Understanding the Difference between Hot and Cold Lamination

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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:

If you want to learn more, please visit our website what is cold laminating.

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

What’s the difference between a hot laminating film and a cold laminating film?

The adhesive on a “hot” laminating film activates when the printed graphic is run through a hot-roll laminator at temperatures between 210 and 240 degrees. Because these high levels of heat can damage some types of inkjet graphics, “low-melt” or “heat-assist” films are also used. “Low melt” films have heat-activated adhesives that can applied at 185 to 195 degrees. “Heat assist” films have pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) and liners and are applied with hot-roll laminators at 185 to 195 degrees.

“Cold” laminating films have a more aggressive adhesive that can be applied with pressure, instead of heat. A release liner protects the adhesive until it ready to applied, typically on a cold-roll laminator. Cold laminating films typically cost more than hot laminating films, but they can be applied using less costly, easier-to-operate non-heated laminators.

Look for additional print-protection tips and information on our Printing Ideas blog

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