Thermal lamination

Description

Lamination is a type of coating that involves covering a surface with ultra-thin transparent films. It is the most popular and durable method of protecting print.

In packaging production, films are often applied before the actual printing to strengthen the material and improve its appearance – in other words, to enhance it (for example, in premium packaging).

Unlike varnishing, selective lamination is not possible.

Features

Protection – lamination primarily protects the product surface against scratches, dents, chemicals and sunlight. Improved appearance: lamination also enhances the look and aesthetic value of print. Matt and gloss films are most common, but there is a much wider range of unique special effects available (e.g. metallic, coloured, SoftTouch and textured films).

Technolology

The essence of the lamination process is bonding film to a surface using adhesive. Lamination is generally carried out using one of three methods: hot, wet or a combination of the two. In each method, the adhesive is applied differently.

At Pasja, we have chosen hot lamination. The films come pre-coated with adhesive that melts under the heat of the laminating machine's hot roller.

Zalety techniki:

• the option of laminating both sides in a single pass, significantly reducing the cost and time required for this finishing process
• speed - this process is relatively faster than the “cold” method,
• control - its parameters, such as temperature and pressure, can be controlled more precisely; effective for short runs, making lamination of smaller quantities economically viable.
• eco-friendly: considerably less hazardous waste is generated.

Sometimes it is not possible to apply film to certain substrates at high temperatures. For example, self-adhesive film cannot be laminated in this way. In such cases, we use lamination, which also protects prints.

Pasja can laminate using self-adhesive films or hot lamination:

• laminating width: 157 cm,
• operating speed: up to 120 linear metres/hour,
• maximum thickness of laminated substrate: 13 mm,
• laminate thicknesses from 18 to 300 microns.

Lamination as a print finishing process can be used on virtually any type of paper and printed surface, provided the substrate has suitable flexibility and thickness. Lamination is not recommended for decorative (handmade) papers.

Tips for designers

When designing products that will be laminated, it is worth bearing in mind that lamination affects colours. Matt films do this gently and subtly, muting the colours, which is not necessarily a disadvantage, as the product appears more elegant. Gloss films have a much greater effect on the colour. Their high light reflectivity enhances the product’s appearance, but can significantly reduce text legibility. Lamination darkens colours, shifting them towards warmer (yellow) or cooler (blue) shades.

Tips for printers

When printing materials that will subsequently be laminated, inks must be selected very carefully to ensure they contain no wax, and attention must be paid to the correct amount of talc. Otherwise, unevenness or air bubbles may form on the laminated surface, or the film may peel at the edges.
We do not recommend powdering printed sheets.

Informacje techniczne:

• Minimalny format arkusza - 230x297 mm
• Maksymalny format arkusza - 1016 x 730 mmrn
• Zakres gramatur - 100 - 450 g/m3
• Minimum paper weight for textured film: 200g/m3
• Weight for “soft touch” film: 160g/m3
• Minimum margin for grippers - 5 mm

Zastosowanie

• Lamination protects and stiffens the print.
• Lamination can be gloss, matt or feature special effects.
• Lamination affects the colours of the print.
• Lamination can be carried out both before and after printing, and the prints can then undergo print finishing.