Cold vs Heat Assist vs Hot Laminators

[Stagecraft]

Looking to purchase a US Tech laminator. Pricing aside, what are the advantages or disadvantages between a cold laminator versus one with heat assist or a hot laminator?
Assuming that the heat just gets rid of any silvering quicker, any other benefits?
Thanks if you can advise. - Boyd

 

[ProWraps]

none. a torch does the same thing.

 

[401Graphics]

get a cold

 

[rjssigns]

There isn't a wrap laminate that requires heat. Extra expense and something else to fail.

 

[CanuckSigns]

we had a heat assist in our old shop, never really used it much. Our new laminator is a cold model, it works great! yes there is some silvering at times when using calendered laminate, but it goes away overnight or with some heat. No issues at all with cast lams.

 

[Stagecraft]

Thanks to all that took the time to reply! I think you may have just saved me a few thousand dollars.

 

[MikePro]

i use cold with heat assist... i couldn't imagine having anything else.
silvering comes out with the torch, of course, but why not have that good feeling that comes from it never being there in the first place?

hot laminator? meh. bit much I think.

 

[BigfishDM]

i use cold with heat assist... i couldn't imagine having anything else.
silvering comes out with the torch, of course, but why not have that good feeling that comes from it never being there in the first place?

hot laminator? meh. bit much I think.

Yeah heat assist really helps smooth things out, heating the adhesive at around 85-90 is the ticket

 

[Bly]

We can warm the top roller but never turn it on.
No need with cold films.

 

[Nishan]

If you plan to print with UV inks , then hot lamination is a must, as the ink sits on the surface and the lam must be "soft" enough to get a good finish.

 

[omgsideburns]

We laminate UV inks all the time with our cold laminator, never have any problems so it's not a must. The rollers are silicon and apply the laminate fine despite any variation on the surface. Running it slowly probably helps that.

 

[Nishan]

If I may ask, what laminating machine are using

 

[jmcnicoll]

Hot lams can be the best choice for some graphics, including trade show displays, store graphics and such. However you need to be doing a lot of them to make it worth while.

 

[ProColorGraphics]

If you are looking at a US Tech, the difference really isn't much. Also, with a US Tech, I would highly recommend at least the higher end model they have. With or without heat, the build of them looks the same. If you go to www.bestdgi.com, you can find the best pricing. I bought the heat assist one and have had great luck with it. Do you need it? No, but it is nice having the prints come out of the laminator without as much silvering.

PM me if you want any other info, since I am currently running one.