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Frequently
Asked Questions |
When should I
use a carrier?
A carrier is needed to laminate with the
previous generation of technology, hot plate laminators,
especially when this laminator was a 2 roller hot plate
laminator. The carrier would be used to protect the document
from an intense and direct heating source (the plates) and would
also help the document to be fed into the machine when it was a
2 roller hot plate laminator. A carrier is a piece of folded and
stitched heavy weight cardboard that is coated with a non-stick
surface. A pouch is placed into the carrier and then inserted
into the hot plate laminator.
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What is hot seal
pouch lamination?
Hot seal pouch lamination is a process
where a document is sealed between layers of polyester film
pouch. As the pouch is inserted into the machine, heat liquefies
the adhesive (polypropylene) and with the help of the rollers,
forces the adhesive into the pores of the document. Once cooled,
the seal is permanent and can not be removed.
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What causes poor
quality lamination on the edges of the pouch?
Your document may be too thick or the
temperature of the laminator too low. Also, your document might
be too large for the pouch size used. Make sure there is a
minimum of 3mm (1/8") seam around the entire edge of the
pouch.
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How is pouch
thickness measured?
Pouch thickness is listed in microns or
mils. The most common gauges are 80 to 250 microns (3 to 10
mils). Note: This corresponds the thickness per flap.
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Why do laminators have temperature control?
Temperature control enables use of the
machine with a variety of pouch thickness, generally 80 to 250
microns (3-10 mils). A cold setting that
enables lamination with cold (adhesive) pouches.
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What is the warranty
on laminators?
One or two years from the original date of
purchase, depending upon the manufacturer. We recommend keeping a copy of your original receipt
for your records in the case you should need to use your
warranty. This is your proof the unit was purchased with in the
year.
In the rare case of a laminator arriving
"dead on arrival" it will be replaced with a new
machine by the manufacturer or their agent.
Most manufacturers will replace a machine
that stops working within 2-4 weeks of delivery - after which
the machine will be repaired by the manufacturer.
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What causes bubbles
in the margin areas of the pouch?
This occurs in areas of the laminated
document where there is no paper. It is very common, and if
preferred, the pouch can be trimmed down as long as a margin of
at least 3mm (1/8") remains.
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What is the pouch
film made of?
Thermal or heat activated pouches are made
up of two layers. The outside or shiny layer is a polyester
film. The inside or dull layer is an adhesive glue. During
lamination, the adhesive is melted and permanently bonds to the
document. The adhesive then hardens as it cools.
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Can my laminator
accept photos?
Most of our laminators will accept
photographs, it is now an accepted requirement, meaning that you can laminate both printed
photos or traditionally processed photos without carrier. You may find that digital print does not stick well or the inks run - This is because many digital printers use oily inks which stop the laminating process working correctly. The solution in many cases is to use a high end machine with hot shoe and heated roller.
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Do I need a carrier
to use my laminator?
Our entire range of laminators is
carrier free. If your laminator is a hot plate technology, you
need a carrier that will have to be replaced after being used 25
times.
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What kind of things
could I laminate?
You can feel confident laminating all
materials that are flat and dry without risk of damage to your
machine. You should avoid materials that contain liquids, gels,
or even moisture, that could escape. You should also avoid those
that may crumble or otherwise disperse under pressure or are
likely to break, as could glass or rigid metals and plastics.
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When should I use
cold lamination?
Cold lamination is needed only to laminate
documents such as thermal printed documents (old fax process).
In all other cases, such as photos, recommends hot
lamination as it provides better protection, offers a wider
variety of applications, is easier to use and is more cost
effective.
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What causes waves or
wrinkles?
The temperature is too high. Turn the
machine to the lower setting if you can. Passing the cleaning
sheet will also help cool down the rollers.
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How can I clean the
rollers of my laminator?
When you have finished hot laminating,
pass the cleaning sheet (provided with laminators) or
any other sheet of uncoated paper through your laminator before
turning it off. The cleaning sheet removes possible excess glue
from the rollers, and then reduces the risk of jamming or smudge
marks on finished laminated documents or photos.
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Why are there
different pouch thicknesses?
Depending on the level of handling your
document may be subject to, and the finish you want to achieve, rigid or
not. If you are folding a pouch after laminating then 150mic
total would be fine. Business cards are better with 250 - 50mic
pouches. For Menus the most popular is 200 - 250mic. If you are
putting together a display brochure for your business then it
will receive excessive use so 50 or even 500mic will give a
solid feel and should be long lasting.
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