Lamination overview

A laminate is a material constructed by uniting two ordigital imaging:
more layers of material together. The process ofPouch laminators
creating a laminate is lamination, which usually refers toHeated roll laminators
sandwiching something between layers of plastic andFilm types
sealing them with heat and/or pressure, usually with anLaminate film is generally categorized into these five
adhesive.categories:
The materials used in laminates can be the same orStandard thermal laminating films
different. An example of the type of laminate usingLow-temperature thermal laminating films
different materials would be the application of a layerHeatset (or heat-assisted) laminating films
of plastic film — the "laminate" —onPressure-sensitive films
either side of a sheet of glass — theLiquid laminates
laminated subject. On the other hand, plywood is aPouch Laminators use a lamination pouch that is
common example of a laminate using the sameusually sealed on one side. The inside of the lamination
material. Examples of laminate materials includepouch is coated with a heat-activated film that
Formica and plywood. Formica and similar plasticadheres to the product being laminated as it runs
laminates (such as Pionite, Wilsonart or Centuryplythrough the laminator. The substrate side of the board
Mica) are often referred to as High Pressurecontains a heat-activated adhesive that bonds the print
Decorative Laminate (HPDL) as they are created withto the substrate. This can be any of a number of
heat and pressure of more than 5 lbf/in2 (34 kPa). Aboard products or another sheet of laminate. The
new type of HPDL is produced using real woodpouch containing the print, laminate and substrate is
veneer or multilaminar veneer as top surface. Alpikordpassed through a set of heated rollers under pressure,
is one of these laminates produced by Alpi spa.insuring that all adhesive layers bond to one another.
Laminating paper, such as photographs, can prevent itPouch laminators are designed for moderate use in
from becoming creased, sun damaged, wrinkled,the office or home. These inexpensive machines are
stained, smudged, abraded and/or marked by grease,quite effective. However, for continuous, large-volume
fingerprints and environmental concerns. Photolamination projects, a roll laminator performs more
identification cards and credit cards are almost alwaysefficiently.
laminated with plastic film. Lamination is also used inPouches can be bought with different levels of
sculpture using wood or resin. An example of an artistmicrometres (referred to as MIC) with standard home
who used lamination in his work is the American, Floydor office machines normally utilising 80-250 micrometre
Shaman.pouches depending on the quality of the machine. The
Types of laminatorsmicrometres relate to the thickness of the pouch. The
Three types of laminators are used most often inthicker, the higher the cost.