Laminating film is a very common consumable in daily office work, document storage, and photo preservation. It makes documents smoother, waterproof, stain-resistant, and wear-resistant, extending their shelf life.
Many people encounter a question when using laminating film: Does it need to be preheated before use? This article will answer this question in detail and introduce the correct way to use laminating film.
1. Why Laminating Film Needs Preheating
The use of laminating film is inseparable from a laminator. The working principle of a laminator is to melt the **hot melt adhesive (EVA glue)** inside the laminating film through heat and pressure, thereby bonding it tightly to the surface of the document.
If lamination begins without preheating, the following problems will occur:
Insufficient sealing: When the temperature is insufficient, the adhesive layer cannot melt completely, and the document and the film are prone to delamination.
Air bubbles or wrinkles: Uneven heating will cause air to be not completely squeezed out, resulting in air bubbles or wrinkles.
Uneven surface: Low temperatures can cause the film to become blurry and lack transparency, affecting its appearance.
Therefore, laminating film must be preheated before use to ensure the machine reaches the appropriate operating temperature.
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2. Preheating time for different types of laminating machines
|
Type of Laminating Machine |
Preheating Time (Reference) |
Applicable Film Thickness |
Features |
|
Roller Heating Type |
3–5 minutes |
60–250 microns |
Even heating and excellent results |
|
Infrared Heating Type |
5–10 minutes |
80–200 microns |
Low cost, slower heating |
|
Instant Heating Type (New Model) |
30–60 seconds |
60–150 microns |
Quick and convenient, ideal for light use |
3. Temperature Recommendations for Laminating Films of Different Thicknesses
The following are temperature reference values for common laminating films (for reference only):
|
Film Thickness |
Recommended Temperature Range |
Description |
|
60 microns |
85–100°C |
Commonly used for general documents and ID cards |
|
80 microns |
95–110°C |
Suitable for A4 files and general document sealing |
|
100 microns |
105–120°C |
Ideal for photos, certificates, and important documents |
|
125 microns and above |
120–140°C |
Used for high-strength protection purposes |
It is recommended to conduct small-scale tests before mass production, depending on the brand and model of the laminator.
4. Laminating Film Usage Tips
Before inserting the document, clean away dust and impurities to avoid affecting the sealing effect.
Ensure the document is centered on the film, leaving a 2-3mm margin around the edges.
Insert the document smoothly into the laminator, following the direction of the inlet; do not push too quickly at once.
After lamination, place the document on a flat surface to cool naturally, preventing curling.
Clean the laminator rollers regularly to prevent residual adhesive from affecting the sealing quality.
Laminating film needs to be fully preheated before use to ensure the adhesive layer melts completely and adheres evenly to the document.
Different film thicknesses and machine types require adjustments to preheating time and temperature. Mastering correct preheating and operating techniques will not only result in a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing lamination effect but also extend the lifespan of the laminator.