<P> A heated roll laminator uses heated rollers to melt glue extruded onto lamination film . This film is in turn applied to a substrate such as paper or card using pressure rollers . The primary purpose of laminating with such a machine is to embellish or protect printed documents or images . Heated roll laminators can vary in size from office based pouch laminators to industrial sized machines . Such industrial machines are primarily used for high quantity / quality output by printers or print finishers . </P> <P> Whether small office or industrial machines their primary function is to embellish or protect printed works . Such laminators are used to apply varying thicknesses of lamination film onto substrates such as paper or fabrics . The main advantage to the use of heated roll laminators is that of speed . Heated laminators use heated rollers or heated shoes to melt the glue which is applied to lamination film . The process of heating the glue prior to applying the film to a substrate allows for a faster application of the film . The laminates and adhesives used are generally cheaper to manufacture than cold roll laminates, often as much as half the cost depending on the comparison made . As the materials are non-adhesive until exposed to heat, they are much easier to handle . The glue is solid at room temperature, so lamination of this type is less likely to shift or warp after its application than pressure activated laminates, which rely on a highly viscous, adhesive fluid . </P> <P> Roll laminators typically use two rolls to complete the lamination process, with one roll being on top and the other roll on the bottom . These rolls slide onto metal bars, known as mandrels, which are then placed in the machine and feed through it . In the United States, the most common core size found on lamination film is one inch (25 - to 27 - inch - wide film). Larger format laminators use a larger core, often 2 ​ ⁄ to 3 inches in diameter . Film is usually available in 1.5, 3, 5, 7, and 10 mil thicknesses . The higher the number, the thicker the film . A mil is one thousandth of an inch (. 001 "). </P>

What is the purpose of a laminator in an office