Lamination is a good way to preserve your documents and photos for years to come. A special film will be an excellent protector for a paper base, protect it from dust, dirt, water and even sunlight (partially).
Consider one of the most popular and versatile equipment for this procedure - an A4 format laminator. The article will help beginners to navigate the choice of device, as well as acquaint with the basic principles of such technology.
The lamination procedure is quite simple and does not require any specific knowledge in this area. All you need is the A4 device itself and the film for the A4 laminator (package). Next, we consider some features of this equipment.
Goals
If you are not the owner of the printing house and you will use the laminator from time to time to process a small number of documents, then it makes sense to look at inexpensive models that are designed for household use or as a modest help in a small office.
The simple A4 laminator has the most simplified design, and the film at the exit protects the document to a minimum. Its thickness for modest devices ranges from 80 microns. The film in this case will well protect the document from dust, moisture and other small contaminants, but, alas, only the smallest part from mechanical impact. That is, such equipment is suitable for cases - laminated and put in a folder / shelf.
Moreover, if you have enough protection for 80 microns, but the intensity of work in the office just rolls over, then buying a simple A4 laminator also does not make sense. It will burn out for you or simply crumble in a week or two, because it is simply not designed for such serious loads.
If you want to process dozens of documents every day, the A4 high-performance laminator for the office is the best option. Models of such a plan are not only equipped with a reinforced structure, but can also process a significantly larger number of documents. In addition, smart models can use a different film thickness.
Film
As mentioned above, the standard A4 laminator can work with a conventional film of 80 microns and packages up to 125 microns. The latter not only provide basic document protection, but also perfectly protect the sheet from mechanical damage.
The most advanced and expensive laminator models can pack originals in film up to 250 microns. This protection allows you to completely eliminate the ingress of moisture and prevents jamming of the document, as well as the appearance of scratches on it. This option is the most reliable, but such a film is very demanding on the design of the device, that is, it needs a very good laminator, correctly cooling the package at the end of the cycle.
For some non-standard tasks, you can find a film with perforation for filing in folders, glued on one side, multi-colored, etc.
Device functionality
Most office laminators work, as they say, as they should. That is, the originals are processed differently - first 250 microns, then 80, then 100, and then again 80. Some models are simply not able to quickly switch between films and they need time (about 20-30 minutes).
In order to avoid such unnecessary delays, manufacturers develop and implement some technological “chips” in their products, which significantly save not only time, but also equipment resources.
For example, the Fellowes brand has patented a very useful AutoSense technology, solving the problem described above. The principle of operation of the new functionality is quite simple and at the same time effective. The device automatically selects the optimal mode of operation due to optical sensors that determine the thickness of the embedded film. That is, the user just needs to put the document in the package and put it in the receiver of the laminator, and the device will do the rest. In this case, the operator does not need to wait for the apparatus to cool after a film of 250 microns, and immediately proceed to lamination, for example, a packet of 100 microns, which is very convenient. Keep this in mind before choosing an A4 laminator.
Models
In the global market for printing equipment, venerable Xerox and Canon dominate. Yes, their equipment is almost impeccable, and a long-standing reputation inspires respect. But despite the abundance of service centers around the world, and in Russia in particular, servicing devices costs a tidy amount, as does buying them.
A rather successful company Fellowes has been operating in the domestic market for quite a long time (since 1994), which, as they say, ate a dog on laminators. The price tags for the brand’s devices are quite affordable, as well as the maintenance of their own equipment. The company's products can be called omnivorous and picky to third-party consumables, which is a significant plus for the domestic consumer.
Let's try to designate a small rating of A4 laminators of this brand, it includes the most notable models in terms of reliability, versatility, and also distinguished not only by high-quality prints at the output, but also by a good price / return ratio.
The best devices:
- Callisto A4.
- Saturn 3i A4.
- Lunar A4.
Lunar a4
This is an entry-level device for a modest or home office. If you use the laminator from time to time, then the Lunar model is an optimal and inexpensive option. The device works with a film from any manufacturer, but not thicker than 80 microns (30 cm / min).
Management is very simple and intuitive. A green diode will notify you that the device is ready for use (6 minutes after turning it on). The design has a collapsible type, so if the original is jammed, you can easily remove it. The case is made of high quality material and does not heat up during operation.
If you need to process business cards, photographs, letters, cards, instructions and other similar sources, then Lunar is the ideal laminator for such documents (A4). User reviews about the model are mostly positive. The owners appreciated the unpretentiousness of the device, high-quality prints at the exit and a quite affordable price tag.
The price is about 3,000 rubles.
Saturn 3i A4
"Saturn" is a laminator of the last generation, distinguished by rapid heating before starting work (a little less than one minute). The model has an attractive appearance and can work with packages up to 125 microns (30 cm / min).
The device has three modes for cold and hot lamination. The case of the device does not heat up during operation and is completely safe for touch. The presence of sensors will eliminate the complete jam of the original, and a collapsible design will help to extract the document. The model is perfect for the average office and copes with most complex tasks.
Users in their reviews very warmly accepted this "average", which is relatively inexpensive and has attractive features.
The price is about 9,000 rubles.
Callisto a4
The model is intended for regular use and works with a film up to 125 microns (up to 40 cm / min). The functionality of the device includes several modes for cold and hot work, as well as AutoSense technology, which eliminates the waiting time after changing the film.
The reverse function allows you to remove the original in case of a jam or misfeed. The case does not heat up at all and is absolutely safe for touch. The device is suitable for the most difficult tasks in the field of lamination, and numerous positive reviews in specialized forums have made the model very popular with medium and large offices.
The price is about 13,000 rubles.