The Wide Format Laminator Machine Facts You Need To Know

Whether you’re interested in procuring your own heavy duty wide format laminator machine or curious about outsourcing, one thing is for certain: There’s a lot to learn. Good thing Conversion Technologies International has your back!

You’ve got questions—and we’ve got answers.

How do you load a wide format laminator machine?

It’s key that you approach loading a wide format laminator machine with care. If you load the machine incorrectly, you risk losing the entire project to a seemingly simple mistake. Obviously, this wastes time and money. With that being said, you’ll want to double check the instructions of your individual machine before moving forward.

—When working with a dual-sided laminator, you need to prepare and load both the top and bottom rolls of the machine.

—Ensure that you’ve aligned the widths of both rolls of film. You want them to match perfectly. If one layer of film is wider than the other, you’ll end up with a mess of sticky unlaminated film on one side.

—As obvious as this seems, get ready to be surprised by how many people accidentally load films facing the wrong way. This results in the “sticky” side of the film facing out, rather than encasing and laminating the paper as you want. Approach your laminating equipment slowly, double-checking the film along the way. Remember: You’re better safe than sorry!

—Assess the length of the rolls before moving forward. It’s actually fairly common for laminator machines to run out of film. You don’t want to simply eyeball the rolls of film. While double-checking takes time, it’s better that you conduct the lamination process correctly the first time.

Remember, every large format laminator is its own unique machine, with specific quirks and processes. If you and your team aren’t experienced regarding laminating machines, you may want to consider working with an experienced third party manufacturer. That convenience and reliability is one reason why many small business owners choose to do so.

What is the average width of laminate?

Here’s the thing: There isn’t one standard width for laminate. Laminate width really depends on the individual project, and while some widths are more common than others, you’ll find a good variety available across the industry. A wide format laminator machine will, needless to say, require wider laminate. But, even if you need a large format laminator right now, you’ll still be able to find smaller film options when you require them.

Generally speaking, the more common narrower widths include nine inches and twelve inches. When you explore wider film, you’ll see 25 inches and 27 inches. If you’re not certain about which option fits your needs best, we recommend consulting with experienced manufacturers ahead of time. That’s why, at CTI, we don’t require you locking into a contract before you get that initial advice. We offer a large range of services and products. But, we want to make sure we can serve your needs before you commit. And on your end, you get the advice you need from the start.

What is the ideal thickness for laminate?

Similar to the width of laminate, the thickness of laminate layers really depends on the project’s purpose. You as the business owner need to have your priorities in order, and to consider the materials with which you’re working. The thickness of the laminate itself can deeply affect not only the durability, but the flexibility of the product. The thicker the laminate, the more protected the surface—but the harder it is to manipulate and bend as well.

Therefore, if you’re laminating a flexible material like paper, the ideal thickness will probably range from 1.5 to three millimeters. Conversely, a hard surface like flooring may require eight to 12 millimeters of laminate.

If you’re uncertain about the exact degree of thickness required, it might be a good idea to experiment with test runs beforehand. This is why experienced third party manufacturers like CTI put so much emphasis on consultations. We know that your specific needs are unique to you, and if there’s any uncertainty, the best approach is typically a customized one.

If you’re not familiar with industrial third party manufacturing, you may feel uncertain about what to try first. Don’t worry—we have the resources you need there as well.

What’s the difference between toll manufacturing and contract manufacturing?

Toll manufacturing and contract manufacturing are two different approaches to third party manufacturing. It’s not so much a different approach to the lamination process or even the laminating equipment—rather, it focuses on the working relationship between the client and the manufacturer.

Toll manufacturing enables you to control the raw materials involved, with more say over production in general. While the third party conducts the physical manufacturing, you as the business owner aren’t fully handing off the process. You’re staying involved to the extent that you wish, which is especially useful if you have a specific supplier in mind for raw materials.

Contract manufacturing functions more like conventional outsourcing—you sign a contract, agree to the terms, and the manufacturer handles everything from there. While you’re still apprised of the process, you won’t provide any raw materials. Some business owners prefer this more hands-off approach.

Conclusion:

A great third party manufacturer can handle it all. You don’t have to have equipment like heated rollers or a wide format laminator machine on hand. Plus, a third party can also handle more delicate details like floor graphics, too. You don’t have to be the expert—we’ve got that covered for you.

Call CTI at 419-924-5566 or contact us here. Let’s start exploring your options!