We have two GBC Laminators running full time on both shifts, and we laminate about 90 percent of all the Soft Covers that are used at the Perfect Binder and Saddle Stitcher.
About 30 percent of the Hard Cover stock is laminated, and 99
percent of the Dust jackets have this type of finish. Plastic
laminating is a process of applying a ½ mil. film of plastic to
the paper by means of the Laminating machine. The sheets are fed
in-between two rollers, with the top roller being heated to
approximately 250 degrees Celsius. The bottom roller is hard
rubber that is pressed up against the top roller at about 400 psi
pressure. The roll of film is coated one side with an adhesive
and mounted above the heated top roller. The plastic is draped
across the heated roller to soften the glue so it will adhere to
the surface of the paper. The resulting sheet has the plastic
film bonded to it.
The film comes in several different types and is use for varying applications. We stock many roll sizes with several different finishes. The most popular is a product called Lay flat which we use on products like dust jackets and soft covers. The Lay flat film is porous and allows the paper to expand and contract with variations in humidity. For instance, on a soft cover book, this keeps the cover flat making it more manageable and has a better eye appeal then a cover that is curled up. A Matte film is also available but is not a Lay flat product. The maximum sheet size on these machines is 30" X 40", with a minimum size of 8 ¼" X 11".
