In an effort to reduce costs and improve efficiency, a growing number of businesses are bringing their laminating projects in-house. Pouch laminators are the most popular style of machine for office use, because they are extremely easy to use and take up very little space. There are a wide range of pouch laminators currently on the market, but not all models can stand up to the demands of high-volume, all-day use. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the LA-5000 pouch laminator series, which is durable enough to handle daily use at a price that can fit into nearly every budget.
The Basics
Pouch laminators are designed to work with pre-cut laminating pouches. They use heat to melt the adhesive lining of the pouch, creating a protective seal around the document. Laminating with a pouch laminator is easy – simply allow your laminator to reach the proper temperature, align your document within the laminating pouch, and insert it into the machine. The rollers inside the machine will feed the pouch through at the correct speed, and your finished document will be released at the back of the laminator.
Benefits of the LA-5000 Series
There are two laminators in the LA-5000 series – the LA-5000 and the LA-5000T. Both models have metal casings, convenient stand-by modes to reduce excess motor and roller wear, accommodate 5-10 mil laminating pouches up to 4” wide, and are capable of laminating photographs. The only distinction between the two models is that the LA-5000T includes an external thermometer to help the user ensure proper laminating temperature. An internal thermometer controls the temperature on both models, so the external thermometer on the LA-5000T will not allow the user to make adjustments to the temperature, but it does provide visual assurance that the machine has reached the optimum laminating temperature.
The LA-5000 series laminators are built to withstand high-volume use. Unlike many home or small office laminators that have a plastic casing, the metal casing on these machines allows them to be run continuously without requiring cooling periods. They have a robust laminating speed of 33” per minute, which is nearly 50% faster than other comparably priced models. One of the most unique features of this series is the five-year limited warranty, which is five times as long as other laminators in the same category. Though you will likely never have to use it, the extra long warranty period provides added piece of mind for organizations looking to invest in a new pouch laminating machine.
In Review
Pouch laminators are a simple and inexpensive way to bring laminating capabilities into your home or office. There are many great pouch laminating machines available on the market, but not all models are suitable for high-volume use. The LA-5000 series machines provide an ideal balance between performance and price, beating out many other comparably priced models in both speed and durability. The LA-5000T gives users the added ability to see an accurate machine temperature at any time, but won’t allow them to make any adjustments since the machine’s temperature is controlled internally. Whether you invest in the LA-5000 or the LA-5000T, you won’t be disappointed with either of these versatile and powerful models.