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If you are a collector or a business owner, having a laminator is one of those things that may not come to mind at first but will really be helpful whenever you need it. It will help keep photos, badges, cards, instruction sheets, mementos, posters, and other vital documents intact and in good condition with the use of plastic lamination. This will protect the said objects from water, dust, mold, and other damaging elements.

If you need to buy one for this specific purpose, here are some important things you need to know.

What are Laminators?

Laminating films are machines that can bind two plastic sheets and are used to seal and preserve paper-based items. Laminating creates a glossy, protective finish that protects the material between the films from wear and tear.

Laminating technique is generally divided into two categories: hot and cold. A hot lamination machine melts a film onto your material using heat. A cold machine applies pressure to apply a film to your material, which subsequently binds it. A heated laminator can help documents have a longer shelf life and its films are significantly less costly.

What Are The Factors to Consider When Buying a Laminator?

Examine the many types of laminators before purchasing one to meet your wants and requirements. Pouch machines are a fantastic alternative if you are the only one who will use them because they are tiny and can fit on your desktop.

A roll laminator is a good solution if several people in your office or workplace will be using it. These machines are bigger and can be set up in a shared space to be used by everyone. Automated laminators are flexible and can be used for personal or communal purposes. Also, choose a large roll of laminator in case you want to laminate posters and other oversized items. On the other hand, choose a laminator pouch if you’re only laminating small documents or IDs.

Aside from that, the thickness of the lamination should be considered. In most situations, the thickness of the film isn't an issue. Keep in mind, however, that the thicker the laminate, the more resistant your document will be to tearing. Choose a thicker laminate, such as a 7 or 10 mil, if you don't want it to bend at all when you laminate it.

Similarly, the sizes of the documents you'll be laminating are crucial to consider. Roll laminators can accommodate documents with widths ranging from 9 to 27 inches.

Last but not least, remember that a laminator is an investment, so make sure you have enough money set up for it. There is a wide variety of laminating machines available at various pricing points. Your final choice will be determined by the characteristics that your laminating projects and documents will need. You'll also need to include not only the laminator but also the film supplies.

Conclusion

Photos, cards, posters, and other documents are usually composed of materials that are susceptible to wear and tear. This is why many people purchase laminators. These machines are necessary for the preservation of paper and other items. Laminating machines are extremely handy, from beautifying and preserving papers to speed and effectiveness, which is why they are widely utilized by professionals in many industries.

If you are looking for laminators and laminating supplies, IDM Products is an office supplies shop that has everything you need. With 30-plus distribution centers nationwide, we deliver in 1 to 2 days to more than 90 percent of the U.S. Check out our products now!