It's easy to laminate documents with a pouch laminator, but to get started you need - what else? - laminating pouches! With laminating pouches, all you need to do is
put your document in the pouch, run it through the machine, let it
cool, and you'll have a perfectly laminated document.Here are five things to consider when shopping for pouches.
It's easy to laminate documents with a
pouch laminator, but to get started you need - what else? - laminating
pouches! With laminating pouches, all you need to do is put your
document in the pouch, run it through the machine, let it cool, and
you'll have a perfectly laminated document. It's that easy and it's
also easy to select the right laminating pouch for the job. Here are
five things to consider when shopping for pouches.
Size. Before you make any other decisions about
which pouch to use, you have to know what size you need. The pouch
should be slightly bigger than the item you're laminating to allow the
pouch to seal itself around the edges of your document. The size of the
border around your item is a personal preference but generally, a 1/8"
- 1/4" border around all four edges of the document is a good choice.
If the pouch you're using has a pre-punched slot, remember to allow for
more space along the side of the slot.
Thickness. Laminating pouches come in four main
thicknesses: 3mil, 5mil, 7mil, and 10mil. The thickness of the pouch
you use depends on your laminator because not all machines are capable
of handling 7mil and 10mil pouches. However, if your laminator can
handle all four of these thicknesses, then your choice of pouch depends
on how much rigidity and protection you need for your project. For
example, if your item is going to be handled a lot (as with a
restaurant menu), choose a thicker pouch. One thing to keep in mind is
that since pouches have front and back flaps, the amount of laminate is
actually double the stated size of the pouch (i.e. a 3mil pouch
actually provides 6mil of laminate).
Finish. Do you want your project to have a glossy
finish? Or maybe you want a matte look for your project. Laminating
pouches come in both of these finishes and there are other types
available depending on what you need, such as a writeable finish or
even a colored one. Whatever your project calls for, chances are you'll
be able to find a pouch with the perfect finish.
Quality. This is an important consideration because not
all laminating pouches are created equal and sometimes aren't even made
from the same materials. As with any other product, you get what you
pay for, so odds are, the more expensive pouch, the higher the quality.
Other features. Finally, there are a few other things to
look for when buying laminating pouches. First, most pouches have
slightly rounded corners so that your documents have a more
professional look while not needing to be trimmed down. Also, pouches
are always open on three sides and sealed on one. If you'll be
laminating larger documents, you may find it helpful to get pouches
that are sealed on the longer side. This can make it easier to align
your item when preparing to laminate.
Now that you know what to look for when choosing laminating pouches,
it's easy to select the right pouch for the job. So choose your
pouches, grab your documents, and get laminating today!
If you are looking for a Pouch Laminator for your business or home, a great place to check out is MyBinding.com. They carry one of the largest selections of Laminating Pouches
and laminating supplies on the internet. In fact, they carry the entire
line of GBC Heatseal laminators, Fellowes Pouch Laminating Machines
along with laminating equipment from manufacturers such as Akiles and
Tamerica.
