Lamination Process

Overview

Lamination is a technique of manufacturing a material in multiple layers to enhance the physical properties such as strength, stability, appearance and durability.
It involves the bonding of two or more layers of materials using heat, pressure and an adhesive.
The process usually involves a laminating machine which can range in size from small, portable devices to large, industrial machines.

A variety of materials can undergo lamination, including paper, plastic and wood.
One common form of lamination is the combination of paper with a plastic film to create a product that’s resistant to water and wear.
Encapsulation of documents in plastic film can protect them from damage, extend their longevity, improve their appearance and make them easier to clean.

Thermal Lamination uses heat to melt the adhesive backing on the laminating film which sticks to the substrate surface.
This type of lamination is durable and can handle heavy use, but also requires a machine that can generate enough heat.
Cold Lamination or pressure sensitive lamination, is an alternative for heat sensitive documents, it uses a plastic film coated with an adhesive and a protective backing that can be removed to expose the adhesive before applying to the material.
Low-temperature Lamination is a compromise between these two, using less heat than a thermal process but more than a cold one.

Laminated materials serve various sectors such as construction (laminated safety glass), photography (laminated photo prints) and printing (laminated business cards or restaurant menus).
In product packaging, lamination makes packages stronger and more durable, keeping the products within safe and protected.
Lamination improves the aesthetic appeal of the product and enhances its shelf-life.

Material: Certain materials may not be suitable for the heat of thermal lamination and may require a cold process.
Size of the object: The size of the object to be laminated will determine the size of the laminating machine needed.
Spending budget: Different lamination processes and machinery can vary in cost and should be considered.
Level of durability needed: For items that will be handled frequently or exposed to harsh conditions, a more robust lamination process might be required.