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.
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.