What Is Lamination?

2023.05.05
Lamination is a method of creating an irreversible barrier between two or more materials. It can be applied to documents, photographs, or other items and can create a protective finish for them. It can also be used to add texture and color to materials for a more professional appearance.
In the printing industry, lamination is usually done on business cards and brochures but it can be applied to other sorts of documents as well. It can be particularly helpful for protecting a document from tearing as it makes it less likely to tear during transport or in regular use. It can also be useful for preserving important information and ensuring that it isn't lost.
A laminated document is more durable and can withstand frequent use. This makes it an excellent choice for marketing materials, brochures, presentations and signs that will be seen by a wide range of people. It's also a cost-effective way to protect important materials as it reduces the need for reprinting and saves on paper costs.
Another way that lamination can be used is to protect other materials from being damaged by dirt, dust, or moisture. This can be especially helpful if you have sensitive materials such as photos or artwork that are susceptible to becoming dirty, stained, or scratched by other materials.
Depending on the type of lamination, you can choose from different thicknesses and finishes for your finished product. Common options include gloss or matte.
How It Works
A laminating machine typically uses heated rollers to apply the plastic material to the documents that are being laminated. This heat is able to help the document adhere better to the film that it is being applied to.
The process is relatively simple and straightforward, but there are some things that you should keep in mind when using a laminator. For instance, never laminate more than one cut-out in a pouch – as this will most likely cause the laminator to jam.
You can also find laminates that have a glossy or matt finish, which can make your finished products look more professional and attractive. This can be particularly helpful for business cards and brochures, as it can add a sense of luxury to the item.
Some people use lamination to give a professional look to photographs, adding color and depth to images that may otherwise have been lacking in contrast and clarity. It can also be used on a variety of other items such as presentation materials and binders, allowing them to last longer and look more durable.
There are a number of types of lamination available, but the key differences between them come down to the documents that they're intended for. For example, hot lamination machines are designed to fuse the plastic onto documents that have been digitally printed. These are usually best suited for documents that aren't thicker than 80 microns, as they need to be able to hold up to the heat and pressure of the laminating machine.