What are the different types of lamination films and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Laminate films can be used for a variety of purposes and are usually a mixture of protection and enhanced appearance. The thickness of the top laminate film is typically between about 24 and 100 microns. Cold, "heat-assisted" and hot adhesives are available for laminates. Cold glue is pressure sensitive and can be used on media that may be heat sensitive, such as vehicle wrap vinyl. Heating Assist In the laminator there is at least one heated roll running at around 60˚C.

For general single-sided lamination of paper, cardboard, Dibond, etc. Typically, pressure-sensitive laminating adhesives can also be applied with heat, softening them and helping them adhere to uneven surfaces, with less chance of silver glare due to air bubbles. When air is passed through the laminate, the air bubbles usually disappear in about 48 hours. The "thermal" term strictly refers to double-sided packages operating at 130˚C. However, many refer to any heated lamination process as thermal.

Today, many laminated films are made from a plastic called biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP). BOPP is basically polypropylene stretched in two directions, which increases strength, water resistance, and sometimes clarity. PVC is also commonly used in clear lamination films as well as white media commonly used in decals. It is commonly used on printed white vinyl for vehicle wrapping, and the extra clear layer provides additional durability and resistance to the fading effects of UV light on printed or colored media.

Depending on the type of plasticizer additive, PVC may be classified as monomeric or polymeric vinyl. The characteristics of the two are slightly different, the flexibility of the monomer is less, and the outdoor life is shorter. Another material sometimes used is polyester (or PET), often used for encapsulation, where a thicker film (usually 75 to 250 microns) is used on both sides of the sheet to improve durability.

If the clear film is larger than the item it covers, the edges are sealed and waterproof, making it suitable for outdoor use on bulletin boards and similar items. The edges can be trimmed flush with the enclosed item, but water will get in and layer the item. Some films are designed to be durable outdoors, where UV resistance is important. Even for indoor use, properties such as scratch resistance may be required.

Thick plastics used for floor graphics can be laminated, although they are increasingly being printed directly on the underside via UV inkjet. There are antibacterial films for book covers and similar frequently handled items in hospitals, schools, restaurants, etc., although they do not appear to be in widespread use so far.