In the world of graphic lamination, we use technical terms every day that are commonplace for industry professionals, but which do not always mean the same thing to everyone.
That is why, at TAULER, we are launching our Lamination Glossary, a series of articles designed to explain in simple terms some of the most commonly used concepts in the lamination process.
We’ll start with six basic terms: calender, reel, overlap, pressure, temperature and silvering.
- Calender
The heating roll is the heated roll that provides heat and pressure during rolling.
This is one of the key elements of the process, as it helps to ensure a proper bond between the film and the printed substrate. Its configuration must be adapted to the characteristics of the material and the job being carried out.
- Reel
The reel is the roll of film used to feed the laminator.
The type of film chosen will depend on the application, the finish to be achieved and the characteristics of the final product. Materials such as BOPP or PET may behave differently depending on the specific job.
If you’d like to find out more about the differences between them, you can take a look at our comparison of PET and BOPP for lamination. - Overlap
The overlap is the area where the film extends beyond the edge of the substrate or overlaps it, depending on the process used.
It is important to control this area properly in order to achieve a clean finish and avoid problems during subsequent stages of production or when handling the rolled product. - Pressure
Pressure is the force applied between the rollers to ensure a proper bond between the film and the substrate.
Along with temperature and speed, it is one of the essential process parameters. Correct settings ensure consistent contact and result in uniform rolling. - Temperature
Temperature is the parameter that activates the adhesive on the thermal film and ensures proper lamination.
The required temperature may vary depending on the type of film, the substrate, the inks used and the production speed. That is why it is important to find the right balance for each job.
- Silvering
Silvering is one of the defects that can occur during lamination. It is identified by the presence of small silvery spots or patches that are visible when the film does not adhere completely to the printed surface.
Its occurrence may be linked to various factors in the process; therefore, correctly controlling the rolling parameters is essential to minimise it.
A common language for better lamination
Understanding these concepts facilitates communication between professionals and helps to provide a better understanding of what happens at each stage of the process.
At TAULER Laminating Tech, we continue to share our technical expertise to help achieve more efficient, reliable and controlled lamination processes.
This is just the first instalment of our Lamination Glossary. You can also read the original post on LinkedIn
.
