Encapsulation

encapsulated documentsEncapsulation is the process of covering and sealing printed paper or board with a tough waterproof, plastic film. This gives a professional looking finish and helps to strengthen the encapsulated item, potentially improving its useful life.

To achieve a fully waterproof seal, an overlap is usually left around the edge. The film is bonded to the items surface so this overlap can be trimmed off if waterproofing is not required.

Common uses for encapsulated sheets include maps, menus, sales presenters, display graphics, ID badges, banners, aides - memoire and many, many others.

Sheet to be encapsulated should be supplied cut to size and fully collated if in sets or sequences. Please do not interleave sets. If there is more than one thickness in a set e.g. a catalogue please supply covers separate.

Sheets can be creased, drilled, slot punched, eyeleted, strutted, glue or velcro tabbed. They are also suitable for platten cutting or ram punching though we do not offer these last two services.

Plastic Art Co. encapsulating machine
Minimum size 54mm x 86mm
Maximum size 1000mm x 3000mm
Minimum paper thickness 40gsm
Maximum paper thickness 700gsm
Minimum run length 1
Maximum run No maximum

Available gauges

Gauge Finish Result
40 micron gloss only Very flexible
75 micron gloss only Flexible
125 micron gloss only Less flexible
175 micron gloss only Semi rigid
250 micron gloss only Quite rigid similar to a credit card

Thickness guide

Thickness (not to scale) Gauge
gauge
Credit Card 800 micron
gauge
2x 250 micron
gauge
2x 175 micron
gauge
2x 125 micron
gauge
2x 75 micron
gauge

2x 40 micron

WARNINGS Previously laminated or varnished sheets will give a poorer but usually adequate bond strength. Bond strength may be reduced if sheets are laser printed, particularly over areas of solid colour. Avoid laser printing solid colours to bleed. Similarly silk screen solids give very poor adhesion. Some synthetic and resin coated substrates (ink jet media) react to the heat of the process by rippling. Best quality is achieved with litho or HP Indigo printing over paper, card or Teslin substrates. Provided we are sent overs or test material we will always do a quality test free of charge before processing any of your valuable work.

For more information, samples or a quotation please feel free to call, fax or email us.

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Contact details

6 Havelock Terrace
London
SW8 4AH
T: 020 7627 1976
F: 020 7498 2369
E: london@plastic-art.co.uk