Lamination Depot

LD-320B Laminator Review: Professional-Quality Results at an Affordable Price

From identification badges to menus to point-of-purchase displays, a pouch laminator can create a wide array of business materials for organizations of all sizes.  Finding the right pouch laminator for your business means striking the right balance between cost and features - especially in today's economy.  In this post, we take a look at the LD-320B 12" pouch laminator, which pairs professional-level features with a budget-friendly price. 

The Basics

The LD-320B pouch laminator is a thermal pouch laminator that is capable of laminating pouches ranging from 3 - 10 mils in thickness.  It has a 12.6" maximum laminating width, which makes it an excellent choice for letter-, legal-, and menu-sized documents.  In addition to having two heated rollers, the LD-320B also has a set of two cold rollers (which help to dissipate heat after laminating to ensure that your document is flat).  The rollers themselves are coated with silicone, which prevents adhesive residue from sticking to them.  Silicone rollers also help to protect your pouches against scuffs and scratches (often left by heat shoe laminators).

To use the LD-320B laminator, begin by adjusting the digital temperature setting based on the thickness of your pouches.  Once the laminator has reached the proper temperature (approximately 3 - 4 minutes), simply insert the pouch containing your document so that it feeds between the rollers.  The LD-320B has a laminating speed of 25.6" per minute, so it will laminate nearly three letter-sized documents every 60 seconds.  After your laminated document has exited through the back of the machine, allow it to lay flat to cool.  In the case of an accidental misfeed or jam, the LD-320B features a convenient reverse switch that changes the direction of the rollers so that you can remove your document.

 

Benefits of the LD-320B

While the LD-320B has a number of useful features, the most obvious benefit of this specific model is the price.  Though the LD-320B offers the same laminating speed, laminating width, and laminating thickness range as other office- and professional-quality models, this machine retails for less than half of the price of other comparable units.  It is built for durability - featuring a sleek metal casing and metal internal gears - which means that it can stand up to frequent use in an office environment.  Furthermore, the LD-320 includes a one-year warranty for added peace-of-mind.

 

In Review

Pouch laminators make versatile additions to practically every office.  They are compact, easy-to-use, and surprisingly affordable - especially in the case of the LD-320B.  This 12" pouch laminator is capable of laminating full-size menus as well as small identification cards (and everything in-between) in thicknesses ranging from 3 - 10 mils.  It features two heated silicone rollers, two cold rollers (designed to help documents lay flat after lamination), metal casing and gears, a quick, 3 - 4 minute warm-up time, a reverse switch, and an easy-to-adjust digital temperature setting.  Despite being a professional-quality laminator, the LD-320B pouch laminator has a price tag that is less than half of the retail price of comparable models.  If you're looking for a thermal pouch laminator that is durable, powerful, and affordable, then take a closer look at the LD-320B.

The Akiles FlexiCloser: Automate Your Wire Binding Process

Wire binding has become the preferred binding method for individuals and organizations who deal with sensitive documents - both because it is tamper-resistant and because it is incredibly durable. While there are a number of quality electric punches designed for wire binding, wire closing has traditionally been an entirely manual process.  In this post, we take a closer look at the new Akiles FlexiCloser automatic wire closer and learn more about its unique features.

The Basics

Binding wires (also called "twin-loop wires" or "duo-wires") are made of metal and are sold in 2:1 and 3:1 pitches.  Generally, the 3:1 pitch binding wires are only available in sizes smaller than 1/2" and 2:1 pitch wires are offered in sizes between 9/16" and 1-1/4", though some of the smaller sizes are offered in 2:1 pitch as specialty items.  Regardless of the pitch pattern used, a wire closer is required in order to close the open wire spine and secure the documents in place.

Nearly all of the wire closers available in the marketplace today are manual, which means that they require the user to make adjusts based on the size of the wire that is being closed and pull a handle to engage the closing channel.  Though this method works well for closing wires, it can be fairly time consuming (especially for high-volume production environments).  The Akiles FlexiCloser not only closes wires electrically with the simple push of a button, but also automatically senses the size of the wire being used and adjusts to ensure a perfect close every time.

 

Benefits of the FlexiCloser

Since the Akiles FlexiCloser is electric, it helps to reduce operator fatigue and increases production output.  Furthermore, the automatic sensing feature helps to reduce the number of improperly-closed wires, which helps to reduce unnecessary waste.  In addition to the precision offered by the automatic sensing feature, the Akiles Flexicloser can also be fine-tuned using the "Micro-Adjust" capabilities for a professional finish. 

The FlexiCloser offers a wide array of other convenient features, such as a magnetic back to hold the wire spine in place, an easy-to-read LCD control panel, a built-in safety sensor for worry-free closing, and an optional mount that allows the closer to be affixed to the top of the FlexiPunch binding machine.  This unit is specifically designed for heavy-duty, high-volume usage, and has a full one-year warranty.

 

In Review

When it comes to durability and security in bound documents, wire binding is one of the best options.  The process of manually closing the wires, however, has made many high-output organizations look to less time-consuming binding methods.  The Akiles FlexiCloser electrically senses and closes wires with ease, increasing production output and accuracy.  If you have always wanted to bring wire binding capabilities into your office but have been dissuaded by the manual closing process, or if you already perform wire binding and have been seeking a way to improve your productivity, then be sure to take a closer look at the Akiles FlexiCloser.

Make a Statement with Pre-Printed Lanyards!

From conventions to classrooms, neck lanyards are one of the most convenient and popular ways to display wearable badges or identification cards. In addition to plain lanyards and custom lanyards, there are also many eye-catching pre-printed lanyards that are available. In this post, we learn more about printed lanyards and discover what benefits they can offer users.

The Basics

Lanyards are commonly made from nylon, polyester, or cotton and feature a variety of attachment options. Swivel hooks and badge clips are among the most popular attachment styles, since they can be used with pre-punched laminating pouches, badge holders, or ID cards to quickly and easily display event credentials. The breakaway attachment, which is a safety feature that allows a small clasp on the lanyard to temporarily open when the lanyard is tugged or pulled, is a common addition to lanyards (especially for use at events with children in attendence) since it reduces the risk of injury or strangulation for the wearer.

Printed lanyards come in a wide selection of styles, ranging from popular awareness lanyards to easy-to-read pre-printed messages. Awareness lanyards, which feature colored ribbon images, are available in a wide array of hues and are ideal for charity events such as fundraising walks or marathons. Patriotic lanyards have flag-inspired or camouflage coloring along with messages such as "Support Our Troops." Patriotic lanyards are especially popular for holiday events, including Fourth of July, Veterans' Day, and Memorial Day. The most versatile of all printed lanyard styles have bold, easy-to-read text to help distinguish the wearers at even the most crowded event. These solid-color lanyards are available with a number of pre-printed messages, such as "Volunteer," "Event Staff," "Visitor," and "Contractor." Because they do not have any logos or event-specific information, these lanyards are great for organizations that hold frequent conferences or events since they can be used again and again.

 

In Review

Custom-printed lanyards are an powerful tool for promoting brand awareness or sharing a promotional message with attendees of fundraisers, conventions, large-scale meetings, or other company-sponsored events, but not every organization has the budget to create personalized lanyards. Printed lanyards offer a cost-effective alternative to custom lanyards, featuring a wide selection of pre-printed graphics and text in various themes. In addition to being more affordable than customized lanyards, pre-printed lanyards do not require a turnaround time (which can be up to 3 weeks in the case of custom lanyards). Whether you're holding a marathon or an industry convention, you're sure to find a lanyard style that suits your needs among the wide variety of printed lanyards available on the market today.

An Overview of Badge Attachments: Magnetic Badge Holders, ID Clips, & Badge Pins

From large-scale conventions to small, independent storefronts, from the classroom to the conference room, there are literally hundreds of applications for badge attachments. Because they have such a wide variety of uses, badge findings are offered in an almost endless amount of styles, ranging from adhesive-backed magnetic bars to swiveling metal clips. In this post, we get to know a few of the most popular varieties of badge attachments and compare their unique features.

 

The Basics

There are three basic badge finding varieties - ID clips, badge pins, and magnetic badge attachments. All three can be used with laminated documents, PVC identification cards, and plastic badge holders. While some applications may be best suited by magnetic badge attachments (which can affix a badge to clothing without leaving holes or marks in the fabric, making them a popular choice for professional events), other purposes may be better served using a more cost-effective finding like a pin or a clip. With so many styles available, you can easily find a variety that will strike a balance between function and budget.

 

ID Clips

ID clips utilize small, toothed clamps made of either plastic or metal to attach a badge to a garment. Some styles have an adhesive-backed foam mounted on the back of the clip, which allows it to be stuck to the back of the badge. Self-adhesive ID clips are ideal for use with cards or holders that do not have a pre-punched slot, but they cannot be removed and reused. Strap clips are made with a short PVC strap that has a metal clip affixed to one end of the strap. The strap itself has two small snaps, which allows the strap to be inserted into a slot in the badge or badge holder and then snapped to secure. Once snapped into place, the clip can be used to hang the badge as desired. Since the strap portion can be easily removed and attached to another badge, strap clips make a great choice for use with cards that are frequently updated.

In addition to the standard models, there are a few specialty ID clips that offer other features, such as swiveling clips and built-in pins. Though these varieties tend to cost a bit more than the basic styles, they may be worth the added investment for some applications.

 

Badge Pins

Badge pins are one of the most basic types of badge finding, featuring an adhesive-backed pin (the base of which can be made from either plastic or metal). While the standard styles offer very basic features, the more advanced varieties can include locking safety clasps (which prevent the pin from releasing) and breakaway ABS bases (a safety feature designed to help the pin break apart when stress is applied, which is required in many industrial settings). Like the adhesive-backed ID clips, badge pins cannot be removed and reused.

 

Magnetic Badge Attachments

Magnetic badge attachments are the newest type of badge finding, and have quickly gained popularity for a variety of reasons. Instead of relying on a pin or clip to hold a badge in place, magnetic badge attachments use an adhesive-backed piece of metal in conjunction with small, magnetic discs. There are a number of different styles on the market, ranging from round, single-magnet versions to bars that use two or even three magnets to keep the badge secure. Not only are magnetic badge findings strong and easy to apply, but they also prevent holes and creases in garments. They do cost more than ID clips or badge pins, but if you're looking for a badge finding that is as professional as it is powerful, then they are definitely worth looking into.

 

In Review

Badge findings are great tools for any organization, because they can transform laminated cards, PVC identification cards, or badge holders into wearable badges in a matter of seconds. Since there are so many applications for badge findings, there is a wide selection of styles to help suit all types of needs. From basic and economical ID clips and badge pins to strong and professional magnetic badge attachments, it's possible to find an option that will fit both your application and your budget.

Business Card Slitters: An Affordable & Easy to Use Trimming Solution!

Regardless of what industry you're in, business cards are one of the most cost-effective and popular tools for sharing your business information with clients and prospects. With all of the user-friendly graphic design software available in today's marketplace, it's easy to create attractive and professional-looking business cards in your own office using a desktop printer. But once you've printed out your custom business cards, how do you cut them down to the appropriate size? In this post, we take a closer look at personal business card slitters, which accurately and efficiently cut letter-sized paper into standard 2" x 3-1/2" business cards with minimal effort.

The Basics

Personal business card cutters are available with either manual or electric operation, with either standard or full bleed cutting capabilities. Standard business card slitters are used to cut cards that have a blank border around the outer edge of the design, which are designed using a 12-up template (12 cards per sheet). Full bleed cutters are designed to cut cards that have images or text that run to the edge of the card, created using a 10-up template (10 cards per sheet). The resulting cards are borderless, which makes the full bleed cutters an ideal choice for graphics- or photography-based designs. While full bleed cutters can cut standard business cards (created using a 10-up template), standard cutters are not able to cut cards with full bleed designs.

Whether using a manual or electric model, personal business card cutters generally perform a two-step process in order to trim the business cards down to size. On the first pass through the machine, the pre-printed, letter-sized sheet is inserted vertically and trimmed down to two 3-1/2" x 11" strips. The strips are then fed horizontally through the machine to be cut into 2" x 3-1/2" business cards. The entire two-step process only takes around 10 seconds (depending upon the machine), which means that you can accurately cut up to 72 business cards per minute.

 

Uses

Personal business card cutters are designed for trimming business cards, but they can also be used to cut a variety of other useful items. If you have a photo-quality printer, you can print sheets of photographs onto photo paper and cut them into individual, wallet-size prints using your business card cutter. You can also create ID badges for trade shows, events, or for use around the office using either a 10-up or 12-up template and trimmed with your business card cutter. Teachers can design their own custom flash cards or other teaching materials with ease using their favorite word processing or graphic design program, and cut them to size using a business card slitter. You can even make your own full-color, business card-sized magnets using printable, magnetic stock and your personal card cutter. If you are using a standard cutter, you will need to leave a blank border around any item that you place into the 12-up template in order for them to be cut properly.

 

In Review

Business cards are a valuable tool for sharing your name and company information with clients and prospects, but not every organization has the budget to order custom cards from a professional print shop. For small runs of professional-looking business cards on a budget, you can use your favorite graphic design or word processing program along with your color printer and a personal business card cutter to create your own business cards. In addition to making business cards, you can also use the same process to create ID cards, full-color promotional magnets, flash cards and other teaching aids, wallet-size photographs, and many other useful items. Personal business card cutters are a great choice for home offices, small offices, and classrooms, with their ease of use, versatility, and affordable price point.

VersaLam 1300 Review: A Compact Roll Laminator That's Big on Features

While pouch laminators have been the preferred choice for laminating small documents for many years, a growing number of organizations have been replacing their pouch laminators with compact roll laminators. With sizes from 12" - 13" wide, these office-friendly laminators utilize bulk film rolls instead of pre-cut laminating pouches, which can reduce your supply costs. In this post, we take a closer look at the Tamerica VersaLam 1300 - a heavy-duty 13" roll laminator that can mount, laminate up to 10 mil, and even perform single-sided lamination.

The Basics

The VersaLam 1300 from Tamerica is a 13" roll laminator that is capable of laminating with film thicknesses ranging from 1.5 to 10 mil. Unlike other comparably-sized roll laminators, the VersaLam has a 3" core (using core adapters included along with the standard 1" mandrel), which allows it to use larger film rolls (up to 500') and a greater variety of film types. Many professional-quality films are only available with a 3" core, making the VersaLam 1300 the only 13" laminator able to use specialty films like DIGIKote, Super-Lam, and nylon laminating film. Though its laminating speed is a modest 4' per minute, it can mount up to 3/16", has high-quality heated silicone rollers, includes a rolling metal stand, and has a one-year warranty.

Furthermore, the VersaLam 1300 can perform both two-sided and single-sided lamination. It is equipped with decurling bars, which counteract the curling tendencies of documents that are only laminated on one side to help ensure a flat finished product. It also has an independent on/off switch for the bottom roller, so that the heat can be turned off during single-sided lamination.

 

In Review

Small roll laminators (with a laminating width of 13" or less) are growing in popularity with schools, copy centers, churches, offices, and even home users, because they have lower supply costs compared with pouch laminators and can often increase output speed (since the documents can simply be fed into the machine instead of being manually inserted into pouches). While there are a number of quality, entry-level machines in this size, there are very few professional-level machines. The VersaLam 1300 is capable of laminating using films up to 10 mil thick, can utilize rolls with both 1" and 3" core sizes, mounts up to 3/16" thick, and includes a heavy-duty, rolling, metal stand. It is also able to perform single-sided and double-sided lamination, thanks to built-in decurling bars and an independent heating switch for the bottom roller.

Though the VersaLam 1300 may be too large of an investment for small offices, it is by far the most affordable machine on the market when it comes to single-sided lamination. It is also the only 13" machine that uses heated silicone rollers instead of heat shoes (which tend to leave small scratches in the film as it passes over them). If you're looking for a robust roll laminator that is packed with features but doesn't occupy a lot of space, then you'll definitely want to consider the VersaLam 1300.

Machineless Lamination: The Benefits of Self-Adhesive Laminating Pouches

Also called self-laminating, self-sealing, or cold laminating pouches, self-adhesive laminating pouches are made with specialized laminating film that does not use thermally-activated adhesive. Because they do not require the use of heat, self-laminating pouches can be sealed without a machine, making them an ideal choice for small laminating projects or for laminating documents in the field (without access to electricity). In this post, we'll take a closer look at self-sealing laminating pouches and learn more about the unique benefits they offer.

 

The Basics

Unlike thermal laminating pouches, self-adhesive pouches do not need to be run through a pouch laminator in order to achieve a proper seal (although some machines feature a cold lamination setting that can aid in sealing the pouch, which is useful but not required). They do have a few similarities to thermal pouches, in that they require a border around the outer edge of the document to create a seal and that once the film is applied to the document it cannot be removed. 

To apply a self-laminating pouch to your document, begin by placing your document face down in the pouch with the adhesive side on the top. Once the document is positioned properly, slowly roll the adhesive side onto the insert document, peeling the paper backing off as you go. Press the air bubbles out of the pouch using your finger tips, then press firmly around all edges to create a seal. 

 

Benefits of Self-Adhesive Laminating Pouches

Laminating is an extremely popular and versatile way to protect and preserve documents of all types, but not every laminating project is worth investing in a laminator. If you're only laminating a small number of items and don't already own a thermal pouch laminator, then you'll probably find that cold laminating pouches are the most economical option for your needs. In addition to being a machineless method of lamination, they are often sold in smaller quantites than thermal pouches, so they're ideal for short runs. The per-pouch cost of self-sealing pouches is considerably more than that of standard pouches, but they're still very reasonably priced (especially when compared to the cost of a laminator).

Another benefit of self-laminating pouches is that they're easy to use and safe for all ages. They don't rely on heat, so they're an excellent choice for classroom use or other projects with children. They're also great for on-site laminating, since transporting a pouch laminator is not always possible. Field representatives can laminate membership cards, product literature, or other business materials just about anywhere, without having to find an outlet or wait for the machine to warm up. Finally, cold pouches work well with heat-sensitive items (such as photographs) that could be damaged during the thermal laminating process.

 

In Review

Self-sealing pouches are a simple and effective way to laminate your documents without a laminator. Although they cost a bit more than standard pouches, they are an excellent option for small laminating projects because they don't require the additional investment of a laminating machine. They're also more portable than thermal pouches and safe for all ages, since there's no heat or electricity involved in the laminating process. If you're looking for a way to preserve and protect a few of your most important documents and photographs, create a set of personalized luggage tags, make identification badges to help represent your company at an upcoming event, or any other short run laminating project, then be sure to take a look at self-adhesive laminating pouches.

iCoil Binding Machine Review: Compact Coil Binding Machines with Robust Features

Many offices have transitioned their document binding in-house, but finding a binding machine that offers the right combination of features in an office-friendly size can be tricky. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the iCoil-41 binding machine series, which pairs essential binding functions with an attractive and compact design.

The Basics

Coil binding utilizes a 4:1 pitch hole pattern (four holes per inch) in conjunction with plastic coils to create bound documents. Depending on the binding machine used, the punch is either operated manually or electrically, with most small office machines utilizing manual operation. Though the coils can be inserted by hand (by simply twisting the coil through the holes in the document), organizations that bind frequently generally prefer to use an electric coil inserter to speed up production time and increase efficiency. Electric coil inserters are built in to a number of coil binding machines, but can also be purchased as stand-alone units. In order to complete the bind, it is necessary to trim the excess coil and crimp the ends so that the coil will be secured within the document. This is most commonly done with a pair of hand-held cutting and crimping pliers, though some high-volume production environments use electric coil cutting and crimping units.

 

Benefits of the iCoil-41 Binding Machine Series

The iCoil-41 coil binding machine series from Akiles has two models - the iCoil-41 and the iCoil-41+. Both offer the same general features, including a 15-sheet manual punch capacity, a compact electric coil inserter, and a free pair of manual coil crimpers, but the plus model also has oval holes instead of round holes (for easier coil insertion) and a letter 4:1 pitch hole pattern instead of standard 4:1 pitch (which eliminates partially punched holes at the edges of the paper). The iCoil binding machines have a streamlined design, which includes a hinged cover that keeps the machine clean and protected when not in use. The electric coil inserter is operated with a convenient foot pedal, and is capable of inserting coils up to 7/8" (coils up to 2" can be inserted manually). As with all Akiles binding machines, the iCoil coil binders have a 1-year warranty and are built with the utmost care and precision.

 

In Review

To help cut costs and increase productivity, many businesses are bringing their document binding in-house. With coil binding being one of the most popular and cost-effective binding styles, coil binding machines are especially well-liked within the office environment. The Akiles iCoil binding machine series is packed with features usually found in more costly machines, including an electric coil inserter, but a much more attractive price point. If your organization has been considering an investment in a binding machine, then be sure to take a closer look at the iCoil binding machine series.

Perpetual Dry Erase Calendar Board Review

Dry erase calendars are a dynamic and cost-effective tool for getting organized. The only downside to these versatile boards is the time that it takes to update the grid with the dates each month - a process which has led some users to stick with traditional paper calendars. However, the new 13868UA-1 Perpetual Dry Erase Calendar Board by Board Dudes changes everything. With an innovative design, this calendar features built-in month and date information that is controlled by two convenient knobs, eliminating the need to manually write dates onto the calendar. In this post, we'll take a closer look at this popular new dry erase board model.

The Basics

The 13868UA-1 Perpetual Calendar Board measures 17" x 23" and has an attractive and durable aluminum frame. The calendar design features six rows with seven columns to accommodate all possible date configurations. It also includes a handy "Notes" section as well as a cork strip to help you stay organized. The month and date information is located behind a protective, dry erase surface, and is controlled by two knobs located on the right side of the board. To change the month, simply twist the upper knob until you reach the desired month. Turn the lower knob to update the dates, which are configured in a way that enables them to fill all possible month length and starting day combinations.

In Review

Dry erase calendars are a budget-friendly alternative to traditional wall or desk calendars, since they can be used and reused for many years. The new 13868UA-1 Perpetual Dry Erase Calendar Board by Board Dudes eliminates the need to manually write in the month and dates with a unique design that pre-fills the information by simply twisting two convenient knobs. If you've found yourself deterred from dry erase calendars in the past because of the tedious process of writing in the dates each month, then you'll definitely want to take a second look at the 13868UA-1 Perpetual Dry Erase Calendar.

SmartLoad 12 Review: A Compact, Easy-to-Load Roll Laminator

Roll laminators are great for laminating large posters and display materials or bulk runs of documents, but what about users that just run documents 12" wide or smaller? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the SmartLoad 12, which is the perfect size for laminating letter-sized documents and costs about half as much as other comparable roll laminators.

 

The Basics

Nearly all roll laminators are thermal, which means that they utilize heat to seal the edges of the laminate film and fuse the layers together. Depending on the machine, the heat is applied by either heated rollers or heat shoes, which are long, flat, aluminum plates. Regardless of the type of heating element, all laminating machines utilize rollers to help ensure secure adhesion, eliminate air bubbles and move documents through the machine.

 

Benefits of the SmartLoad 12

The SmartLoad 12 laminator has three primary benefits – cost, size, and ease of use. With many roll laminators costing in the thousands, the SmartLoad 12 has a reasonable price point of less than $400. The SmartLoad 12 laminator is designed to be compact, so it is small enough to fit in any environment (and it weighs only 30 lbs.). Loading and threading film onto most roll laminators can be somewhat difficult, but the SmartLoad 12 has an innovative "smart load" design that significantly reduces the film loading time while preventing the user from loading the film upside down. There's no mandrel to load the roll onto – just snap the SmartLoad film roll into the machine and thread the film through the rollers.

 

The SmartLoad 12 has a maximum laminating width of 12", which makes it a perfect choice for individuals and organizations that laminated letter-, legal-, and menu-sized documents. It has a fixed laminating speed of 3' per minute, and a quick warm-up time of only one minute. It uses a heat shoe, and features an adjustable temperature that enables it to laminate films ranging from 1.7 mils thick to 10 mils thick. The SmartLoad 12 also includes a convenient built-in horizontal trimmer and feed alignment guide, as well as a one-year warranty.

 

In Review

The SmartLoad 12 roll laminator is a small machine that's packed with big features. It may be limited to laminating documents 12" wide or less, but with a fast warm-up time, built-in trimmer, innovative film loading system, affordable price point, and one-year warranty, it's one of the most attractive small format roll laminators on the market. If you frequently laminate letter-, legal-, or menu-sized documents, then be sure to take a look at the SmartLoad 12.