The best way to laminate paper with a high-end, durable and professional finish is by using a laminating machine. These machines make laminating quick and easy. That’s why, many businesses are choosing to have a machine on-site - increasing their efficiencies with the ability to laminate on-demand.
Businesses can use a laminating machine to give a professional look to all their printed documents and protect them from the elements. By laminating paper, you turn a flimsy paper document into something durable that can be reused.
Certain types of laminating machines are designed to laminate specific types of documents. The criteria for choosing a machine is based on the size of the document, film thickness, film finish available and number of sheets.
Laminating machines are available in four basic styles that come in freestanding or tabletop options: Roll Laminators or Pouch Laminators and Cold Laminators or Hot Laminators.
Roll Laminators versus Pouch Laminators
Roll laminators are the most versatile laminators and can help with frequent laminating needs. Schools and businesses will find this type of laminator especially useful. Businesses may have documents like price lists, training materials, banners, business cards, ID cards etc. Schools frequently laminate documents like maps, certificates, posters, worksheets, etc.
Pouch laminators are the least expensive machines but have more limitations. The pouch lamination machine uses a pouch that comes sealed on one end. You must feed each document individually through the laminator and use pre-sized pouches. If your business is laminating the same size papers consistently, then this may be a good option. For example, business card size, letter size paper, and menu size.
Cold Laminators versus Hot Laminators
Both types of machines will preserve documents, but the differences relate to available supplies and cost.
Cold laminators are best for materials that are heat sensitive. They require pressure sensitive laminating rolls and pouches. Cold laminators will still give you a smooth finish, with no bubbles.
Hot laminators meanwhile work by melting the adhesive backing to your paper. They are the most widely used and the Industry standard. Plus, the supplies for these types of laminators come in a variety of sizes, styles and thicknesses available and are the most cost effective vs cold or even pouch lamination.
There are also dual hot/cold laminators that have settings that allow it to laminate in both ways depending on the needs of the business.
There are so many benefits to laminating paper and knowing what type of machine will work best for you is important. Reach out to us with any questions you might have or for help narrowing down the search.
