Datasheet

Lamination Overview

Xerox Wide Format Supplies Applications Guide

Version 2.0; April 2005

Understanding Laminates

IMPORTANT: Use the appropriate laminate for your media and your application. Check the appropriate

media specification sheet to verify if certain laminates are not appropriate; e.g. some media must only be

over-laminated with cold laminates.

Quality Construction Economy Construction

3 mils Polyester + 2 mils Adhesive 1 mil Polyester + 4 mils Adhesive

Laminate

Types

• THERMAL laminates consist of a polyester face film with heat-activated adhesive on one side. With heat applied to the

adhesive via the laminator the adhesive melts (activates). Once the heat source is removed it sets within a few seconds.

An extremely durable product that gives excellent scuff and scratch resistance. PET based laminates are tough with high

tear and impact strength, and are flexible once applied. Since PET laminates do not contain plasticisers, they do not become

brittle with age under normal conditions.

• PRESSURE SENSITIVE laminates have a face film with a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to one side. This type of

lamination does not use heat to activate the adhesive. Adhesive is activated by pressure alone.

Laminate

“Looks”

• GLOSS: Provides maximum clarity and color enhancement and is used when the customer desires a ‘photo-glossy’ look.

• SATIN/LUSTRE: Gives a less glossy finish while maintaining excellent clarity and color enhancement. Should be used when

there is concern about light reflections (glare) but the image benefits from some degree of gloss.

• MATTE: Least glossy finish while maintaining good clarity and color enhancement and should be used to eliminate or

minimize glare.

Laminate

Composition

• A lamination film is a post-printing material made of two parts: polyester and adhesive.

• “Construction” refers to the film and glue relationship. Construction is typically described by micron or mil thickness, eg;

5 mil laminate will be described as a having a 3/2 construction (3 mil polyester/2 mil adhesive). 1 mil = 25 microns.

• It is the polyester that affects color saturation and gives you rigidity. The greater the ratio of polyester to adhesive, the better the

quality of film. A 5 mil laminate with a 3/2 construction is higher quality than a 5 mil laminate with a 1/4 construction.

• All laminates are not the same. Typically laminates that have thinner face films (economy construction) will be more

problematic then those with a thicker polyester layer. Thinner face films will stretch and distort much easier creating

wrinkles and other image defects.