For office supply purchasers, stationery brands, printing plants, and end users, choosing the right laminating film thickness is often the most confusing aspect. Different thicknesses not only affect the feel and hardness of the product, but also transparency, protective performance, applicable equipment temperature, and ultimately, cost.
This article will clearly explain the differences between 25mic, 75mic, 100mic, 125mic, and other thicknesses, their suitable applications, and how to choose the most suitable one for your project.
1. How is laminating film thickness calculated?
Laminating film thickness typically consists of two parts: PET (substrate) + EVA (adhesive layer).
Industry standard notation includes:
75mic (= 37.5 + 37.5)
100mic (= 50 + 50)
125mic (= 62.5 + 62.5)
Thicker film:
More rigid finished product
Better protection
Smoother surface, less prone to bending
Thinner film:
Lower cost
Softer and more flexible to the touch
More suitable for mass production and daily use in schools/offices
2. What are the differences between different thicknesses of laminating film?
2.1 25mic / 32mic (Ultra-thin)
Features:
Soft and rollable
Lowest cost, suitable for high-volume consumable products
Easier to seal at low temperatures, faster process
Applications:
Teaching materials used extensively in schools
Low-cost office documents
Disposable event materials (such as meeting materials, brochures)
Purchasing Notes:
Ultra-thin films have low temperature requirements for laminating machines, but high transparency requirements for factory technology.
It is recommended to choose a factory with a stable production line, otherwise fogging is likely.
2.2 75mic (Most Common Thickness)
Features:
Moderate feel, sufficient hardness but still bendable
Compatible with all mainstream laminating machines
Best balance between cost and durability
Applications:
Daily lamination for offices, schools, and homes
Menu, ID card, and document protection
Most commonly used retail sizes for stationery brands (A4, A5, A6)
Purchasing Notes:
Transparency and adhesive uniformity are key
Pay attention to the PET and EVA ratio; low-quality EVA will result in poor adhesion.
2.3 100mic (Reinforced)
Features:
Significantly stiffer than 75mic
Better surface smoother
Improved waterproofing and tear resistance
Applications:
Restaurant menus (frequently washed, repeatedly used)
Exhibition materials, company brochure covers
Documents or cards that are frequently touched
Purchasing Notes:
Requires a laminating machine with a slightly higher temperature
Poor quality thick film is prone to bubbling or uneven pressing
2.4 125mic (Stiff, High Protection Level)
Features:
Very stiff, close to card-like texture
High protection, fold-resistant, and abrasion-resistant
Excellent transparency, better for high-end documents
Applications:
ID cards, work permits, VIP cards
Display samples, demonstration boards
High-end covers, important document storage
Purchasing Notes:
Requires higher temperature and stable pressure
Suitable for use with higher quality laminating machines
3. What does thickness affect?
3.1 Transparency
Thick film achieves high-definition transparency more easily than thin film because PET is thicker and has more stable optical properties.
3.2 Cost and Profit Margin
The thicker the film, the greater the amount of PET used, naturally increasing the cost.
Brand owners can choose the most suitable thickness based on market positioning to improve their profit structure.
3.3 Laminating Machine Compatibility
Thin films have lower requirements for laminating machines; thick films require higher temperatures and pressures.