Hot Lamination
These are the most common types of laminators. 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. This is the preferred method of lamination for materials that are not
effected by heat.
Cold Lamination
Cold laminators, such as the Cool
Laminator shown above, use pressure sensitive adhesives
to bind the lamination film.
Cold laminators are used when the material being
laminated is sensitive to heat. For example, some
ink jet printers use inks that can melt when heated.
There are other types of printers that use heat sensitive
paper. For these types of applications the cold laminator
is the best choice.
Laminating Material - Pouches
Laminating 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 item
being laminated, so no trimming is necessary after laminating.
Thickness: Mils express the thickness or weight
of a laminating pouch. Each side of a laminating pouch
has it's own mil weight. A 5 mil pouch has a total weight
of 10 mils. The higher the mil weight, the more rigid
the laminated document.
Pouches are available in matte and gloss finishes.
Matte finishes are non-reflective and slightly granular.
They tend to make image colors more vivid. Gloss finishes
are best for bright colors. Gloss adds definition,
radiance.
Laminating Material - Film
Laminating films come in a variety
widths and thicknesses. As with pouches, the thicker
the film, the stiffer and more durable the laminated
item will be.
Some 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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