Whether you’re a teacher preparing for the upcoming school year or an office manager outfitting a new workspace, a laminator can be an invaluable tool for protecting important documents. But with so many models on the market sporting different features and capabilities, how do you know which laminator is right for your needs?
This essential guide breaks down the key factors to consider when shopping for a laminator.
Determining Laminating Needs
Laminators range widely in size, strength, and speed. Start by considering what you will primarily be laminating.
Small laminators with lower heat settings work well for protecting delicate items like photos, menus, and signs. Standard mid-range laminators can handle letter and legal-size sheets of paper. Large format laminators are necessary for laminating posters, maps, and oversized documents up to 27″ wide. High-volume offices should look for fast warm-up times and high throughput capacities.
If you will be laminating thick paper, card stock, or foam boards, look for a machine that offers at least 5 mil thickness capability. For laminating pouches, you’ll need a model with a pouch alignment system to prevent wrinkling and uneven seals. If you have sensitive electrical equipment nearby, an optional foot pedal allows you to activate the laminator safely.
Key Feature Checklist
- Ready light indicator
- Jam release lever
- Pouch thickness guidelines
- Feed table alignment marks
- Variable temperature settings
- Speed settings for cold and hot lamination
- Reverse settings to clear jams
Standalone Units Vs. Pouch Systems
Standalone laminators require you to insert your document into a laminating pouch first before feeding it through the machine. They offer the most flexibility in pouch sizes and thicknesses.
With a pouch laminating system, you place your document into a special carrier connected to the folded pouch, which moves through the laminator automatically. The benefit is speed and convenience, but you’re limited to the proprietary pouches.
Manual Vs. Automatic Feeders
Manual feed laminators require you to insert each document or pouch into the opening. They give you more control over alignment but are slower for high-volume jobs. Models with automatic feeders pull in sheets continually from the feed tray and stop when the tray is empty or a jam occurs.
Specialty Laminators
For laminating rigid items like ID badges, wood, plastic, glass, and metal items, look for a cold press specialty laminator. Instead of heat, pressure sensitizes the adhesive to adhere laminate film to the surface permanently.
If you need to adhere fabric to boards for exhibits, trade shows, and presentations, a fabric laminator uses a mounting adhesive instead of pouches to affix the material. For professional encapsulation quality, an industrial-grade laminator offers premium results by pulling heated pouches over the document for a bubble-free, wrinkle-free seal.
Matching Quality Supplies
The results from your laminator rely heavily on using a high-quality, properly sized laminating film. Pouches specifically designed for certain model laminators help avoid jams and burn spots for smooth, professional finishes.
Opt for thermal pouches for regular use or self-adhesive pouches for permanent adhesion. While specialty stores may offer a hands-on testing experience, online vendors typically beat pricing for volume purchasing. Reputable brands ensure consistency and reliability.
From protecting cherished family photos to transforming grade school projects into decorations, laminators make preserving memories simple. With an understanding of the core features and components that differentiate these handy machines, you can confidently select the right laminating equipment to suit your everyday needs or large-scale projects. The result is professional, long-lasting seals that withstand the test of time.
