Laminating Machines

FAQs

What laminating machine sizes (A3, A4) are available at Global Office Choice?

We have a wide selection of laminating machines for businesses and schools that cater to a wide range of document sizes. Most laminating machines handle A4 and A3 sized sheets and documents. Other sizes, such as A5 and A6, can be handled by laminating machines that include a manual mode.

You can learn about the document sizes a laminating machine caters to by clicking through to its product page.

What is the difference between hot and cold laminating machines?

The main difference between hot laminating machines and cold laminating machines is how they adhere the laminate film to a document.

Hot laminators use heat-activated adhesion, wherein the laminator heats the adhesive. The adhesive then melts and bonds the laminate film to the document. With hot lamination, you’ll usually get a stronger and more durable seal, as well as a clearer finish with less cloudiness. The film needed for hot laminating also tends to be more affordable than those needed for cold laminators.

Hot laminators are a great option for most general use cases in an office or school setting. This includes laminating photos, paper documents, ID cards, etc. So, if you need a more general purpose laminator, chances are a hot laminating machine will be your best choice.

Cold laminating machines use pressure-based adhesion to laminate documents. The rollers of a cold laminating machine press the adhesive film against the document to secure it. They also don’t require any warm-up time to start working, which can offer some operational efficiency. However, by nature of how they work, they do tend to typically result in weaker adhesion than hot lamination. Also, the film required for cold laminators is usually more expensive.

Cold laminators are the most ideal option if you deal with heat-sensitive materials. These include older documents, artwork, vinyl, and inkjet prints, to name a few. 

What laminating pouches are available to buy locally?

For the laminating machines available at Global Office Choice, you’ll find a range of compatible pouch sizes and thicknesses. A pouch is the laminate film that will be applied to a document during lamination. So, for A3 paper, you’d want a pouch rated for A3, and so on.

A pouch’s thickness indicates how thick the laminate film will be on either side of the document. Thickness is measured in microns, with one micron equating to one-thousandth of a millimetre. So, the higher the microns, the more protective and rigid the final laminate will be.

We have an extensive selection of laminating pouches, including many A4 and A3-graded pouches along with several pouches suited to varying dimensions including A5, letter-sized documents, and smaller items such as ID cards. You can view our range of laminating pouches via our Laminating Accessories page.

Can laminating machines handle high-volume professional use?

Yes, they can. 

When you need a laminating machine that can do high-volume output, you’ll want one that’s able to laminate 1000mm+ worth of documents per minute and is compatible with a wide range of pouch sizes and thicknesses of up to 250 microns.

There are several laminating machines that offer laminating speeds, sizes and thicknesses that cater to higher volume outputs. Peruse the range to find a laminating machine that caters to your high-volume needs.

What safety features should I consider when using a laminating machine?

Laminating machines include several safety features. While these features naturally vary between model and brand, some common ones include the following: 

• Auto shut-off: This feature automatically shuts off the laminating machine after a set period of inactivity. This ensures the machine won’t keep heating (in the case of hot laminators) and mitigates potential fire risks.

• Heat guard and cold-touch exteriors: Most laminating machines include heat guards and cool-touch surfaces that aren’t impacted by the machine’s internal heat, which ensures users won’t accidentally burn or injure themselves.

• Thermal overload protections: If overheating is detected, thermal overload protections ensure the machine will shut off immediately. This also helps protect the machine’s internal components and extends its operational life.

• Shield rollers and internal sensors: These sensors help prevent fingers or foreign objects from coming into contact with internal moving parts that could cause injury or damage.

• Hybrid designs: You can find hybrid laminating machines that can perform both hot and cold lamination. Users can easily switch between modes to safely laminate more sensitive documents and to ensure heat isn’t being generated when it’s not required.

Which laminating machines are best for schools, offices and warehouses in the Mornington Peninsula?

For most schools, offices, and warehouses, a general use laminator (usually hot laminators) will be more than enough for most of your standard laminating needs. The main case for needing a cold laminator is if you’re looking to laminate heat-sensitive documents, which can more frequently apply in creative work spaces or school art classes.

Safety is important regardless of setting. But, for schools in particular, you should prioritise laminating machines with robust safety features (such as auto-shut off, cold-touch exteriors, and thermal overload protection) to account for the wellbeing and safety of all students, especially younger children.