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THERMAL FILM adheres to the substrate when the adhesive is activated by
heat. With a few exceptions we only use thermal film on paper substrates
and offset inks.
FINISHES are usually either gloss or dull.
Glueable, foil stampable, scratch resistant, UV inhibited, layflat, dry
erase and even microbial films (films that inhibit germ growth) can be
applied.
FILM THICKNESSES are: 1.2 mil, 1.7 mil, 3 mil, 5 mil and 10 mil.
Each mil is a point. 1.2 and 1.7 mil are usually the maximum thickness
used for 1 sided applications (unless the substrate is at least 18 pt) due
to curling issues. But all thicknesses can be applied both sides.
We can laminate from business card size up to 38 width and to just about any
length (depending on paper thickness) with thermal film.
FLUSH TRIM The piece is printed multiples up on a larger sheet
and will be trimmed to size once the sheet is laminated. This is usually
the least expensive way to laminate a high volume piece job.
We require a minimum of 1/2 of gripper/guide space on all 4 outside edges
of a sheet. The film will go past the image area but not all the way to
the edge of the sheet. This way, there is no film hang off to impede good registration
when trimming.
Flush trims can be done on one sided or two sided lamination.
EDGE SEALED OR HEAT SEALED The piece can be printed multiples up
on a larger sheet but must be trimmed to size prior to lamination. Typical
edge seals are 1/8 to all 4 outside edges although special size edge
seals can be done (for example leaving 3/4 on the left hand side for
holes).
Paper thickness is important for edge seals because it is difficult to get
a good seal on paper that is too thick.
We can do an edge seal with 1.5 mil, 3 mil, 5 mil and 10 mil laminates. Edge
seal lamination is always 2 sided.
THINGS TO REMEMBER:
If a powder is used, use a small granular powder and dust both sides of
sheet before laminating.
If a coating is used, use a coating recommended by your manufacturer for
thermal lamination. Also, most coating manufacturers recommend a 72-hour
curing time prior to laminating.
DIGITALLY PRINTED SHEETS tests need to be done on the inks and
papers intended to be used on the live job. Film manufacturers are working
on different adhesive formulations, but so far, not all digital inks work
with the new formulas. Its always a good idea to make sure adhesion will
not be a problem before youre given a price to your client. Pressure
sensitive film is an alternative that works but it is more costly.
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