Should I use a hot or cold laminator?

What kind of laminator you use depends mainly on the kind of document you need to laminate.

Hot Lamination: Hot laminators are the most common types of laminators. They use heat (180 to 300 degrees F) to laminate documents and other flat items. The heat melts an adhesive in the plastic laminate, which sticks to the material being laminated. Hot lamination can be used with any flat items that do not include inks or materials that will run or melt when exposed to high temperatures. Hot laminators provide better quality and durability laminates that are more resistant to wear and tear.

Cold Lamination: Cold lamination is your best option when laminating heat-sensitive documents. These would include faxes, photos, and documents printed with an ink jet printer. Cold lamination can be safer and provide better UV protection than hot lamination.

Cold laminating pouches use an adhesive that is activated with pressure. Cold laminators are generally easy and safer to use than hot laminators because they do not get hot and in many cases do not even use electricity.

In both hot and cold lamination, the thicker the film or pouch, the stiffer and more durable the laminated item will be.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LAMINATING:
Hot or cold lamination?
How laminating pouches work
Laminate weights and finishes
Laminating Machines
Are Cold Laminators Best?
Choosing The Right Laminator - Hot Lamination
Graphic Products - Your Lamination Resource