The word lamination often produces a mental visual aid of a shiny sheet of plastic-enclosed paper with sides mounted as a reference document in a school or office. The usual purpose of lamination is to prevent paper from being torn up or thrown away. However, lamination and laminating films perform different purposes.

Lamination is utilized to improve the practical and aesthetic performance of products in different markets. These markets include specialty foods, pet products, print publications, and collateral. Stores can benefit from the prime labels and flexible packaging that use lamination.

Comparison of Laminating Films

Thermal laminates and unsupported films are the two different kinds of laminating films. They have similarities but differ in significant ways, especially in how they are applied to a substrate.

Thermal laminates are layered with an adhesive that melts when heated. This heating process is observed to obtain a strong bond with whatever substrate it is pressed against. These laminates utilize heated nip rollers for lamination.

Unsupported firms are designed for the main label and flexible packaging industries. These non-adhesive films are cost-effective compared to other types of laminate films. Manufacturers of these applications have different alternatives for applying unsupported films through wet adhesives and flexographic equipment.

Advantages of Lamination and Laminating Films

The following are some of the benefits of lamination and laminating films:

Longevity

The amount of time and effort manufacturers, graphic designers, and printers put into efforts that utilize paper makes it easily to be bent, scuffed, or torn. Laminates prevent dirt, grease, and oil from coming in contact with the substrate and other finishes. Dirt and others can easily be removed using a cleaner and disinfected to prevent the spread of germs or unpleasant residue.

These characteristics allow laminated paper suitable as a frequently touched item, which includes brochures, cards, and menus. Generally, any laminated paper will result in improved durability and increased strength. The plasticity of laminating films helps them prevent moisture from dissolving or warping the substrate.

Protection

Inks exposed can easily be rubbed off or smeared when a piece is handled frequently. This happens with digital inks as they tend to be softer than their conventional counterparts. Laminates serve as protection over these pieces to make sure that each detail maintains its sharpness and retains its full-color clarity regardless of the number of hands that handle them.

Chemicals and sunlight also affect ink without a UV-blocking laminate. This results in the ink growing dull or fading over time which decreases the aesthetic appeal of designs and reduces the readability of the text, and the tonality of the piece. Laminates prevent a barrier against water droplets and humidity that decreases the bond between the ink and the paper substrate.

Aesthetic appeal

In this digital era, brands compete for a big chunk of the market. They compete even at the shelf space. Customers often are attracted to products on the shelf because of their visual appeal. Thus, customers must see these products at first glance. It is true that graphic designs have a significant impact on the look of packaging but laminates even increase the appeal that coatings and ink cannot. In addition, laminates prevent the bending or folding of packaging from developing cracks on curves and corners. A gloss laminate allows colors to pop while introducing a professional quality to average paper. Matte laminates offer a non-reflective matte effect to prevent images and words from being obscured by glare from bright lights.

Cost-effective

There are instances of lamination and laminating films seem to be an additional expense. However, this extra layer supplements in different ways that decrease production costs. Laminates are thinner compared to the substrates they attach to. However, their composition increases strength and durability compared to cardstock or paper. The added laminated allows printers to utilize thinner paper while ensuring that the customer feels the project is substantial.

The unsupported films allow label converters to do away with material costs compared to basic self-wound laminates. The film’s lack of an adhesive layer implies that production to shipping is cheaper compared to self-wound alternatives. In printing, laminates are less expensive compared to UV coatings because these require less time for setting up and clean up.

Profit

The compatibility of lamination and laminating films allows them to be applied to different substrates, embellishments, and post-print processes. There is a limitless use for lamination. Some of these include prime labels for health and beauty supplies, and nutraceuticals, as well as folding cartons containing earbuds, and menus for famous restaurants. The inclusion of lamination in the production workflow expands the scope of printers in terms of their services and products to encompass new markets and positions with brands that might be out of reach. Meticulous planning and creativity allow small businesses to create attractive business cards, unique book covers, and awesome greeting cards.

Conclusion

Industries now shift their perspective when it comes to lamination as part of the printing process. These realize the limitless possibilities of laminating films. Laminated packages demand more costly prices on the shelves as clients find them more attractive with their embellishments. With the increasing competition, manufacturers need to make themselves stand out. Through lamination, a simple operation can expand the possibilities of these packaged materials.

If you need to learn more about laminating films, our team at Signwell can help you find the perfect solution for your business needs. Contact us now so we can assist you.