. This provides a higher quality adhesive that melts at a lower temperature.

5 mil & 10 mil Laminating Films: These thicker films are used when greater protection and stiffness is required. You might want to use these films with presentation materials and teaching aids that you want to use year after year.

For specific recommendations, please feel free to give us a call at . We'll be happy to discuss your requirements and recommend the correct film for your applications.