Machine Seal vs Self Seal Laminating Pouches

This may sound like a pretty niche sequel to Batman vs Superman, but it’ll hopefully give you some helpful info about machine seal vs self seal laminating pouches.

Read more: What Laminating Pouches Should I Use?

We know there are a lot to choose from, and it can be quite overwhelming. One such decision you have to make is whether to use machine seal or self seal laminating pouches. We’re going to walk you through the pros and cons of each so you can make a more informed decision.

Why Use Machine Seal Laminating Pouches?

As the name suggests, machine seal pouches are the ones you run through a lamination machine and the ones you are probably more familiar with. Here’s what you need to know about them…

Less likely to crease or bubble

Now, we’re not saying that self seal pouches will crease or bubble, but with machine seal pouches, the fact they’re pressed flat and heat sealed means that air is less likely to get trapped. This leads to a near perfect seal each time. Just make sure you feed the pouch through the machine straight or it could crumple.

They’re cheaper

On the whole, machine sealed pouches are cheaper than their self seal equivalents, so if saving money is top of your agenda, then these could be what you’re after. For example, a box of 100 A4 150 micron pouches is only £4.95 (exc. VAT), and even the thicker 500 micron pouches are only £24.95.

And if you buy in bulk then they’re even cheaper!

Large variety

Whilst both types of pouch come in a variety of sizes depending on what you want to laminate, machine seal pouches generally give you more choice.

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For instance, you can buy both matt and gloss pouches, getting a different finish with each. There’s also a wide selection of thicknesses, measured in microns. Thinner pouches (150 microns) will be fine for everyday use, but you may need something thicker if you need it to last longer or you want it to be more rigid (such as a restaurant menu).

Check out our full range of laminating pouches to see the different types of machine seal pouches we have available.

Why Use Self Seal Laminating Pouches?

Also called cold seal laminating pouches, these pouches are sealed by hand.

No need for a laminating machine

If you only have a few bits and pieces to laminate and don’t want to shell out for a machine, then you don’t have to. Sealed by hand, self seal pouches bypass the need for a laminating machine, which helps to offset the slightly higher cost of the pouches.

You can do it wherever you are

If you’re using heat seal pouches, then you need to do it where you have access to a lamination machine. Granted, most laminators aren’t massive, but you still need to be able to plug it in. Using cold seal pouches, you can literally do your laminating anywhere – at home, in the car, on the beach. You get the idea.

It’s quicker

Machines need time to heat up and then, depending on the quality of your machine, can take a while to feed the pouch through – although you can get high speed laminating machines.

Using self seal pouches, you can quickly pop the paper in, peel the backing off and seal it shut in no time at all.

Have a look at our full range of self seal laminating pouches.