Whether you are part of a bustling commercial print shop, a trade show display producer, or a small graphics company, understanding the nuances of lamination technology is crucial for choosing the best laminator for your operations.
Laminate films and adhesives not only protect and enhance the appearance of printed materials but also offer versatility in applications, adding significant value to printed products.
Our certified printing experts at Steven Enterprises have curated this comprehensive guide to help you determine the best laminator type—hot or cold—for your business needs.
What are the different types of lamination?
Laminators come in two primary types: thermal (hot) and pressure-sensitive (cold), each suited for different business environments and requirements.
- Thermal Laminators: Ideal for encapsulating printed materials, thermal laminators use heat to activate the adhesive, which is perfect for moisture-sensitive media. These devices are typically narrower and can range in their applications from single to double-sided use. Features like dual heated rollers or “shoes” ensure even heat distribution for a flawless finish.
- Pressure-Sensitive Laminators: These are best suited for moisture-resistant media, often utilized in single-side applications. Such equipment tends to be wider and can feature cold rollers with top heat assist, enabling them to handle larger, more robust operations, including mounting on rigid substrates.
Which Laminator to Chose Based on Your Business Type & Business Use
Steven Enterprises is partnered with Graphic Finishing Partners LLC., a lamination equipment and supplies leader. Gfp laminator machines are the perfect complement to the latest wide format inkjet printers. They are proven to shorten production time, increase profitability, and produce consistent, professional results.
Below are 5 common business use cases and which laminator we’d recommend from their product line.
1. Commercial Printers & Trade Show Producers
- Recommended Model: GFP 800 Series Dual Heat Laminator & 500 Series Top Heat Laminator
- Key Features: Dual heated rollers, silicone rollers, swing-out supply shafts, in-line rotary slitters, capable of handling up to 1” substrates, and more.
- Ideal for: Menus, maps, wall and floor graphics, vehicle wraps, window displays, and more.
2. Large Volume Production Houses & In-Plant Printshops
- Recommended Model: GFP 600 Series Top Heat Laminator
- Key Features: Touchscreen control, 63” top-heat assist, silicone rollers, rear rewind for efficient roll-to-roll operation.
- Ideal for: Large-scale wall graphics, vehicle decals, point-of-purchase displays.
3. Wrap Shops & Sign Companies
- Recommended Models: GFP 300 Series Top Heat Laminator 55″/63″
- Key Features: Mid-production capacity, top-heat assist, robust rubber rollers, designed for longer runs.
- Ideal for: Vehicle graphics, wraps, window displays, and extensive trade show graphics.
4. Entry Level Users and Small Graphic Shops
- Recommended Models: GFP 200 Series Cold Laminator 55″/63″
- Key Features: PSA cold lamination only, lower production design suitable for shorter runs.
- Ideal for: Decals, stickers, point-of-purchase displays, and educational material.
5. DIY Crafters & Small Retail Shops
- Recommended Models: GFP 230C Cold Laminator / GFP 220C Cold Laminator
- Key Features: Compact design, cold lamination only, suitable for smaller, more detailed applications.
- Ideal for: Small decals, crafts, and photo lamination.
Need Advice to Get the Right Laminator for Your Business?
Choosing the right laminator involves understanding your business’s specific requirements and the volume of work it handles.
Steven Enterprises is dedicated to helping you navigate these choices with expert advice and top-quality laminators that ensure durability and performance.
Ready to enhance your printing capabilities? Contact Steven Enterprises today at 800-491-8785 for a free consultation or fill out this form to request more information about the different laminators we have in stock.