thermolamination

Thermolamation is a lamination process in which a heat-activated adhesive layer bonds a substrate to a laminate film. The process relies on heat and pressure to soften the adhesive, allowing it to flow and fuse the layers together as it cools. It is used with a range of substrates, including paper, cardboard, wood, and various plastics, and with laminates such as PET, PVC, or melamine films.

Adhesives employed in thermolamination are typically thermally activated hot melts or reactive systems that require heat to cure. Common choices include EVA-based hot melts, polyolefin-based hot melts, and polyurethane reactive adhesives. The combination of adhesive, substrate, and laminate determines the required temperature, pressure, and dwell time.

Equipment and methods vary, with hot-press lamination involving parallel heated platens that apply both heat and pressure, and hot-roll lamination using heated rollers to transfer heat and consolidate the bond. The process parameters are adjusted to optimize adhesion, surface finish (gloss or matte), and production speed, depending on material compatibility.

Advantages of thermolamination include improved mechanical protection, water and abrasion resistance, and the ability to tailor surface finishes. It also enables fast production and integration with digital printing workflows. Limitations include potential distortion or discoloration of heat-sensitive substrates, the possibility of trapped air or moisture causing bubbles, and challenges in recycling multilayer laminates due to material incompatibilities.

Applications span packaging, labels and ID cards, book covers and posters, signage, and interior automotive or furniture components, where durable, heat-set bonding of a decorative or protective laminate is required.