Fellowes: Laminating Machines Buying Guide

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Laminating Machines

Your Guide to Choosing the Right Laminating Machine

If you've never owned a laminator or don't know where to start, this is the place for you. Ask yourself these questions to help establish your needs.

How often will you be laminating papers or documents?


Occasionally (several times per month or less)	Consider a Personal laminator

Moderate use (as often as a few times per week)	Depending upon other usage factors, a personal or general office machine would be appropriate

Frequently (everyday usage, high volume)	Begin with a review of general office laminators

What size documents will you be laminating?


If you'll be laminating items such as business cards, file cards, luggage tags or photos up to 4" x 6"	A smaller personal laminating machine may be ideal for your needs

For small and slightly larger laminating jobs (including letter and legal size documents and photos up to 8" x 10")	Look for personal or general office machine that accommodates these sizes

If you need to laminate any size document-even up to tabloid or poster size, larger menus or photos up to 11" x 14" or documents to be placed on a mounting board	Consider a heavier duty, general office laminating machine

How will the laminated documents be used?


If you expect minimal handling on documents and it's acceptable for the finished document to be flexible	You'll need a machine that will laminate up to 5 mil thickness

If the documents will have to stand up to extensive handling and more protection and rigidity are required	You should look for a machine that can laminate up to a thickness of 10 mil

If your laminated documents must be able to stand upright	You should consider a general office machine that can laminate (with or without mounting board) up to a thickness of 1/8"

How is the sealing temperature determined for the laminating process?


Cold Sealing (also known as self adhesive pouches)	Perfect: You'll be sealing heat-sensitive documents Ease of use is required

Hot Sealing	The best choose for: Quality results and image clarity Highest level of durability Permanent protection

If your laminated documents must be able to stand upright	You should consider a general office machine that can laminate (with or without mounting board) up to a thickness of 1/8"