Get Organized with Dry Erase Boards, Corkboards & Chalkboards!

From schools and offices to kitchens and dorm rooms, almost everyone has some sort of memo or bulletin board to help them share ideas and stay organized. In this post, we’ll discuss the three most common styles of boards, along with the unique characteristics of each.

Display Boards by Board Dudes

Dry Erase Boards

Also referred to as “whiteboards,” dry erase boards have slick, coated surfaces that enable the user to write non-permanent messages with specialized markers. They are frequently used for presentation purposes in schools and offices, but they have been gaining popularity with home users, especially since the release of decorative and specialized models (such as calendars and “chore charts”). Whiteboards are surprisingly versatile, with large boards doubling as projection surfaces for digital and traditional projectors. Markings made on dry erase boards are more resistant to environmental factors (such as water) than messages written on chalkboards, and they do not generate dust like chalk does, which allows them to be used in dust-sensitive atmospheres.

In addition to standard dry erase board styles, Lamination Depot stocks a number of specialty boards, including magnetic boards, calendars, combo boards (which have both cork and dry erase sections), designer boards with decorative frames, and unframed “tile” boards.

Chalkboards

Chalkboards (also called “blackboards”) have been present in classrooms around the world for many years. They were originally crafted from slabs of slate, but modern chalkboards can be made from steel covered in porcelain enamel or a board covered in a dark paint that has a matte finish. Sticks of calcium sulphate (commonly referred to as “chalk”) are used to make non-permanent markings on the boards, which are easily removed using soft felt erasers. Though many schools have started transitioning from chalkboards to dry erase boards, they are increasingly popular in homes, where they are often used to jot down notes and lists. Chalkboards tend to generate some dust when used regularly, however they are odor-free (unlike the markers used on dry erase boards, which can have a strong odor).

Cork Boards

Cork boards (also called “bulletin boards”) are made of soft, spongy cork that allows the user to pin and remove papers, photos, and other items. Unlike dry erase and chalkboards, cork boards do not allow the user to write and erase messages, but the ease of adding and removing documents has made them a regular fixture in many community centers and universities. Many chalkboard and dry erase board styles are now incorporating cork sections to allow users to have the ability to write non-permanent messages and pin items up side-by-side. No specialized supplies are required to use a cork board – any small tack, pin, or even staple can be used to secure documents.

Accessories

Dry erase markers and erasers are the most widely used board accessories, due to the popularity of dry erase boards. The markers themselves possess a number of qualities that make them preferable over chalk, including that they do not aggravate allergies and asthma in the way that chalk does and are available in a much larger color palette. Like other types of markers, they are offered in a variety of tip sizes and styles, including point and chisel. Dry erasers are similar in look and function to chalk erasers, but they have a softer surface to help prevent scratches. There are also many creative accessories on the market, such as decorative magnets, magnetic document clips, eraser-topped markers, and markers with magnetic tassels.

In Review

Whether you’re looking to enhance your conference room presentations, make classroom lessons come to life, help your college-bound teen stay organized, or simply have a place to jot down occasional notes and lists, you’ll find that a dry erase board, chalkboard, or cork board will fit your needs. They’re versatile, inexpensive, and available in a wide range of features and styles.

Lamination Depot carries more than 35 dry erase boards, chalkboards, corkboards, and accessories from Board Dudes, one of the leading manufacturers in the presentation industry.

An Overview of Thermal Binding: Customizable & Professional

Have you been looking for a way to create stylish, secure, and professional-looking bound documents within your own office or home? In this post, we will provide an overview of thermal binding – a steadily growing binding style that is both customizable and attractive.

The Basics

There are two types of thermal binding – binding with an adhesive spine and binding with sets of pronged plastic bars (commonly referred to as “VeloBind spines”). The most popular thermal binding style involves the application of an adhesive-lined spine to a set of documents using a specialized machine that heats the spine and melts the glue, allowing adhesive to permeate the documents and create a bind. These spines are available in a few styles, including varieties that have pre-attached covers in both soft- and hard-cover formats. VeloBind-style binding is preferred by people looking to create tamper-proof binds, as it is impossible to edit without having to rebind the document. To bind with these spines, the user punches the documents with the proper hole pattern, inserts the pronged side through the holes and then slides the flat side onto the prongs. The document is then placed into a VeloBind binding machine, which trims the prongs to size and melts the ends to secure the bind.

Thermal Binding with Binding StripsThermal Binding with VeloBind Spines

Thermal Binding Spines

Adhesive-lined thermal spines are generally offered in four styles: binding strips, utility covers, soft covers, and hard covers. Binding strips do not have any covers attached, and are available in a wide range of colors and widths. Utility covers are pre-made soft covers that have paper backs and clear front covers. Because they are pre-assembled, they are only available in a specific range of sizes with select paper stocks for the backs. For those looking to create a more individualized bound document, custom covers are a great option. Available in both soft- and hard-cover styles, custom covers enable the user to select the finish, stock, and size, and allow for the addition of personalized lettering or graphics. With only a few covers varieties available as stock styles, many of the covers have to be custom ordered which makes them somewhat more expensive than VeloBind spines and requires additional processing time.

VeloBind spines (also called “hot knife strips”) are available in 9-, 11-, and 14-pin varieties, which accommodate binding on 8 1/2”, 11” and 14” paper. They are able to secure up to 750 pages in a single book, making them the preferred choice for large documents. Though they are not customizable like the adhesive-lined covers, hot knife strips do come in a broad range of attractive colors. Since they are all stock items, the turnaround on purchasing VeloBind strips is generally faster and the cost is lower.

Thermal Binding Machines

Thermal binding machines that perform perfect binding with adhesive strips or covers are extremely easy to operate and require no punching. Simply insert the document into the cover or strip, place it into the opening of the machine, and allow to heat for the specified amount of time. The resulting bind is neat and permanent, and the customizable nature of the covers makes perfect binding a popular choice with many businesses.

Binding with VeloBind spines requires punching with a specialized hole pattern before performing the thermal bind, which generally means that the machines cost more than other thermal binding systems. Because of the additional punching step, VeloBinding is commonly regarded as being one of the most secure and tamper-resistant binding styles, which is why it is often used in binding legal documents.

To learn more about any of the thermal binding machines available at Lamination Depot, visit our thermal binding equipment section.

In Review

Creating professional-looking bound documents is easy with thermal binding. With two distinct styles to choose from, users are able to decide between security and the ability to customize to create a document that fits their specific needs. Each of the two methods only requires the use of a single machine, with no additional crimpers, closers, or other specialized equipment required. Perfect binding generally requires less of an initial investment, since the thermal binding machines are not as expensive, but the spines themselves are often custom and therefore cost more. VeloBinding machines cost more upfront because they perform a punching function in addition to the thermal binding function, but the hot knife binding strips are usually stock items, and are less expensive than custom perfect binding covers. Regardless of which style you choose, thermal binding is a great way to create bound documents that look and feel professionally-made at a reasonable cost.

GlueGliders Review: Take the Mess out of Mounting!

Take the mess out of your next mounting project by trading in your traditional adhesives for GlueGliders! Whether you’re bonding foams, fabrics or fibers to any substrate, GlueGliders MAX adhesive applicators make it possible. Their pressure-sensitive adhesives form an instant bond, leaving no mess, residue or odor. They provide a quick and easy solution for a variety of packaging, printing, manufacturing, and assembly applications.

GlueGliders MAX Adhesive Gun

The Basics

GlueGliders MAX Guns are handheld adhesive applicators that apply a layer of glue from a specialized cartridge to nearly any substrate. The cartridges come in two styles – Adhesive Squares and PermaTac – in a variety of adhesion strengths and sizes. To apply the adhesive onto a substrate, simply press the tip against the surface and pull the gun toward you. The versatile adhesives stick to corrugated surfaces, wood, metal, plastic, porous surfaces, foams, fabric, and more.

Adhesives

Adhesive Squares cartridges contain 1/2” x 1/2” squares of glue, available in Medium Tac, High Tac, and Super-High Tac (all of which are low profile 12 mil adhesive). By the nature of their square shape, Adhesive Squares provide exact application standards every time, so you have one less variable to worry about during your gluing process. PermaTac cartridges are continuous rolls of adhesive available in 1/2” and 1” widths, in both Medium Tac and High Tac adhesion strengths (all of which are low profile 12 mil adhesive). Because the PermaTac cartridges apply a steady line of adhesive, they are ideal for large projects, such as mounting posters.

Adhesive Squares are also available in bulk rolls for use without a GlueGlider MAX Gun. They are offered in two sizes – 1/2” x 1/2” and 3” x 3” – in low (12 mil), medium (25 mil), and high (40-50 mil) profiles at adhesion strengths ranging from Medium Tac to Super-High Tac. Since they are manually applied, the bulk rolls of Adhesive Squares are an excellent choice for projects like gift baskets and other packaging applications.

Benefits

The major benefit of the GlueGlider MAX Gun is the ease of use. Unlike liquid adhesives, glue applied with the GlueGlider MAX Gun does not run or smear, meaning that there is less mess and no clean-up. In addition, the gun applies adhesive directly where you want it, making for a more accurate adhesion process. The adhesive used by this system is specially formulated, with no VOCs or solvents, eliminating both the risk of burns and environmental disposal concerns. The formulation has been approved by the FDA, and has been medically certified for direct skin contact.

In Review

With its no-fuss application and high quality adhesives, the GlueGlider MAX Gun is a great fit for the construction site or the craft room (and everywhere in between). The adhesive itself is top-notch, with a wide selection of adhesion strengths and profiles available on the market. The gun has been specifically designed to stand up to years of use with little to no adhesive build-up on the internal gears. The initial investment may be more than buying a container of your favorite adhesive, however the time that you save (both during application and clean-up) will likely make up for the additional expense.

An Overview of Popular Binding Cover Styles

Binding your own reports, presentations, and training manuals can be an easy and inexpensive way to add an extra level of professionalism to your printed materials. Selecting the right covers for your bound documents can be almost as important as polishing the contents within, since the covers will be the first thing that the reader will see. In this post, we will explore the three main categories of traditional binding covers and discuss some of the benefits of each style.

Clear Binding Covers

Clear binding covers are traditionally used as a front cover for business reports, proposals, and employee manuals, both because of their classic look and because they allow the contents of the first page to be read without the book being opened. They also make a great, low-cost substitute for custom-printed covers, since they enable any standard-sized sheet of paper to function as a cover page.

There are five standard varieties of clear covers: PVC covers, non-glare covers, heat-resistant covers, matte-suede translucent covers, and matte-gloss translucent covers. PVC covers are traditionally the most popular clear cover style, with the widest range of sizes and thicknesses available. Non-glare covers are a newer addition to the marketplace, but they are quickly gaining popularity because of their glare-free finish. Heat-resistant covers are designed to withstand the extreme temperatures of thermal binding (or for use in other high-temperature environments). Matte-suede binding covers are tear- and scratch-resistant, with a smooth, matte finish on one side and a pebbled texture with a frosted finish on the other side. Matte-gloss covers feature a glossy finish on one side and a satin-like, anti-reflective finish on the other to help reduce glare.

Poly Binding Covers

Poly binding covers are made from durable polypropylene, and are most often used as a back cover on bound documents. Because they are made of sturdy, opaque plastic, these covers are also frequently used on legal or financial documents. They are available in a number of colors, opacities, thicknesses, and textures, including decorative finishes such as diamond plate and hologram.

There are six, distinct poly cover finishes available: crystal, grain, hologram, leather, stripe, and sand. The most popular texture is leather, which is offered in two thicknesses (16mil and 20mil), a plethora of creative colors, and features a glossy finish similar to that of treated leather. Crystal texture covers are made of 16mil, translucent polypropylene, and have a diamond plate finish. Hologram covers are semi-transparent, with a reflective, holographic finish in a 16mil thickness. Grain texture covers are opaque with a medium texture, satin finish, and are available in a robust, 19mil thickness. Sand texture covers are opaque with a fine texture, satin finish, and come in a 12mil thickness. Striped covers are translucent, featuring a fine, grooved texture in a 12mil thickness.

Paper Binding Covers

Paper binding covers are made from embossed paper and are 100% recyclable, making them an eco-friendly alternative to polypropylene binding covers. They are offered in fewer textures and thicknesses than the poly covers, but they are considerably less expensive. Like poly binding covers, paper covers are frequently used as back covers or for binding sensitive documents.

There are a total of three textures of paper binding covers: grain, leatherette, and linen weave. Grain covers are classic and professional – available in a 16mil thickness, with a medium texture, satin finish. Leatherette covers are eye-catching and dynamic, featuring a leather-like, matte finish on 12mil (80#) stock. Linen weave covers make an impact, with a texture similar to woven linen and a matte finish on 12mil (80#) stock.

In Review

Whether you’re looking for a cover that’s versatile, colorful, creative, durable, or all of the above, it’s easy to find a cover that fills all of your needs. Clear covers are the most widely-used of all styles, as their transparent nature makes them ideal front covers. Poly binding covers are available in the most colors and textures, and are commonly used as back covers or for sensitive documents that require privacy. Paper covers are similar in appearance and usage as poly binding covers, but they are more eco-friendly since they are 100% recyclable. Be sure to shop Lamination Depot’s selection of binding covers, featuring a variety of sizes, textures, and colors – all available at the guaranteed lowest prices.

Troubleshooting Common Laminating Problems

Whether you’re new to laminating or have been using a laminator for years, troubleshooting common lamination problems can seem confusing. Luckily, most issues can be solved relatively easily, as long as you know how to properly recognize the symptoms. Below is a list of some of the most frequently encountered laminating problems, and tips on how to remedy them.

My laminating pouch appears cloudy, even after going through the machine.

All laminating pouches have a slightly cloudy appearance before they are sealed, since the adhesive has not been thermally activated. If you have run the pouch through your pouch laminator and it still has a milky look to it, it is most likely an indication that the laminating temperature is set too low. For laminators that have adjustable temperature settings, simply increase the temperature in small increments until the cloudiness disappears. If you own a machine that does not allow you to adjust the temperature, then you are probably using a pouch that is thicker than recommended by the manufacturer, which is why it is not heating properly. Refer to the owner’s manual for additional information.

The edges of my pouches aren’t sealing, or there are bubbles that don’t adhere in the center.

Like cloudiness, improper sealing is most often a sign of not enough heat. Try slowly increasing the temperature until the pouch achieves a uniform seal. Poor adhesion and delamination can also occur if you are laminating documents that were printed on a laser or inkjet printer. These documents can be particularly difficult to stick to if there is heavy ink coverage and may require the use of a “photo” quality laminator.

My document looks wavy after being laminated.

When a laminating pouch has a rippled appearance after being run through the machine, it probably means that the heat is set too high. If you own a machine with adjustable temperature, back the heat down incrementally until the waviness disappears. If you’re using a machine without that option, then you are most likely using a pouch that is too thin for that machine to laminate properly, or you may be require to use a carrier sheet. Refer to the owner’s manual for additional information.

When I run the pouch through the machine, adhesive squeezes out from the edges.

Oozing adhesive is another sign of excessive heat. To prevent this from happening, reduce the temperature and run a sample pouch. Repeat this process until the adhesive remains within the pouch and still achieves a proper seal. Depending on the specifications of your machine, you may also want to try using a carrier sheet to help prevent any adhesive from sticking to your rollers.

The edges of my pouch come unsealed after I trim away the excess.

We recommend that you leave a 1/8” border around your document in order to maintain a proper seal. Trimming away more than that may result in some or all of the edges becoming exposed to moisture or humidity. When this occurs, the paper absorbs the moisture and causes the lamination adhesive to release, or delaminate.

My rollers have residual adhesive stuck to them.

Lamination Depot offers a Roller Cleaning Kit that contains special cleaner and abrasive pads that will remove adhesive build-up without hardening or damaging your rollers.

My documents laminate perfectly when I run them through my machine without using a carrier sheet, however they don’t seal properly when I try to use one.

Since carrier sheets add a barrier between the heating element and the laminate film, you’ll need to increase the temperature to ensure that the proper amount of heat makes it through the carrier and onto the film. Conversely, if you are accustomed to laminating with a carrier and need to laminate without one for some reason, you’ll want to turn the heat down since the heating elements will be making direct contact with the film instead of passing through a carrier beforehand. See our website for a recommended temperature guide.

An Overview of Comb Binding: Professional, Inexpensive & Easy to Edit

With all of the binding styles available in today’s marketplace, it can sometimes be a challenge to determine which one is right for your needs. From purchasing the appropriate machine to determining what supplies you will need for any given project, it is important to be able to identify the benefits and limitations of each binding style. In this post, we will cover the basics of comb binding, which is a versatile, inexpensive binding style with many uses.

Plastic Binding Combs

The Basics

Comb binding utilizes plastic combs in order to create custom booklets. The punch pattern for comb binding has 19 holes per letter-sized sheet, and can be created using either a manual or electric punch. A comb opener holds the comb open while punched pages are inserted onto the prongs.

Plastic Binding Combs

Plastic binding combs are available in a broad range of sizes, accommodating as few as 12 pages and as many as 425 pages. They come in standard 11″ lengths, which are made up of 19 rings and are sized to bind 8 1/2″ x 11″ (letter size) paper. Comb sizing is based upon the diameter of the comb in inches (or fractions thereof). Binding combs come in a wide variety of colors, allowing organizations to create custom-looking bound documents without having to pay for custom combs. The comb design allows for easy editing of documents, since it can be opened after binding to add, remove or reorder pages without damage. It is the only binding style that offers that capability, making it ideal for organizations that require frequent updates to their materials, such as churches or schools.

For information on which size of comb to use for your project, refer to this comb binding chart. To see the selection of comb sizes and colors offered by Lamination Depot, visit our comb binding supplies section.

Comb Binding Machines

Comb binding is based on two individual processes – punching the documents that are to be bound and openingthe binding comb so that the punched documents can be inserted. Depending on the machine, punching can either be manual or electric, however the comb opener is always operated manually. Nearly all machines perform both processes, but it is important to read the description thoroughly because there are a few machines on the market that only offer comb opening (generally used in high-volume production environments to allow punching and inserting to be done simultaneously by two different people).

When researching comb binding machines, there are a number of factors to consider in terms of punching. The primary difference between available models is whether they are manual or electric, which has a major impact on the speed at which the operator is able to complete a job (with electric punches being much faster). Some punches only punch letter-sized paper, while others can accommodate larger sizes. The punch capacity (the number of sheets that can be punched at one time) ranges from 6-55 sheets, and some machines offer the ability to selectively disengage some or all of the punching pins (which allows the user to punch non-standard paper sizes or specialty paper, such as three-hole paper). Many machines include an adjustable depth margin, enabling the operator to move the placement of the holes relative to the edge of the paper. Select machines include other punching patterns in addition to the 19 hole comb pattern, making them a cost-effective option for organizations interested in performing multiple binding styles (such as coil and wire).

All comb openers generally function the same way – when the operator tugs on the handle, small hooks grab onto each of the rings and gently pull them open to allow the pages to be inserted. Depending on the machine, the opener itself is made from either metal or ABS plastic. Each model has its own maximum binding size, so it is important to evaluate your binding needs before making a purchase to help ensure that the machine you buy accommodates the sizes you will be utilizing.

To learn more about any of the comb binding machines available at Lamination Depot, visit our comb binding equipment section.

In Review

Comb binding is a versatile, professional-looking binding style that offers users the ability to make frequent edits with ease. The plastic combs used to bind the pages together are cost-effective, durable and attractive. With both manual and electric punching options available, it is possible to create your own bound reports and presentations at a price point that fits within nearly all budgets. Because it is the only binding style to give users the power to add, remove or reorder pages without having to use a fresh spine, comb binding is highly recommended for use in any organization that creates bound documents that require regular updates, such as training manuals, price lists, or educational materials. With all of the benefits that it offers, it’s easy to see why comb binding is one of the most popular binding methods.

Finding the Perfect Laminating Pouch Just Got Easier!

If you’ve ever had trouble finding a laminating pouch to fit your documents, then you’ll love the latest feature available at Lamination Depot! Our new laminating pouch size calculator makes it easier than ever to determine which pouch size is the most appropriate for your document.

Finding your pouch is only two steps away:

  • Enter the dimensions of the document that you want to laminate in decimal form
  • Click the “Find My Pouch!” button to discover the best pouch size for your document

Click here to see this feature in action!

Choosing the Right Roll Laminator for your Business

Many types of businesses and organizations can benefit from owning their own roll laminating machine, but with all of the specialty functions and features present on many large-format laminators, determining which machine best fills your specific needs can be a difficult task. In this post, we will discuss the basics of each type of roll laminator to help you make an informed decision on which machine is most appropriate for your organization.

The Basics

Nearly all roll laminators are thermal machines, 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 machines utilize rollers to help ensure secure adhesion, eliminate air bubbles and move the laminated documents through the machine. While the machine cost is somewhat higher for a roll laminator as compared to a pouch laminator, roll laminating film is far cheaper per square foot than laminating pouches of comparable thickness, so organizations transitioning from laminating with pouches to laminating with roll film will likely notice a significant cost savings on supplies.

All thermal roll laminating machines offer variable temperature control to allow users to adjust the heat level based on the thickness of the laminating film and the document being laminated. Many roll laminators also include a reverse feature, which makes it easier to clear jammed or misfed documents. Other popular features include adjustable speed, adjustable tension, cutting and slitting devices, forced air cooling fans (to help reduce curling of laminated items), and the ability to operate the machine using a footswitch.

When selecting a roll laminator, you’ll need to evaluate the features that are the most important to your specific needs. If you will be producing a high volume of laminated documents, then you may want to look for a machine with a higher maximum laminating speed. If you plan on performing mounting, then you’ll want to look for a machine that allows for mounting (and can accommodate the thickness that you will be most commonly using). Those who only laminate standard-sized documents may be content with a model that has a maximum document width of 13″, while those looking to laminate signs or other larger displays will likely want a machine that offers a greater maximum width. Taking the time to review the specific features of the available roll laminating machines will help to ensure that you get the best laminator for your purposes.

School & Office Laminating Machines

Our selection of school and office laminating machines range in width from 13″-27″, and are generally the most budget-friendly models. Some machines within this category are able to handle laminating film up to 10 mils in thickness, but many models are only able to laminate using 1.5 mil or 3.0 mil film. The maximum speed of the school and office laminators is slower than that of commercial-level machines, but they are still considerably faster than most pouch laminating machines.

Our most popular laminator within the school and office category is the D&K Minikote 27″ School & Office Roll Laminator. This well-liked machine offers the following features:

D&K Minikote 27″ School & Office Roll Laminator

Max. Roll Width: 27″

Mils: 1.5 & 3.0 Mil Film

Speed: 9.5′ per Minute

Silicone Rollers: No

Heating Method: Heat Shoe

Reverse Feature: Yes

Adjustable Tension: Yes

Warranty: One Year Parts Warranty, Six Month Labor Warranty, Three Month Roller Warranty

D&K Minikote 27 in. School & Office Roll Laminator

If you’re looking for a well-made, versatile machine to laminate posters, signage or even gang-runs of smaller items such as index cards or letter-sized paper, the D&K Minikote 27″ School & Office Roll Laminator is a great entry-level machine at a reasonable price. Businesses seeking faster lamination with more advanced features will likely want to explore our collection of wide format laminating machines, discussed in the following section.

Wide Format Laminating Machines

Similar in function to our school and office laminators, our wide format laminating machines feature a wider maximum width, increased speed and a broader range of features for medium-duty users. These mid-level machines have a laminating width ranging between 27″-60″, and are capable of laminating up to 30′ per minute. They also perform mounting of up to 1/2″ thick, and can laminate with film up to 10 mils in thickness.

The ProLam PL-238WF High Performance Wide Format 38″ Laminator is the top-selling model in the wide-format category. Below is a listing of some of the most notable features of the PL-238WF:

ProLam PL-238WF High Performance Wide Format 38″ Laminator

Max. Roll Width: 38″

Mils: Up to 10 Mil Film

Speed: 7′ per Minute

Silicone Rollers: Yes

Heating Method: Heated Rollers

Mounting Thickness: Up to 1/4″

Cooling Fans: Four Fans

Power Requirements: 240 Volt, 20 Hz, 2800 Watts – 30 Amps Dedicated Circuit

Warranty: One Year Parts & Labor

roLam PL-238WF High Performance Wide Format 38 in. Roll Laminator

For businesses seeking a powerful, mid-level machine capable of mounting and laminating with film up to 10 mil thick, the ProLam PL-238WF High Performance Wide Format 38″ Laminator is a robust machine at an attractive price point. Advanced features like the built-in stand and cooling fans allow users to achieve professional-grade results within their own offices. If you’re looking for an even more powerful machine for industrial applications, then you’ll want to read on to learn about our collection of commercial laminators.

Commercial Laminating Machines

High-volume users that require the utmost in speed and quality need to look no further than our selection of commercial laminating machines. These machines give users the ability to mount up to 1/2″ thick and laminate up to 10 mils, at speeds up to 65′ per minute. Since this collection of machines is specifically geared toward the commercial market, they also offer a number of more advanced features, such as single-sided laminating, high-speed automatic cutting and feeding, and footage counters.

In the commercial laminators category, the Ledco HD25 Workhorse 25″ roll laminator is amongst the most popular models. Below is an overview of some of the many features the HD25 offers:

Ledco HD25 Workhorse 25″ Laminator

Max. Roll Width: 25″

Mils: Up to 10 Mil Film

Speed: Up to 25′ per Minute (Variable Speed)

Silicone Rollers: Yes

Heating Method: Removable Teflon-Coated Heat Shoes

Mounting Thickness: Up to 1/2″

Forced Air Cooling Fans: Yes

Heat Control: Intelligent heat controllers learn to anticipate the heat demand of each job

Built-In Retractable Slitters: Yes

Feed Tray: Yes

Power Requirements: 220v, 20A

Warranty: Two Years Parts & Labor

LEDCO HD25 Workhorse Roll Laminator

The Ledco HD25 Workhorse 25″ roll laminator has a robust selection of features at a price that makes it an attractive option to almost any commercial user. It also has a number of optional features that can be added at the time of purchase to make it even more productive, such as pressure sensitive take-up rollers, a scrap rewinder and a utility stand. If you are part of a print shop, in-plant graphics department or other high-volume production environment looking to purchase a roll laminator, be sure to take a look at the HD25, as well as our other reliable commercial laminators.

In Review

From standard-sized sheets to oversized posters and signage, roll laminators provide an excellent solution to nearly all laminating needs. They give businesses the ability to create durable and attractive signs, menus and other promotional materials on-site, and with a lower supply cost than that of pouch laminators. Because roll laminators are available at a wide range of price points and offer a plethora of advanced features, it is worth investing a little extra time and effort to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the various models that you are interested in before making a purchase.

Twin Loop Wire vs. Spiral-O: Which is Right for You?

For those seeking extra security and durability in their bound documents, wire binding can is an excellent solution. The wire design also allows booklets to lay flat when opened, which makes it a great choice for applications that encourage note-taking, such as reports or presentations. With two distinct wire binding styles available, selecting the proper method can seem confusing, especially to those who are new to binding in general. In this post, we’ll discuss the similarities and differences of twin loop wire and Spiral-O wire.

Wire Binding Spines
Spiral-O Wire Binding Spines

Twin Loop Wire: The Basics

Twin loop wire, also called “duo-wire” or “wire-o,” is a versatile binding spine that pairs security and durability with style and affordability. It has signature hole patterns of two holes per inch (21 holes per letter-sized sheet) or three holes per inch (32 holes per letter-sized sheet), depending on the thickness of the document that is being bound. Documents between 3/16″ and 9/16″ thick (5-120 sheets of standard 20 lb bond paper) utilize the 3:1 pitch pattern (three holes per inch), and documents between 5/8″ and 1-1/4″ thick (110-250 sheets of standard 20 lb bond paper) utilize the 2:1 pitch pattern (two holes per inch).

In order to create the secure, tamper-proof finish that wire binding is known for, a specialized device called a wire closer is used to pinch the open ends of the wire together and complete the bind. The majority of wire binding machines include a built-in wire closer, however they are also available as separate units. Since duo-wire comes in two different pitches, each machine is specifically set up to punch either 2:1 or 3:1 pitch hole patterns. If you are unsure as to what size documents you will be binding or want the ability to punch both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch hole patterns, you may want to consider a combination or modular machine that includes both punches.

Twin loop wire is available in sizes ranging from 3/16″ (5-20 sheets of standard 20 lb bond paper) to 1-1/4″ (240-260 sheets of 20 lb bond paper), and in 11 standard colors. Because of its popularity, duo-wire is sold in pre-cut lengths as well as bulk spools, which makes it the most economical wire binding spine.

Spiral-O: The Basics

Spiral-O wires look similar to twin loop wires, but they are specially designed to fit the same 19-hole punch pattern as comb binding. Spiral-O wires have 19 loops (similar to binding combs).

Like duo-wire, Spiral-O wire offers tamper-proof binding that is durable and lays flat when opened. The biggest advantage of binding with Spiral-O wire is that it uses the same pattern as comb binding, which means that users who already own comb binding punches do not need to purchase an additional punch, however it does require the use of a wire closer to secure the bind.

Spiral-O wire is available in sizes ranging from 1/4″ (20-30 sheets of standard 20 lb bond paper) to 1″ (190-220 sheets of 20 lb bond paper), and in seven standard colors. The per-wire cost for Spiral-O is significantly higher than that of twin loop wire, so if you plan on binding frequently, you may want to consider twin loop binding instead.

In Review

For those who already own a comb binding machine and are looking to add wire binding as an option, Spiral-O wire is a great solution. Using the punch that you already use for comb binding in conjunction with a wire closer, you can create secure wire binds without having to purchase a separate wire binding machine.

If you are new to the world of binding and are most interested in performing wire binding, then twin loop wire is your best choice. Most wire binding machines include both a punch and a wire closer, so you can purchase a single machine that will enable you bind from start to finish. Just be sure to purchase the right punch pattern for the size of documents you plan on binding (or order a combination binding machine or modular binding machine that includes both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch punching).

The Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Carrier Sheets

Every order of thermal laminating pouches from Lamination Depot includes at least one complimentary carrier sheet. When used properly, carrier sheets can greatly improve overall laminating quality and reduce the need for roller cleaning. Many of our customers are not familiar with carrier sheets or how to correctly use them and as a result, we receive more questions about them than any other accessory we sell. To help take the mystery out of using carrier sheets, we have included answers to our frequently asked questions about carriers below. 

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What is a carrier sheet?

A carrier is a heavy cardstock sheet with a silicone coating on one side. Each carrier is folded in half and opens like a book with the silicone side folded inward.

What does a carrier sheet do?

The purpose of a carrier sheet is two-fold – it protects the laminating pouch from scratches during the lamination process and prevents excess adhesive that oozes from the edge of the laminating pouch from sticking to the rollers (which leads to uneven and poor quality laminating). They also prevent pouches from wrapping around the rollers during lamination.

How do I use a carrier?

To use a carrier, simply insert the document that you are laminating into the laminating pouch and place the pouch inside of the carrier.

Do all machines require the use of a carrier?

No. Many machines on the market today have silicone rollers and do not require carrier sheets. Some machines require that carrier sheets be used only when using laminating pouches over a certain thickness. It is recommended that a carrier sheet be used with any pouch laminator that is equipped with non-silicone rollers, however you may want to refer to the owner’s manual for your machine for specific instructions.

Do I have to change any machine settings to use a carrier sheet?

Because the carrier sheets dissipate heat, you may have to increase the temperature in order to achieve a seal when using a carrier. You may want to perform a test run when using a carrier for the first time to ensure that your settings are correct before laminating anything important.

Why is there so much glue being left inside my carrier after lamination?

If you are noticing a large amount of adhesive left behind inside the carrier after laminating items, then that is most likely a sign that you are laminating at too high of a temperature. You will only notice trace amounts of glue inside the carrier if you are laminating at the proper temperature.

I am laminating using the thickest pouch my machine will allow. Will the carrier still fit?

Yes. Your machine should feed the thickest pouch placed within a carrier without any problem, however you may need to adjust your temperature settings in order to attain a proper seal.

Can I order extra carrier sheets?

Absolutely! Lamination Depot offers additional carrier sheets in eleven popular sizes for a nominal fee.

I’ve gotten adhesive on my rollers. Is there a way to clean them?

Yes. Lamination Depot offers a Roller Cleaning Kit that contains special cleaner and abrasive pads that will remove adhesive build-up without hardening or damaging your rollers.