Roll Laminators: Quick and Easy Laminating

When it comes to the business of laminating objects, you need a machine that gets the job done quickly and efficiently. This is especially so if you have a long list of clients who each need a couple of hundred identification cards made within the week. This is where roll laminators come in to fill your needs.

What are roll laminators?

Roll laminators basically use rollers to seal shut a document between two sheets of plastic. The plastic serves to protect the document within from the elements, gives rigidity and toughness to the document and adds an aesthetic touch with its sheen and luster. An adhesive is applied in between these sheets of plastic, and this adhesive prevents any substance from touching the sealed document. Roll laminators work by using either hot or cold rollers to get the job done, and each has their own ups and downs

Hot roller laminators use adhesives that melt when heat is applied, while the heat itself helps provide a vacuum inside the sealed area to further protect the sealed document. This is a typically rapid process, since the heat quickly melts away the adhesive and instantly seals the laminated product without much time or pressure needed. The heat, however, can and will damage distort documents that are sensitive to heat. Plastics, metals, some inks and other similar materials are not recommended for lamination via roll laminators.

Cold roller laminators, on the other hand, come with specially designed plastic sheets that have adhesives already placed on them, but are covered with glossy materials to prevent them from sticking together. Once the lamination process comes around, the glossy paper is removed and the sheets pressed together to seal the item in question. While the process is somewhat slower than that of hot roller laminators, the ability to protect the item from heat is one factor that separates cold laminators from their warmer counterparts.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of roll laminators?

The first and foremost benefit for roll laminators is that they are quick and convenient to use. The process of laminating involves simply positioning a document in the right spot, covering it with a sheet of plastic and adhesive, and sealing the areas shut with the laminating machine. The precise accuracy of the machine also means that you can expect the laminated object to be made perfectly and without a flaw, as far as the automated process goes.

The problem here, though, is that you have to buy a machine to get the job done. The smallest office laminators cost about $150 to $250 each, while the industrial laminators can run up to as much as $3,000 to laminate 27" or larger projects. The point here is that you will have to invest money to quickly laminate multiple items, and it all boils down to how extensive your needs for laminating are.

Where can you buy roll laminators?

Online stores are good places to start when you decide to purchase laminators. Browse over different products and don't forget to contact online companies if you are interested. You can find out a lot more if you contact them, and you may even be able to negotiate the prices if you are smart.