Lamination? What do you use? Recommendations?

[Nicola McIntosh]

hi mark 😛

in the search box above..type in ‘laminators’ theres loads of interesting reading around 😀

nik

[Mark S]

I tried that and got zero ?

Adjusted my spelling to “laminators” and hey presto 🙂

Ive looked and members are asking for opinions etc.

I’m more curious about example pics or links if possible
to learn about them. Not fussed about which is the best out there,
and maybe pros and cons may be a spin off on the topic its self.

As i know nothing about them.

My Knowledge of laminators ends at here.

Then Found this info

Most people today are laminating everything they want to last. The question is what kind of laminator do you buy? You have a lot to choose from. You can buy a “disposable” laminator in one of those big office supply “chain” stores that typically last a month or two. The smart buyer will purchase a dependable, heavy-duty laminator that you purchase only once that will rarely, if ever need repairs.

Why Laminate?

Lamination seals out air, moisture and other elements that would ruin a print or document.Once laminated, the life of a print is extended 5 times that of a non-laminated print. One of the most popular traits of lamination is protection. Exposure to the elements and exsessive handling increase the need for added protection to stop the damage caused by abrasion. Lamination can also add a gloss, satin or matte finish to the print while intensifying and enhancing the prints color at the same time.

** Promotion! custom-printed, indestructible luggage tags are great for promoting your company name and image, as customer give-aways, or for your own sales people. They are a super traffic­-builder promo at trade shows.

** Permanence! Once an item is laminated, it is permanently sealed in clear polyester – protected from dirt and aging. So, our clear lamination is perfect for brochures, magazine articles, customer endorsement letters, diplomas, etc.

** Durability! Laminated items are impervious to grease, water, and wear. Laminate price lists, instructions, menus, sales literature, etc.

** Laminated items get noticed! They have a glossy 3-dimensional appearance.

** Laminating reference and sales materials render them perfect for high use in a three-ring binder. Laminated materials will not rip out .

** Laminated charts and schedules can be written on with an overhead projector pen or grease pencil and wiped off for re-use .

** Laminated display easels are used for counter-top displays, point-of-­purchase displays, sales presentation aids, award certificates, etc.

** Self-adhesive laminating pouches are used as safety signs, announcements, window displays, etc. Stick instructions to machines and equipment (i.e., copy machine).

** Wood grain award plaques “Salesman of the Month”, “Outstanding Recognition”, “Most Valued Customer”, etc.

Still Have Problems?

1. Card stuck inside laminator:
If the product has been laminated incorrectly and gets stuck in the machine, unplug the machine and take the outside cover off the machine. Slowly pull the product out from the rollers (do not use a knife or blade that can cut into the rollers). When rollers have cooled , remove any build-up of adhesive with a dry 3M Scotch Brite pad or with a rubber pencil eraser. Wipe all residue with a clean rag and replace the cover on the machine.

2. Bubbles can show up when laminating some products. Bubbles are caused by:
a) Too high a heat setting.
b) Trapped air in laminating pouch from using glossy paper or photographic stock.

Solution :
1) Turn the heat down one or two settings or try a more porous or matte finish stock (paper).
2) Always use a carrier when laminating. It absorbs excess heat and adds more pressure during the lamination process to help eliminate air bubbles.

And Now I’ve seen the bigger ones while searching “Google”

Might help someone else make the connection.
As i didn’t know it until i searched 🙂

Hopefully in the future i will be looking for advice on “What model”
and advice from you experienced members?

Mark.

[Bryan Cabrera]

Not sure really what you need to know but here is a recent thread about a machine that apply pre mask and cold lamination.

http://www.uksignboards.com/viewtopic.p … =ezy+taper

Do a search for ezy taper and you will find a few more.

quote :

I may have read it wrong or just completely got the wrong end of the stick, but i think someone (Cant find the thread now) mentioned that they use a solvent baised unit?

That is referring to inks use in color printers. The solvent based ones hold up better without lamination but for harsh conditions a laminate film is applied on top to further protect it.

I am looking into some units myself so I am certainly not an expert.

[Mark S]

Cheers conjurer

That’s why i didn’t find it?

Its in Show us your Stuff, which i assumed was “show us your Work.”
But there is plenty more in there 🙂

Its good reading.. Learning all the time.

[Bryan Cabrera]

Glad I could help.

I am working my way through all the stuff myself.

Really glad I found this site.

[Rodney Gold]

Heres a what we use
http://www.tokerbros.co.za/lamination_services.htm
Depends what you want to do , for lamming your own prints occasionally , I wouldnt buy a laminator , I would farm it out. cold pressure is whats generally used on vinyl , but a laminator can become a profit centre in itself if you buy a really good wide one and take on contract stuff. A laminator can cost more than the printer if you buy a top end model.
You can lam with liquids too , but that doesnt give the kind of protection a proper cold one does.
A lot of folk here lam by hand.

[Bryan Cabrera]

Here is another low cost laminator/pre-masker I found.

http://www.speedpress.com/proddetail.as … 54&from=15

Just figured I’d share for people researching lower cost solutions.

Bryan

[TonyM]

Seal make excellent laminators, the webby is http://www.Sealgraphics.com