Ledco Premier 4 - Page 11

11
In the US laminating trade, the generally accepted practice is to describe two-sided
lamination, or encapsulation, by the thickness of one layer of film. For example, “3-mil
lamination” generally means lamination with two layers of 3-mil film. If you are buying or
selling laminating film or lamination services, please make sure both parties understand the
film descriptions being used.
There is a large variety of thermal laminating films available to suit many different kinds of
applications. Some of the more commonly used “special” film types or film additives are:
•
••
• film with low-melt adhesives, also known as co-polymer films; these often have better
clarity and are less likely to curl or ripple
•
••
• matte films to eliminate glare or to accept printing or writing; many suppliers offer films
with both glossy and matte (non-glare) finishes
•
••
• film with UV inhibitors to protect colors in the laminated material from fading in sunlight
•
••
• thermal film incorporating a pressure-sensitive adhesive and a release liner on its outer
side to permit, for example, a poster with this material laminated on the back to be
mounted easily without fasteners or tape
•
••
• high clarity films, some of which include a protective liner on the top outer surface, which
is removed by the recipient to reveal a surface perfectly free of dust, scratches, or
abrasion.
•
••
• opaque or colored films for the back side of a lamination to form a border on a laminated
piece.
•
••
• iridescent clear films for special visual effects
•
••
• permanently waterproof films for outdoor, underwater, or special applications. The most
common thermal laminating films are made with water-based primers and will eventually
delaminate if continually exposed to water or weather; truly waterproof films are made
with special primers.
Rolls of film may be purchased in different widths. The size of the laminator is the only
limitation to the width of the film rolls you can use. The Premier 4 can use 4-,12-,18-, or 25-
inch rolls. Make sure the upper and lower roll widths are the same and are aligned with each
other.
Film rolls are also produced in various lengths (250', 500', 1000'). The Premier 4 will easily
accommodate film rolls up to a 5-1/2" diameter.
When installing film, always center the rolls of film on the supply roll mandrels so the core
grippers engage the cardboard core. Look for the score marks around the supply roll
mandrels to aid in aligning the top and bottom rolls.