Laminators and Binding Supplies

Pouch thickness and width must fit your laminator

Pouch thickness is measured in mils: 3 mil gives a light, flexible finish for handouts, 5 mil a firmer feel for menus and signs, and thicker pouches are stiff. The laminator has a maximum thickness and a throat width, such as a 9 inch machine for letter pouches, so thicker or wider pouches will not feed. More rollers, such as four, usually seal more evenly, and warm-up time ranges from a minute or so upward. Feed the sealed edge first and use a carrier if the manual says so.

Binding styles decide which covers and spines you need

Comb binding uses plastic spines that open and close, so pages can be added later; wire or twin-loop binding looks neater and turns flat; thermal binding glues pages into a hot cover. Spine size must match the thickness of the stack, and machines list the maximum number of sheets they punch at once. Covers come in clear, black and colored versions, and letter-size covers are not interchangeable with A4. Adhesive cartridges and refills are made for specific machine models.

Questions about Laminators and Binding Supplies

Can I use any pouch in a cold laminator?

No. Cold laminators use pressure-sensitive pouches or film, while hot laminators use heat-activated pouches. A heat-sealed pouch in a cold machine will not seal properly, so buy pouches marked for your laminator type.

Which way do I feed a pouch into a laminator?

Feed the sealed edge first, with the pouch straight against the entry guides. The open end goes in last, which helps avoid bubbles and shifting. If a pouch jams, switch off, use the release lever if there is one, and let the rollers cool before pulling it out.

How many sheets can a binding machine handle?

Each machine lists a punching capacity and a maximum binding thickness. The spine diameter you choose must suit the page count, so a thin spine on a thick stack will not close. Punch large documents in batches rather than forcing the lever.