Choosing the Right Lamination - Hot Lamination

Countless factors come into play when selecting a laminating film … quality, polyester content, price and adhesive layer, to name a few. Though “the thicker the lamination, the more durable the material” is often true, many factors need to be taken into account when determining the right lamination for your job.

Hot Lamination - Polyester/Adhesive Ratio

Hot film lamination consists of two layers, a polyester base layer and an inner adhesive resin layer. A hot film’s polyester and adhesive content is defined as a ratio, such as 3/2 or 1/4.

The first number represents the polyester content; the second represents the adhesive content. Ratios with larger polyester content produce stiffer lamination. Ratios with greater adhesive content have a stronger bond, important for laminating thicker materials such as hard plastic.

Knowing a film’s polyester/adhesive ratio can be critical when selecting a lamination for jobs requiring specific behaviors. Keep in mind there are also many grades of polyester. The better the grade, the greater the clarity.

Hot film lamination utilizes a polyester base layer and inner adhesive layer. The laminator’s heated rollers activate the adhesive layer, which adheres to the document being laminated.

Film Thickness, Quality and Melt Temperatures

A film’s thickness often determines the applications it’s best suited for, while film quality and adhesive affect the lamination’s quality. If your laminated item is cloudy, for instance, a higher-quality laminating film will likely increase its clarity.

Hot laminating films come in many thicknesses and melt temperatures:

• 1.5 mil – These flexible, economical films are a good choice for items with limited lifespans, such as team rosters or schedules. Because they have little thermal mass, 1.5-mil films quickly lose heat to the material being laminated, making them slightly less durable. They require laminating temperatures of 300 – 310 F.
  
  
• 3 mil – Films 3-mil thick provide excellent long-term protection and resist curling, waviness and wrinkles. They do a good job of protecting documents, educational materials and posters, and bond at 260 F. For laminating photos, artwork and materials printed with ink jet printers, consider using a low-melt film that has higher-quality adhesives, which melt at lower temperatures.
  
  
• 5 mil – These films protect posters, presentation materials, teaching aids and displays from damage caused by abrasion and exposure. They offer greater stiffness, and bond at 250 – 260 F.
  
  
• 10 mil – These thick, heavy-duty laminates extend the lives of posters, signs and displays. They do an excellent job of protecting materials subjected to frequent handling and abuse, and bond at 250 F.
  
  
• Dual-sided films – These versatile films protect signs, posters and documents up to 24 inches wide. They let you cut to the edge of or completely through laminated materials without having them separate.

Which Lamination Will Work Best for Me?

Laminating films are designed to serve a wide range of applications:

Standard laminating films bond to documents, posters and handouts for strong, economical protection.

• Low-melt laminating films require less heat and work effectively with materials sensitive to high temperatures, such as photographs.
  
  
• High-gloss films enhance color, resist fading and curling, and add definition. Strong edge seals help prevent abrasion and damage from exposure. They’re an excellent lamination for displays, signs and photos.
  
  
• Matte films have a frosted, granular texture to reduce glare and improve readability. They make colors more vivid and are a popular choice for maps, manuals and outdoor displays.
  
  
• Satin films operate at low temperatures, allowing them to run faster. They offer ultra-clear finishes and protect items from the effects of direct, bright light. These films do a great job of protecting signs, graphic arts materials and small-print documents. They reduce glare and provide a soft sheen.
  
  
• Premium films have flawless edge seals to prevent wrinkling and damage caused by everyday wear and tear. Precision construction allows premium films to adhere to porous materials, and makes them a great choice for protecting posters, signs, documents and displays.

There’s more to selecting hot film lamination than meets the eye. To ensure your laminated materials measure up to your expectations, choose a product with qualities and features that satisfy your most important requirements.

LEARN MORE:
Hot or cold lamination?
How laminating pouches work
Laminate weights and finishes
Laminating Machines
Is Cold Lamination Best?