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Difference Between Hot and Cold Lamination Film

Author: Justin

Aug. 26, 2024

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Tags: Packaging & Printing

Difference Between Hot and Cold Lamination Film

These two options are related to how the laminating machine applies lamination to a document. A cold laminator uses pressure and adhesive to secure documents between sheets of lamination film. Some customers prefer these machines over hot laminators because the material they are laminating is not compatible with thermal films or they need a longer outdoor lifespan.

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Hot Lamination Film

Hot lamination film comes in different variations depending on what type of media you are laminating. When laminating standard copy paper with primarily text and some graphic images a standard or homopolymer film can be used, which is run at 260° F to 290° F. This is the least expensive thermal film available. When you have coated papers or heavy color graphics a low-melt or copolymer film is used with added adhesive qualities, which is run at 230° F to 260° F. Some copiers or digital presses utilize wax-based particles to help the toner adhere to the paper or print media. This requires an even more aggressive adhesive sometimes referred to as an extra bond film.

Benefits of Hot Lamination Film

  • The availability of various films depending upon the media laminating

  • Thermal films are less expensive than cold films

  • Some materials make it harder for the adhesives to get to the fibers of the paper, special low-melt films are available for these applications.

  • Materials laminated are fully encapsulated for protection from moisture and debris.

Cold Lamination Film

The glue in &#;cold&#; lamination is more aggressive and can be applied with pressure rather than heat. A release liner shields the adhesive until the film is ready to be applied, which is commonly done on a cold-roll lamination machine with a release liner rewind. Cold lamination is typically utilized with print media not compatible with thermal films and only applied to one side to prolong the life of the printed image. Cold laminating films are generally more expensive than hot laminating films, although they can be applied with less expensive, non-heated or heat-assist cold lamination machines. A heat assist lamination machine applies only enough heat to soft adhesives and will have a maximum temperature of 140° F or less. Softening the adhesive prevents silvering, the tiny air bubbles that are visible over dark-colored images, in lamination film.

Benefits of Cold Lamination Film

  • A cold lamination machine is less expensive and easier to operate.

  • By applying low heat, the problem of unpleasant bubbles is solved.

  • Additional UV and weather protection to prolong the life of prints.

  • Because only one side of a graphic can be laminated, this is an excellent choice for adhesive-backed media meant for floor or wall decals and vehicle wraps as well.

 

At Filmsource Inc, we provide cutting-edge cold and hot laminating technology and equipment. Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can help with your lamination requirements.

Understanding the Difference between Hot and Cold ...

Understanding the Difference between Hot and Cold Lamination

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Want more information on cold laminating film? Feel free to contact us.

Though there has been a significant development in the office innovation space, lamination is still considered to be the best possible way to protect a printed image or document. Be it in a classroom or in an office, lamination is the most preferred alternative for protecting any important document or giving it a high-quality finish.

Lamination not only protects a printed document or page, but also provides a scratch-resistant surface to add value to it. Lamination machines are used extensively to enhance the colour of an image, adding a rigid surface to it, and protect documents against unsightly folds and creases.

While purchasing a laminator, many teachers and office managers are not sure whether they should opt of a cold laminator or hot laminator. Needless to mention, both these types have their own advantages and disadvantages. In order to make an informed purchasing decision, it is important to understand the difference between hot and cold laminators.

What is a Lamination Machine?

In simple words, laminating machines are used to add plastic coatings to images, cards, and paper documents. This is done typically by fusing plastic sheets over the surface to be laminated by applying heat or an adhesive.

While purchasing lamination machines, there are several options available to you. A thicker plastic can be used for creating a more rigid surface. On the other hand, a thinner plastic can be used for a laminate that is low cost and easier to handle.

Options are also available in terms of the machine&#;s size. The standard sized laminators are suitable for desktops. On the other hand, if you need to laminate banners, posters, or maps, you may need industrial-sized laminators.

Cold Laminators and Hot Laminators:

These two options relate to how the application of plastic to a document is done by the laminating machine. A cold laminator secures documents between sheets of plastic by applying pressure and an adhesive. Some users prefer these machines over hot laminators because they deliver superior quality documents without the hassle of using the heating elements.

Some noteworthy advantages of cold laminators include

  • Requires less maintenance and set-up time, inexpensive, and easier to use.
  • Solves the problem of unsightly bubbles by the application of pressure.
  • The quality and colour of the laminated documents is better in general.
  • Excellent option for adhesive decorations and decals because only one side of a graphic can be laminated.

Hot laminators, on the other hand, make use of heat to activate or melt an adhesive material. This type of lamination is generally faster, and provides more durable protection.

Some key points about hot laminators include

  • Additional laminating applications including a variety of heat settings.
  • Makes use of materials that are less expensive compared to the ones for cold lamination.
  • The high heat generated by a hot laminator can damage some materials, inks, and colours. To protect documents from the impact of heat, special plastic laminates can be used.
  • It may take some time and experience to master the skill of using a hot laminator successfully. If the users are not careful, the heating elements can cause serious danger to them.

At RENZ Australia, we offer the most advanced solutions for lamination technology and equipment. Please contact us today to discuss your lamination requirements

For more information, please visit professional graphic printing film manufacturer.

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