Is Cold Lamination Your Best Choice?

As effective as hot film lamination is, it may not always be the best choice. Ink jet printers use inks that can melt when heated; some printers use heat-sensitive papers; hot film lamination can damage photographs.

Cold film lamination, on the other hand, uses pressure-sensitive adhesives that bind laminates to materials without heat. It eliminates the kinds of problems that can occur with hot film lamination – without sacrificing strength or quality. It’s a practical choice for laminating heat-sensitive materials.

Wider Laminate Selection

Cold laminating film contains more layers than hot film — and more types of content for each layer. These added variables result in a greater number of laminating materials from which to choose.

Cold lamination has many capabilities …

• Single-sided film laminates one side of a document. It is used for mounting materials to rigid substrates such as foam core.
  
  
• Two-sided film completely encases a document, laminating both sides for complete protection. It works well for signs, documents and displays.
  
  
• Magnetic laminating film applies laminate to one side and a magnetic backing to the other.
  
  
• Transfer adhesive laminating film laminates a document on both sides, applying an adhesive backing.
  
  
• High-tack adhesive lamination is an extremely aggressive adhesive that creates a permanent bond, setting instantly.
  
  
• Standard adhesive lamination is a moderately aggressive adhesive that can touch a surface, be peeled back and replaced.
  
  
• Direct thermal lamination is a high-gloss film used for sensitive thermal print materials. Special adhesives prevent ink from bleeding. It protects signs, manuals and displays.
  
  
• Two-sided thin lamination is a high-gloss film that’s thinner than standard laminates. It’s an excellent choice for signs and documents.

… and unique laminating finishes

• Matte – Provides a frosted, slightly granular look; reduces glare, improves readability and makes colors more vivid. It’s a popular choice for protecting maps, manuals and outdoor displays.
  
  
• Lustre – Reduces glare and has a sparkling sheen. It’s an excellent laminate for outdoor displays and photographs.
  
  
• High-Gloss – Enhances color, resists fading, adds definition, and makes displays, signs and photographs look brighter.
  
  
• Standard – Offers strong, economical protection for documents, signs, posters and handouts.
  
  
• Premium – Prevents wrinkling and other types of damage. It adheres to porous materials and offers great protection for posters, signs, documents and displays.

Cold Laminating Film thickness

A film’s thickness often determines what applications it’s best suited for. Typically, the thicker the film, the stiffer and more durable the laminated item.

Cold laminating films come in several thicknesses:

• 1.5 mil – These flexible, economical films are a good choice for laminating items with limited life spans, such as team rosters or schedules.
  
  
• 3 mil – Films of 3 mil thickness provide excellent long-term protection, and resist curling, waviness and wrinkles. They do a good job of protecting documents, educational materials and posters.
  
  
• 5 mil – These films protect posters, teaching aids and displays from damage caused by abrasion and exposure. They provide good strength and stiffness.
  
  
• 7 mil – Strong 7-mil films keep posters, signs, displays and heavily used documents from damage caused by rough weather and handling. They offer excellent durability and stiffness.
  
  
• 10 mil – These thick, heavy-duty films protect and extend the lives of posters, signs and displays exposed to frequent handling and abuse.

Laminator size

Cold film laminators come in different sizes for different applications:

• Desktop laminators encase cards, documents and photos up to 9 inches wide.
  
  
• School laminators protect stickers, labels and artwork up to 12 inches wide.
  
  
• Professional laminators laminate signs and documents 12 – 38 inches wide.

Industrial-type laminators protect documents, posters, signs and displays 42 inches wide and wider.

Many factors come into play when selecting laminating supplies and machines . Laminated materials’ sizes and printing sources, as well as types of applications planned, are just a few things you’ll need to consider.

LEARN MORE:
Hot or cold lamination?
How laminating pouches work
Laminate weights and finishes
Laminating Machines
Choosing The Right Lamination - Hot Lamination