The Differences Between Hot and Cold Laminator Machines

When it comes to protecting and enhancing printed materials, lamination is a popular option for businesses. Laminating can increase the durability, longevity, and overall appearance of documents, signs, and graphics. However, there are two types of lamination machines to choose from: hot and cold. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, depending on the needs of the user.

In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between hot and cold laminators, which will help you decide which one is right for your business’s specific applications.

What Is a Laminating Machine?

A laminating machine is a device that applies a protective layer of plastic film to paper, photographs, or other documents to protect them from water, dust, and other types of damage. A laminator uses heat and pressure to seal the plastic film onto the document.

Cold Laminators

A cold laminator, also known as a pressure-sensitive laminator, is a type of laminating machine that uses pressure to apply the plastic film to the document. This type of laminator is ideal for laminating documents that are sensitive to heat, such as photographs, artwork, or items printed on thermal paper.

The process of using a cold laminator is simple. First, you should place the document you want to laminate onto the laminating film. Then you peel off the protective backing from the film and place the adhesive side onto the document. Once the film is in place, you can feed the document and film through the laminating machine, which applies pressure to seal the plastic film onto the document.

At Filmsource, we have an excellent selection of Cold Roll Laminators from industry-leading manufacturers such as Daige, Drytac, and GFP. Find the cold laminator that’s perfect for your business with ease in our stock.

Hot Laminators

A hot laminator, also known as a thermal laminator, uses heat to melt the adhesive on the plastic film and bind it to the document. This type of laminator is ideal for laminating documents that need a strong, durable seal, such as ID cards, posters, or signs.

The process of using a hot laminator is similar to that of a cold laminator. After placing the document on the laminating film, you should feed it through the machine, which uses heat to melt the adhesive on the film and bond it to the document. The heat activates the glue, creating a strong seal that is resistant to water, dust, and other types of damage.

Filmsource has the perfect hot roll laminator for your office or print shop. You can laminate everything with the sizes of your projects ranging from 27″ to 42″.

At Filmsource, we offer a wide range of laminating equipment. In addition, we have a wide selection of laminating supplies. We want to make sure that you have everything you need to keep your documents in their best shape for as long as possible. If you need advice on which laminating machine to pick for your business, don’t hesitate to contact us!