About the author: Phil Taylor has over 35 years of experience in the field of manufacturing, sourcing and distributing laminators, laminating machines, laminating supplies and print finishing equipment.
Pouch laminators are versatile tools, perfect for preserving important documents, plans and signage; creating durable instructional materials; and enhancing the appearance of your projects. Whether you're a newbie or an experienced user, these tips and tricks will help you get the most out of your pouch laminator.
How Do I Select the Right Laminating Pouch?
Choosing the right laminating pouch depends on your project:
- Thickness: Pouches come in various thicknesses, measured in microns. Common options are 80, 100, 125, and 250 microns. Thicker pouches offer more rigidity and protection.
- Size: Match the pouch size to your document. Common sizes include A4, A3, A2 and A1.
- Finish: Glossy finishes enhance colours and clarity, while matt finishes reduce glare and fingerprints.
Consider what you’re laminating and choose a pouch that provides the durability and appearance you need.
What Pouch Thickness or Micron Should I Use?
The right pouch thickness depends on your specific needs:
- 75/80 Microns: Ideal for light use like documents, indoor signs and papers that need occasional handling.
- 100-125 Microns: Suitable for frequently handled items such as menus, instructional sheets, construction plans or temporary outdoor signs.
- 250 Microns: Best for heavy-duty items requiring maximum durability, like workshop manuals, ID cards or long-term outdoor signs.
The above pouch thicknesses are per side of the pouch, so for example, once an 80 micron pouch has been laminated it will be 160 micron in total as the two sides are bonded together. Most pouch manufacturers and machine manufacturers quote pouch thicknesses per side, but confusingly some do quote the thickness as both sides, so you may see 80 micron pouches referred to as 160 micron, for example, or 125 micron as 250 micron and 250 micron as 500 micron. Take care to ensure that you have understood the specification of the pouches and machine that you are selecting or working with and set the machine up correctly for the pouch thickness.
Always check your laminator’s specifications to ensure it can handle the pouch thickness you choose.
When is it Necessary to Use a Pouch Carrier?
A pouch carrier is a protective folder used to prevent jams and protect your laminator from adhesive leakage. Use a pouch carrier if:
- Your Laminator Requires It: Some laminators specifically need a carrier to function correctly.
- Using Thin Pouches: Thin pouches (under 75/80 microns) can curl or jam without a carrier.
- Laminating Multiple Items: To avoid items moving and causing jams, a carrier can help keep everything in place.
- Preventing Adhesive Leakage: When laminating irregular items, the adhesive might seep out; a carrier protects the rollers from this sticky mess, which can otherwise build up over time and cause jamming.
Cardboard pouch carriers like that below are not suitable for use with most modern laminators unless specifically stated. These carriers are still available, however, for older machines in operation that require them.
Unless your laminator is clearly compatible with cardboard carriers, you should use the more up-to-date and improved Teflon/woven version shown below which is interchangeable with all machines that require a cardboard carrier in any case.
How to Laminate Items Smaller Than The Pouch Size
Laminating small pieces of paper, like business cards, labels, or cut-outs, can be a bit tricky but manageable with the right technique. The following methods are only necessary if laminating small items in a larger pouch, odd shapes or any item that does not match the pouch size. Here’s how:
- Arrange Items Carefully: Place the small items in the laminating pouch and ensure they are spaced out to allow room for cutting after lamination. When cutting out you will need to ensure a border all the way around each item of 5 - 6mm to ensure the pouch bond does not breakdown. (See additional information below in point 4 for “smart” laminators with smart or auto-sensor technology.)
- Use a Single Pouch: Make sure there’s enough space around the edges to ensure a proper seal.
- Standard Laminators: For laminators that do not feature smart technology, carefully place your pouch in a Teflon or woven pouch carrier such as a Lifejacket pouch carrier (shown above). Then feed the carrier and its contents through the laminator sealed edge first. Be careful not to confuse the term pouch carrier with the laminating pouch itself. The laminating pouch is the clear film pocket that will be heated to encapsulate your item whereas the pouch carrier is an additional “envelope” that the pouch is then loaded into before passing through the laminator.
- Smart Laminators: For laminators with autosense technology, you must ensure that one of the pieces in your pouch is in contact with the leading, sealed edge of the pouch before feeding through the laminator. Failure to do so can cause the laminator to mistakenly register a pouch jam and reverse the item straight out. It is also not usually advisable to use a pouch carrier with smart laminators as this can cause problems with the autosense technology. It sometimes helps to place the laminating pouch with small pieces in it on top of a laminator cleaning card before passing through smart laminators to help avoid jams.
- Run Through the Laminator: Laminate as usual, ensuring the pouch enters the machine sealed edge first.
What is Causing My Lamination to be Cloudy?
Cloudy lamination can result from several factors:
- Incorrect Temperature: If the laminator isn't hot enough, the adhesive won’t fully activate, leading to a cloudy appearance.
- Incompatible Pouches: Using the wrong type or thickness of pouches for your laminator can cause poor adhesion.
- Moisture: Moisture in the paper or pouch can cause cloudiness. Ensure both are dry before laminating.
To fix this, try adjusting the temperature setting or use a different type of pouch.
Why is My Laminating Bubbling?
Bubbling occurs due to trapped air or excessive heat. Here’s how to prevent it:
- Proper Alignment: Ensure the item is flat and properly aligned within the pouch.
- Appropriate Temperature: Check the laminator’s temperature settings. Too high a temperature can cause bubbling.
- Slow Down: Feeding the pouch more slowly can help avoid trapping air bubbles.
If bubbling persists, try a lower heat setting or a thicker pouch.
How Do I Avoid Jams with My Laminator?
Avoiding jams is crucial for smooth operation. Follow these tips:
- Use Quality Pouches: Inferior pouches can cause jams. Stick to high-quality brands of laminating pouches.
- Feed Properly: Always insert the pouch sealed edge first. Ensure it’s straight and aligned.
- Clean the Rollers: Periodically clean the laminator rollers to remove adhesive buildup. Use specialist laminator cleaning cards to carry this out.
- Don’t Overload: Avoid feeding multiple pouches too quickly. Let each one finish before inserting the next.
- Use A Pouch Carrier: Where appropriate, use a pouch carrier for laminating small, multiple items in a larger pouch (i.e flash cards or similar); odd-shaped items (i.e. stars, speech bubbles, etc.); uneven items like children's artwork, collages; or any item that does not match the pouch size.
Conclusion
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll master the art of using a pouch laminator, producing professional and durable results every time. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with the right techniques, you’ll avoid common pitfalls like cloudiness, bubbling, and jams. Happy laminating!
