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Laminates are important for the printing industry as they protect and ensure the longevity of printed items. Certain factors such as thickness, finish and types of adhesive have to be kept in mind when deciding the right laminating film. In this article we will provide insights as to why selecting the right film is important for your printing needs, as it will ensure that your materials are of high quality and will be long lasting.
Explaining Laminating Films
Laminating films vary in types and specifications ensuring that there is a film for every application. The most commonly used laminating films are thermal and pressure sensitive laminating films. If you need a strong adhesive, then thermal laminating films are the appropriate choice because they require heat to have the adhesive activated and the temperature makes the film durable and reliable for heavy machinery. For smaller or heat-sensitive materials that are not recommended to use heat, pressure-sensitive films can be a better option as they do not require heat for application.
How Film Thickness Can Affect the Style of Printed Material
When you decide to make use of laminating film on your print materials, the thickness of the film is very important. Depending on the application, the thickness can vary. For instance, thicker films are the ideal option for book covers, posters and menus as they have a high resistance towards wear and tear. On the other hand, thinner films are suited for photographs and business cards as they have a delicate composition. Keeping your application in mind will be beneficial in the long run of preserving your printed material.
Choosing the Right Finish
Upon printing, the appearance of the material can be further altered by applying a finishing like Laminating film. The finish types that are commonly used are matte, glossy and satin. If you're looking to enhance the colors of printed materials or add vibrant photos to graphic art applications, then glossy finishes are a great option however, it's important to note that they do not work well with glare and fingerprints. On the contrary, matte finishes are suitable for text but they do look less colorful than gloss finishes. The satin finish is best if you want something in between gloss and matte, the ideal application of a satin finish is any application that does not require too much brightness. It's safe to say that just with a simple finish, the overall aesthetic of the printed item can greatly change.
Types of Adhesives
Laminating films are available in different types of adhesives and can readily affect the application and the strength of the final product. A good example of this is some types of films that use strong permanent adhesive which bonds strongly to the printed material to ensure long term protection. Or it may use a removable adhesive which can allow re-positioning of the film when applying it to the surface. After understanding the adhesive properties, it would be easier to choose a film that suits your needs, whether it is a permanent film or a temporary one.
Current Patterns and Suggested Directions
The laminating films also have a great of a tendency to mull with the new technology available in the printing industry and the multitude of options. Recent trends show an increase in demand for environmentally friendly laminating films that will lessen the effect on the environment while at the same time performing very well. Biodegradable and recyclable materials continue to develop, appealing to the eco-aware market. And with the rise in demand of digital printers, specific types of laminating films which are designed to improve the quality and sturdiness of the prints enhance this need. If businesses are aware of these trends, they would be better equipped to change to meet their client’s needs.