Jeff McRitchie

A Short Guide to Choosing a Pouch Laminator

Paper is not the most durable material in the world and it can really pay off to preserve and protect your documents by laminating them. One way to do so is by using a pouch laminator. If you don't have one of the devices but are thinking of getting one, you should know that there are several things to keep in mind when choosing one. Here's a short list of them.

Paper isn't the most durable material in the world and it can really pay off to preserve and protect your documents by laminating them. One way to do so is by using a pouch laminator. If you don't have one of the devices but are thinking of getting one, you should know that there are several things to keep in mind when choosing one. Here's a short list of them.

1. Feed opening width. One of the first things you need to consider is the width of the machine's feed opening. Feed openings can be either relatively short (i.e. 4.5") or large enough to accommodate documents that are more than 8.5" across. You need a feed opening that will be large enough for the materials you're going to be laminating, so choose accordingly.

2. Hot and cold lamination. The vast majority of pouch laminators can do thermal (hot) lamination. This involves placing your document in a laminating pouch and running it through the machine. The heat will melt the adhesive, encasing your work in plastic. However, thermal processing isn't good for some documents including those printed with water-based inks. If you need to work with those kinds of materials, you should choose a device with a cold setting so you can process your documents without damaging them. Be sure to look for a laminator that has more than 2 rollers so all of your documents will look great and won't come out wrinkled or marred by bubbles.

3. Carrier-free or not? When you're shopping, you're going to come across laminators that offer carrier-free operation. What this means is that, technically, you don't need to place your document in a carrier (a file folder-like item) before processing it. This can save you a scant amount of time, but it also means that adhesive can seep out of the pouch and make the inside of your device really messy. So even if a machine doesn't require the use of a carrier, you should still use one.

4. Safety features. Using a laminator can be dangerous if your device lacks adequate safety features. You should look for a product that will automatically shut off when not in use - this helps lengthen the life of the machine while reducing the risk of a fire. Also, there are some machines that will keep heat inside so that the exterior remains cool to the touch. You may want to look for such a device, especially if you'll be using it around kids.

5. Durability and warranty. Make sure you select a device that's as durable as possible. The sturdiest devices feature metal construction and silicone rollers, ensuring that you'll be able to use the laminator for a long time. Also, be sure to take a look at the machine's warranty. The warranty should last for at least a year so you're covered in case something happens.

Choosing a pouch laminator isn't terribly difficult, as long as you keep the above-mentioned things in mind when picking out your machine. If you do that, you're going to end up with a laminator that's just right for you and your documents.

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