 
OverviewClick the links in the table of content to take you to that section of the page. Table of Contents:1. What is the process for heat seal laminating?
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Tips for Heat Seal Laminating1) What is the process for heat seal laminating?a. Place the insert in the pouch b. Place the pouch in a carrier (a standard business envelope or folded paper will suffice); the carrier captures excess adhesive which might be squeezed out during laminating. Without the carrier, excess adhesive will accumulate on the laminator rollers, which will eventually require dismantling the laminator to clean the rollers. c. Feed the carrier through the laminator. Allow the laminator to get to temperature before laminating — see the chart below for the optimum temperature. When in doubt, start with a low temperature and slowly increase the temperature until the pouch adhesive is clear after laminating. 2) What temperature is needed to laminate?The ideal laminating temperature varies with the laminate thickness:
After laminating, if the pouch adhesive is still cloudy, the laminating temperature is too low. If the material shows bubbles in the adhesive or a wavy irregular surface, the temperature is too high. In either case, adjust the heat setting and wait a few minutes for the equipment to reach the new temperature. 3) How do I eliminate a hazy or cloudy appearance after laminating?If the pouch adhesive is still cloudy, process the card through the laminator a second time. The laminator temperature is too low; increase the temperature slowly until the adhesive is clear after processing the card on one pass. 4) How do I eliminate bubbles in the adhesive?The laminator temperature is too high. Reduce the temperature. Another possibility is moisture, usually from wet inks — either stamped, written, or photo ID pictures. Wet inks will cause bubbles in the adhesive. Allow the inks to fully dry before laminating. Using lamination films with less adhesive, also reduces the incidence of bubbles. For example, the typical 10 mil thick film is constructed of 4/6 (film 4 mils thick and adhesive 6 mils thick). However, 10 mil thick material may also be constructed of 2/8 (8 mils adhesive) material or 7/3 (3 mils adhesive) — you will have fewer issues with bubbles by using material with less adhesive. 5) How do I eliminate curling or waves in the laminated product ?The laminator temperature is too high. Reduce the temperature. 6) What safety precautions should I take with lamination equipment?A. To prevent the possibility of electrical shock - DO NOT immerse in water or permit liquid to spill inside the laminator. B. Do not allow articles of clothing (neckties, scarves, etc.) near front or rear of machine. Articles could get caught in openings by rollers and be pulled inside unit causing personal injury. C. Do not insert sharp objects into unit. D. Do not place anything into feed tray opening except laminating material or pouches. E. Do not laminate items, which exceed the total recommended material thickness. F. Do not operate laminator for any purpose other than its intended use. G. Inspect roller cord prior to each use. Do not operate machine if power cord is damaged in any way. H. Turn off power when laminator is not in use. I. Unplug machine when moving. J. Laminators are intended for indoor use only. K. Do not alter or extend electrical plugs. L. Most laminators have a polarized plug. These plugs can fit one way into polarized outlets. If unit does not fit, call a qualified electrician to install a proper outlet. M. Do not change unit plugs. N. Do not overload electrical outlets. O. Prior to moving any parts from unit, call a technician for instructions. |
