Hot Laminator Machines: The Professional's Choice

When it comes to lamination, hot laminator machines are the first machines to come in mind. They are the most common laminators around, and they use resins that melt under heat to provide a pretty powerful adhesive. These resins are attached to one side of the plastic sheets, which are then pressed together and flattened with heated rollers specifically designed to apply pressure and heat at the same time.

A hot laminator, however, may be good at what it does, but it has its own limitations in the field of lamination that are worth thinking over. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of hot laminator machines before making a choice:

PROS:

High quality sealing

The reason why hot laminator machines are still so popular even when there are alternatives to them is because of the strong seal that molten resin provides. Because of this, you can expect that there will be no ugly stains or spills, as well as gaps that expose the laminated document to the elements.

Tough and durable

Another advantage of using molten resin brings is the fact that the finished product is tougher and sturdier than most other lamination procedures. It can take a lot more abuse than its other counterparts, and the cooled resin itself lends even more structural strength to the item.

Fast and efficient lamination

Molten resin requires little to no effort during the lamination process. All the operator has to do is to position the item to be laminated between the sheets and press a button or two. The machine�s heated roller automatically rolls over the item, melting the resin and ensuring the seal is nice and tight.

CONS:

Potential item damage due to heat

The first and foremost disadvantage of a hot laminator is its tendency to damage sensitive materials and substances that are placed on the item in question. Certain inks and papers do not tolerate heat well, and may warp or distort when they are laminated. A worst case scenario is that they end up burnt or scorched when the procedure is completed, which basically destroys the item you were seeking to protect in the first place.

Potential hazard in untrained hands

The molten resin can and will burn anyone who improperly handles a hot laminator. The instructions are usually clearly stated in the manual, but a novice can and will pose a safety hazard to himself or others. It is for this reason that the operator must be skilled in handling the laminator in order to avoid injuring anyone, and the laminated material must be allowed to cool before touching.

Slightly more costly

The machine used for hot lamination is slightly more costly than their colder counterparts. The heating mechanisms can jack up the price to around $350-600 for desktop laminators, while industrial laminators range between $3,000 to $5,000 a piece, depending on brand and specifications.

So there you have it, the ups and downs of using a hot laminator. Keep them in mind before making a decision, and you'll know exactly what you're looking for in a laminator!