Laminating Machines Key Terms

Select the perfect laminating equipment for your jobs by learning laminating machines key terms

By Tai G., Writer

Laminating machines bind sealing material, called film, to documents. Laminating machines can be either hot or cold and come in various shapes and sizes. If you are planning to purchase a laminating machine for your business, it is imperative that you choose one that meets your objectives, whatever they may be. Once you have decided what your intentions are, selecting the right laminating machine can be simplified when you understand laminating machine terms.

Lamination film

Lamination film is the material used to bind and seal documents. There are many types of film, each of which is best suited to certain applications.
Try: Laminator Warehouse sells several types of lamination film, including specialty products that are printable and have anti-microbial and water-resistant properties.

Pouch laminating machines

Describes laminating machines that utilize film pouches for lamination. Pouches are good for documents, IDs and other small-sized projects.
Try: USI Laminate features a comparison page for pouch laminating machines and includes useful information on their benefits.

Roll laminating machines

Describes laminating machines that utilize rolls of film for lamination. Roll laminating machines are often used for larger format projects, such as posters and banners.
Try: General Graphic discusses applications for roll laminators, as well as the features and benefits of its own products.

Mounting board capable

Describes a laminating machine feature that allows you to laminate a sheet onto a mounting board to create projects like signs and presentation documents. Not all laminating machines have this feature, so make sure to confirm before damaging your machine.
Try: LaminationKing offers a variety of mounting boards and explains the features and benefits of each.

Mil thickness

Short for millimeter, mil measures the thickness of a lamination film. Mil thicknesses usually range from 1.5 mil to 10 mil. The thinker the mil, the more durable. The type of project you need to laminate will determine the weight of the mil needed.
Try: Factory-Express discusses various mils and the best application for each, whether you are creating ID cards or large format banners.

Cold vs. hot laminating machines

Hot laminating machines use heat to meld the film to the project, whereas cold laminating machines use film with adhesive properties.
Try: ABC Office differentiates between the two methods of laminating and goes on to offer more extensive information on lamination. The site also includes a helpful glossary of laminating terms.