Laminated Map

All about Wide Format Laminating

All about Wide Format Laminating

Wide Format Laminators are ideal for use with large applications such as promotional signs & banners. All wide format laminators are floor standing models, (some can be placed on a table) and can handle documents anywhere from 42″ – 63″ wide. For two sided laminate, two rolls of laminating film are used while for one sided laminate, one roll is used. There is a wide variety of lamination film available on the market today, however the most frequently used is thermal film. Thermal film is constructed of two layers; a polyester layer and an adhesive layer. During the laminating process, the adhesive is warmed and melted. It is then pressed into the document acting as a bonding agent. As the adhesive cools, it hardens and creates a permanent seal between the document and the film. Some form of trimming is usually required with roll lamination. This lamination process is generally used for larger volume items as it can run at higher speeds and in a continuous roll.

Many wide format laminators also have the capability to mount on foam boards, and do cold lamination (pressure sensitive laminating). Pressure Sensitive Laminating applies laminate or adhesive using high pressure rollers, without the use of heat and electricity; this makes them environmentally friendly. There is no more waiting for your laminator warm up, these machines are ready to go right away and require no cool down time. Pressure Sensitive Laminate is sticky to the touch, and features a removable release liner that covers and protects the adhesive. What sets the Cold Laminator apart? They are perfect for laminating and mounting for outdoor signage and display. It’s difficult to find hot lamination that has the UV protection necessary to keep your outdoor displays vibrant, but UV Protective Cold Lamination is readily available.

Applications: Large posters, graphic signs, charts, maps, trade show signage and displays, etc…

Advantages:

• Allows for high production rates
• Protective
• Durable
• Can be wiped clean
• Wide variety of sizes and mils

Limitations:

• Some machines require set-up and training.
• Large size makes them tough to fit in small offices and some schools

If you have any questions or are interested in purchasing a Wide Format Laminator, visit Tim the Tutor at Binding101.com. They have great pricing on a full line of Laminating and they charge only $9 for shipping UPS Ground. Shop online now!

About the Author

Meet Tim the Tutor!  With over 11 years experience in the document finishing industry, Tim is a qualified Product Specialist for BUY101.com, Binding101.com and OfficeSupplies101.com.  His helpful product tips offer an insider’s honest opinions on products, giving you the information you need to make educated purchases.  Tim the Tutor lives up to Buy101′s motto, “We do the homework for you” by doing the research that answers your most common questions.  Tim is trained and skilled in the areas of binding, laminating, paper cutting, shrink-wrapping, drilling, folding, booklet making and much more.

AA City Map – London, laminated paper