Introduction to Lamination: Pouch Laminating

Whether your company does its own document laminating or you use a print supplier, it pays to know more about the lamination process, the benefits of lamination and the different applications for it.

What is Document Laminating?

Starting at the beginning, laminating a document means sealing it inside a transparent film. The film protects the document, adds rigidity and enhances the appearance of anything printed on the document. Laminating machines use either a cold or hot process to seal the film around the document when it is passed through the machine. Pouch laminators heat-seal documents in a lamination pouch that’s closed on one side. The pouches are available in standard paper and document sizes to seal everything from business cards to small posters. You can choose pouch film in different thicknesses, from 1.5 mil to 10 mil, depending on what you’re laminating and what kind of protection you want. Pouches are also available in different finishes, including glossy, matte and velvet touch.

What Can You Laminate?

You can laminate just about anything made of paper that isn’t too thick (no 3 dimensional images) or large (the biggest pouch available is 12”x18”) to pass through your laminating machine. After that, the only limit to what you can laminate is your imagination. And once you start, you’ll want to laminate everything you can. Here’s a short list of some of the things you can laminate for your business: In the Office:

• Marketing materials
• Award certificates
• Door signs
• ID cards
• Phone lists
• Presentation cover sheets
• Sell sheets

In the Warehouse:

• Equipment tags
• Safety sheets
• Operating instructions
• Warning signs
• Shelf & cabinet identification
• Fire and evacuation signs
• Rules & regulationsIn Stores & Restaurants

• Counter signage
• Menus
• Table numbers
• Door and window signs
• Promotional displays
• Kitchen rules and regulations
• Mixed drink instructions

It’s difficult to think of a business that can’t use laminating in one way or another.

How do you Laminate?

Pouch laminating machines are small enough to fit on a desk or table top. Once you’ve chosen what you want to laminate, and the correct pouch size, place the document between the two sides of the pouch. It is best to put your document right up against the sealed edge to make sure it is centered and doesn’t shift while laminating. Many laminating machines automatically adjust their heat according the pouch you are using. For those that don’t, you’ll need to set the temperature and speed according to the thickness of the film. You always load the document enclosed in the pouch with the sealed end of the pouch going in first. Once it passes through the machine, lay the laminated document on a flat surface to let it cool without warping or bending. That’s it! You use the same process whether laminating a business card or an exit sign. If you would like to learn more about pouch laminating and how your business can benefit, please call us here at Southwest Binding – 1-877-285-7044 - and we’ll be happy to help.