Choosing a Laminator - Five Things to Consider

Before you choose a laminator, there are severallaminator, your finish will be perfect every time.
factors you should consider. From the size of the4)Do You Need to Do a Great Deal of Laminating
document you wish to laminate, to its rigidity to theQuickly?
touch, to the smoothness of the finish. Also keep inIf your laminator is used only occasionally, then you
mind, it's not just about the items you will laminate now,may be well advised to choose a lower spec machine.
but also about the things you may want to laminate asIf the laminator is used daily, you should make the
your needs or business grows. Here is a quick list ofinvestment in a machine with higher specs and a
important factors to review prior to making yourhigher price tag. These laminators are usually more
ultimate decision:reliable and have quicker lamination speeds. If your
1)What Size Materials Do You Typically Laminate?volume is very large, you may consider a roll laminator,
A laminator is an investment, and making sure you getas they are much quicker than pouch lamination
the greatest amount of flexibility gives you the mostmachines.
for you money. Choose a laminator that has a5)What Will You be Laminating?
capacity for materials larger than you think you'll need -Every document or material has a different tolerance
and it will grow with you. You may start small, butto every laminator. Whe laminating sensitive materials,
chances are, your needs will change, so be ready forsuch as older documents or antique photographs, you
this before it becomes a necessity.should definitely consider choosing a laminator with
2)What is the Thickness or Rigidity You will Need forhigher specifications to ensure safety and preservation.
your Materials?If the items are not as sensitive, you may be able to
Very thick or very rigid materials require a machinepurchase a laminator with lower specifications. Just be
with higher specifications, able to handle pouches up tosure you understand your long term needs before
500 microns. The wrong laminator will not be able tomaking the call.
handle these types of thicknesses, and will fail as aWhether you choose heat or cold, hand lamination, high
result. Make sure you have a good idea of youror low specifications, large or small format laminators,
current and future rigidity and thickness needs and thatthere are enough styles, varieties and finishes of
your laminator can perform under theselamination machines that you should be able to find the
circumstances.right laminator for your personal needs and the needs
3)Do You Need a Perfect Finish?of your business.
If properly executed, hot laminating improves theLamination if a critical preservation process, and as
appearance of the laminated items and makes themsuch, choosing a lamination machine should be done
cleaner and brighter. To ensure the best finish, youcarefully, reviewing all of the factors and facts
should choose a laminator with variable speed or heatregarding every style and brand. Do this, and you will
and make sure the pouch you use is a properend up with the equipment that you need for now and
thickness for your laminator. If you choose the correctfor the future.