Choosing Between Hot and Cold Lamination

Although there are a number of different types of laminators on the market they generally fall into two major categories. Hot laminators use heat to melt adhesive and laminate documents while cold laminators use pressure sensitive adhesive to laminate. However, choosing between hot and cold lamination can sometimes be difficult. Each type of laminating system has its own set of strengths and weakness. This article is designed to help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each system so that you can compare the two and make an educated choice for your laminating needs. Here are five things to consider.

1. Supply Types: The variety of supplies available for a cold laminator vs. a hot laminator is substantial. Hot laminating pouches are available in dozens of different sizes. However, options for cold laminating pouches are extremely limited. With this being said, cold laminating rolls are available with the ability to laminate and apply adhesive, just apply adhesive or to laminate with matte adhesive. Hot laminating supplies for these options are more difficult to find (especially in small sizes).
2. Cost: Generally speaking, the cost for a hot laminator should be very similar to the cost for a cold one. However, the cost of laminating supplies can be very different. The supplies for laminating with a cold process laminator are often more expensive than laminate that uses heat. However, other strengths and features of cold lamination can sometimes outweigh the cost difference. However, the cost of supplies should weigh into the decision.
3. Speed: Without the need to wait for your laminator to heat up cold lamination is often quite a bit faster than hot lamination. Small cold laminators don’t usually even require power. This means that they can easily be transported and used in almost any place. Hot laminators usually require between two and fifteen minutes to warm up before they can be used and always require power.
4. Heat: Amazingly, the greatest advantage of cold lamination over hot lamination is the lack of heat. Cold lamination is ideal for use with heat sensitive documents such as photos, vinyl and other materials with low melting temperatures. For instances where heat will be a problem, cold lamination is the obvious choice.

When weighing hot vs. cold lamination these are four important things to consider. Depending on the types of documents you plan on laminating, the size that you need to laminate and your budget you will need to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of the two types of laminators and choose. Good luck, and happy laminating.

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Written by Jeff McRitchie
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