When you’re considering lamination for your printing project, choosing the right thickness of laminate can create a satisfying end product or break your budget. Today, we’ll talk a little about how to choose the right thickness of laminate and get the best results.
How is Laminate Thickness Measured?
The plastic films used in lamination are measured in thousandths of an inch called mils (one mil = .001”). A laminate film designated as 1.5 mils is, therefore .0015” thick. Since laminate a printed piece is sandwiched between two sheets of laminate film, the overall thickness of the piece (in the instance of using a 1.5 mil laminate) is increased by 3 mils. The general rule of thumb is, of course, the thicker the laminate used, the more rigid the resulting piece will be when laminated.
Common Laminate Thicknesses
1.5 Mil (.0015”) – The most common and least expensive laminate film. Because it’s a thin film, laminated pieces retain a certain amount of flexibility. If more rigidity is desired, it can be more economical to print on a heavy card stock and then laminate with a thin laminate film.
3 Mil (.003”) – A step up in thickness from 1.5 mils yet still retains enough flexibility to allow for folding. 3 mil laminate is a common choice for restaurant menus, maps, posters, manuals, etc.
5 Mil (.005”) – Creates a more rigid and sturdy final piece. It can be folded with scoring, but such pieces have a tendency to spring open unless the edges are restrained. 5 mil laminate is a good choice for flat pieces designed for frequent handling (e.g., drink/dessert menus, bookmarks, etc.).
10 Mil (.010”) – A heavy-duty laminate intended to create strong, rigid, durable pieces often used for IDs, badges, tags, indoor/outdoor signs, etc. Also a good choice for items used in dirty, wet, or greasy environments like garages or factory floors.
Another Thing to Keep in Mind
Thin laminate films used on a heavy substrate or the thicker laminate films can create rigid pieces with sharp corners posing a certain risk of injury when handled. Hence, it’s recommended the more rigid pieces have their corners rounded off to prevent inadvertent cuts particularly if the piece will be handled by children.
If you have any questions about Choosing Laminate Thickness, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
