Cold vs. Hot laminators

[James Chrimes]

I am looking at getting a laminator and have only had a cold one in the past. Does anyone use the hot feature on their laminator and is it worth spending the extra money to have it?

 

[Modern Ink Signs]

Unless you have a big need for it, I’d say no. I have the capability to and maybe use it 1-2 times a year for 1 customer

Most laminates are made to go on cold

 

[papabud]

i have one with heat assist. i use it most of the time. in my opinion it helps make the laminate more pliable.
for most of what i do i dont think it is "needed" but i like it.

 

[DerbyCitySignGuy]

Heat assist is something that might come in handy from time to time. Unless you're doing encapsulation or something that requires a lot of heat, you don't need a hot laminator.

 

[papabud]

i do know that 3m recommends heat assist on UV inkjet printed graphics

 

[CL Visual]

Not sure if you're asking about a Thermal Laminator to use true hot lams or a Heat Assist Laminator. I've had both in the past but no longer have use for thermal. I do have a heat assist now and it's great with calendared films.

 

[CreativeCreationGraphics]

I used to use the heat and I stopped about a year ago and almost never use it. I have found it's actually easier to not use it

 

[Jester1167]

I was always worried that the heat would allow the laminate to stretch. Then, when you install the graphics they will want to curl up or bridge as the laminate shrinks back...

Any silvering goes away so quickly that it isn't a big deal.

 

[1leonchen]

i have a heat assist up to 100 degrees. it works wonders on cheap laminates. 3m laminates with plastic liners. awesome results. flawess matte finishes. and mine is air driven. form i had it i spoiled two prints and that was operator error.

 

[ams]

I only use cold, have no need for hot. Leave that to Staples and fake sign and print shops.

 

[SBlakey]

You can always turn the heat off on a hot lam, you cant turn it on with a cold. Plus psa lam works better with a 100 degree heat assist. But if you break your rollers they are costly to replace.