An easy way to protect your important papers and display materials from bending, tearing, and staining is to laminate them. This simple transparent layer of protection between your item and the rest of the world will help withstand the test of time.
This review focuses on the top ten laminators from such prominent brands as GBC and Swingline. The owner of both brands is ACCO Brands Corporation, a market-leading company which manufacturers quality office products. With handy laminators described below, you can seal your goods with little effort.
Top GBC Creative Laminators
| Rank | Review | Name | Dimensions | Max Paper Width | Warm-Up time | Speed | Type | Warranty | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | Swingline® Inspire™ Plus View Details | 13.25" x 5.5" x 2.5" | 9’’ | 4 min | 9’’ per min | Pouch-type/ Hot & cold | 90 days | 9.9 |
| 2 | | Swingline® Fusion™ 3000L View Details | 19 7/8’’ x 5 3/4" x 4 1/4" | 9” | 1 min | 19’’ per min | Pouch-type/ Hot & cold | 3 years | 9.8 |
| 3 | | Ultima 65 View Details | 35” x 21” x 14” | 27’’ | 10 min | 120" per min | Roll-type/ Hot | 90 days | 9.6 |
| 4 | | Ultima 35 EZLoad View Details | 16.92" x 18.11" x 11.14" | 12’’ | 1 min | 39" per min | Roll-type/ Hot | 1 year | 9.5 |
| 5 | | HeatSeal H600 Pro View Details | 27.25" x 16.5” x 11.13” | 13’’ | 4-8 min | 25" per min | Pouch-type/ Hot & cold | 1 year | 9.3 |
| 6 | | Swingline® Inspire™ View Details | 14 3/8" x 3 7/8’’ x 3 1/8" | 9’’ | 7 min | 10" per min | Pouch-type Hot | 90 days | 9.2 |
| 7 | | Pinnacle 27 EZ Load View Details | 42" x 15" x 24 1/2" | 27’’ | 8-10 min | 120" per min | Roll-type/ Hot | 1 year | 9.0 |
| 8 | | Swingline® Fusion™ 1000L View Details | 18.75" x 4 .125" x 3.5" | 12’’ | 5 min | 13" per min | Pouch-type/ Hot & cold | 1 year | 8.8 |
| 9 | | HeatSeal H450 View Details | 23.125" x 13.375" x 8" | 13’’ | 4-8 min | 19" per min | Pouch-type/ Hot & cold | 1 year | 8.7 |
| 10 | | Catena 65 View Details | 35’’ x 14’’ x 21" | 27’’ | 10 min | 12" - 102" per min | Roll-type/ Hot & cold | 90 days | 8.5 |
GBC Swingline Inspire Plus
The Inspire Plus laminator is a good option for home and office use if you need to laminate small sheets of paper or multiple small items (photos, business cards, etc.). It is very compact, and its feeding entrance is only 9’’ wide and cannot accept wide documents.
The machine has a plastic housing and comes in white and grey. This is the pouch type of laminator which means you need to place your paper in a laminating pouch and insert it into the machine.
This model features both thermal and cold lamination. The cold version is used for heat-sensitive products.
- Performs both cold and hot lamination
- Simple settings
- Compact
- Quick heat-up time (4 minutes)
- Reasonable cost
- The informative lights indicate when the process is complete
- Includes a jam-release lever to clear wrapped pouches
- Comes with five pouches as a bonus
- Doesn’t include a tray to line up a laminated document
- Not powerful enough to laminate multiple sheets in one session
- Slow operation mode
GBC Swingline Fusion 3000L
The Fusion 3000L is a real champ in laminating. It specializes in super-easy and super-fast lamination. The machine uses pouches and handles paper sheets that are 9’’ wide.
It features an auto-jam detection system which starts beeping until you press a release button. The touch button settings and audible alerts make the use of the machine very simple.
The device also offers cold lamination for pressure-sensitive papers. This model has a sleek design and comes in elegant black and silver.
- Fast heat-up time (1 minute) and operation mode
- Comes with 30 bonus pouches
- Compact and modern design
- Quality lamination results
- Paper jam prevention mechanism
- Meets energy-saving requests and turns the machine off after 30 minutes of inactivity
- User-friendly
- A little expensive
- The paper jam detection mechanism is very sensitive and makes the alert go off even if there is no problem
- Some units may emanate a burning odor during operation
GBC Ultima 65
The Ultima 65 is a heavy-duty machine which can be used for multiple teaching needs. It includes film rollers and a special film to laminate your items and features a 27’’ loading entrance to handle wide paper sheets.
It features a pivoting feeding table which makes it easier to change a film. The film rolls are color-coded for accurate paper loading.
The machine has an AutoSpeed function which adjusts the optimal working speed automatically for the best lamination. It has forward and reverse functions to clear paper jams and an extra stop button on the back of the machine which allows pausing while you are watching the job’s output.
The device comes in black and clear colors and includes a DVD instruction.
- Includes a feeding table
- Wide lamination opening
- The color-coded film rolls simplify the process of film changing
- Automatic speed adjustment mechanism
- Additional stop button
- Comes with an integrated trimmer to cut the film
- A special counter will tell you the remaining film footage
- Automatic standby and shut-off mode (after 2 and 3 hours of inactivity respectively)
- Replacing a new roll of the film is an issue
- Expensive as any professional unit
- Long heating-up time
GBC Ultima 35 EZLoad
The Ultima 35 EZLoad is a desktop roll laminator. It features a special technology which eliminates mistakes during film loading. It has a reverse function to clear paper jams and is equipped with a built-in trimmer. Thanks to a unique Heat Shoe Accutherm heating system, the machine provides flawless and professional lamination.
It works with papers of 12’’ width which is perfect for regular users. The unit is simple to operate. It comes with alignment guides which allow you to feed documents smoothly.
- Fast operation
- Quality lamination results
- Doesn’t take long to warm up
- Sturdy construction
- Features both unique heating technologies and a loading mechanism
- User-friendly operation
- Automatic standby and shut-off mode (after 1 and 2 hours of inactivity respectively)
- There is a waste of material after each run
- The laminating material that comes with the device is very thin
- Loading a new roll of laminate can be tricky
- The replacement laminating rolls are expensive
GBC HeatSeal H600 Pro
The HeatSeal H600 Pro is a pouch-type machine which ensures professional lamination and is designed for industrial use with high daily laminating needs. It uses four heated rollers and features a keypad control panel. An opportunity to adjust speed (six settings) and temperature of lamination gives better results.
The machine has a durable metal housing and is developed for long-lasting performance. It also provides cold lamination for heat-sensitive documents.
- Guarantees professional results
- Fast heat-up time (4-8 minutes)
- Four rollers for bubble-free finish
- Cold and hot lamination settings
- Reverse function to clear paper jams
- Compatible with any laminating pouches
- Expensive as any professional unit
GBC Swingline Inspire
The Swingline Inspire is a thermal-type machine which uses pouches. It features a sleek black design and looks very elegant. The unit works with documents that are 9’’ wide.
It can be used for home projects because it is good for occasional laminating needs. It is very easy to operate, and it has a visual alert which shows the machine is ready to work.
In various online stores, you can buy this model very cheap. This is a good price for a personal laminator at hand.
- Modern appearance
- Good quality of lamination
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable price
- Has a small footprint
- Long heat-up time
- No auto switch-off
- Tends to curl the finished product
- Slow operation mode
GBC Pinnacle 27 EZLoad
This solid device is good for continuous operation and is a nice option for busy educators. Firstly, it is user-friendly and features time-saving functions. Secondly, it is equipped with a special loading technology, which eliminates film jams, and has an audible/visible warm-up alert.
The machine includes a built-in trimmer and is able to work at various speed levels. The mechanism of digital temperature readout (Accutherm heat system) allows the film run at the proper heat.
- Unloading mechanism
- Auto reverse
- Includes film footage counter
- Automatic standby and shut-off mode (after 2 and 3 hours of inactivity respectively)
- Fast operation mode
- Easy to use
- Convenient horizontal trimmer
- Makes occasional wrinkles
- Expensive as any professional unit
GBC Swingline Fusion 1000L
This is a very affordable pouch laminator from GBC. The Fusion 1000L model has a black plastic housing and very smooth rollers that prevent your laminated item from bubbles and wrinkles. It is a good choice for small offices and homes with low laminating needs. For heat-sensitive papers, the machine features a function of cold lamination.
The device accepts papers of 12’’ width and has special markings on the feeding entrance where to position your product (photo, letter, etc.).
- Good price
- Comes with 10 bonus pouches
- Quick warm-up time
- Has two settings for cold and hot lamination
- Jam release button
- Easy to use
- Big pages tend to warp during lamination
- Sometimes, the release button fails to work
GBC HeatSeal H450
This sturdy professional laminator is good for business. It has a metal cover and is designed for lasting performance. The machine can accept documents of 13’’ width and has four rollers for wrinkle-free results.
The device features various settings to adjust temperature and speed. With an auto reverse function, you can clear out paper jams.
It uses pouches to laminate your products and offers both hot and cold lamination.
- Auto reverse switch
- Variable temperature and speed settings
- LCD display for easy use
- Makes cold and hot lamination
- Durable construction
- Compatible with any pouches of 1.5-10 mil
- Needs more time to cool down
- A little expensive
GBC Catena 65
The Catena 65 is the industrial type of laminator. The machine is versatile and features numerous functions such as programmable presets, speed adjustments, intuitive control panel, etc.
It has a pivoting table to simplify film changing. The device has a 27’’ opening to insert wide items like maps or posters. The machine uses both cold and hot pouch lamination.
- Multifunctional device
- Provides both cold and thermal lamination (up to 302°F/150°C)
- Lightweight shafts from aluminum for easy film removal
- Includes a trimmer
- Additional stop switch on the back of the machine
- Comes with a fan for continuous use
- Smooth and quality performance
- AutoSpeed function for speed adjustment
- Expensive and suitable only for professional use
Laminators Comparison: GBC Vs GFP Vs Royal Sovereign
Royal Sovereign is a famous manufacturer of multiple office products, appliances, and graphic solutions. They produce fans, heaters, portable air conditioners, water dispensers, etc. Their selection of laminating machines is limited by low-budget pouch laminators and wide-format devices for industrial use (pneumatic, etc.). The company doesn’t cover the middle customer segment.
Both GBC and GFP (Graphic Finishing Partners, LLC) are specialized in lamination and offer a variety of products. GFP develops machinery which is mostly professional and heavyweight. They provide also training courses and installation services.
The laminators produced by GBC are the most popular because they are suitable for various customer segments. Their equipment ranges from very affordable to expensive and can be purchased for either home/office or industrial use.
FAQ
Most GBC laminators are easy to operate, and even the most sophisticated machines of this brand have multiple functions which are performed automatically. If you have information gaps concerning GBC laminating machines, these are the most common questions and answers you may need.
Who Makes GBC Laminators?
The GBC laminators are manufactured by General Binding Corporation. It was founded in 1947 in Chicago and was a big supplier of binding and lamination products. In 2005, it merged with ACCO Corporation forming ACCO Brands.
Now, ACCO Brands is the world largest supplier of office products and includes such brands as Quartet, FiveStar, Swingline, GBC, Mead, and many others.
What Type of Laminating Pouches Can I Use?
All laminating pouches are made of two layers of plastic and sealed on one end. Inside, they are coated with an adhesive which is activated by heat or pressure. You simply put your document in a pouch and run it through a pouch laminator.
The GBC pouches fall into thermal and cold, besides they differ in thickness, size, and finish. Select the right pouch regarding the model of your GBC laminator and the result you want to get.
How to Install New Lamination Film?
Loading a new film roll is one of the most difficult ? parts of using a laminator. This instruction will walk you through this process will less effort.
- The replacement is performed while the rollers are warm. First, read a user manual to be sure you are replacing the correct film type.
- Remove or pivot the feeding table/tray (if any) to have an access to both rolls.
- Cut the remaining film between the rollers.
- Carefully remove the rolls that are installed. You may need to loosen a locking screw.
- Insert a new roll placing the core adapter on the shaft.
- Tighten the screw back. Check that the film is unrolled from the bottom like paper towels.
Repeat the same steps with the upper roll. Put the feeding table/tray back. Find more troubleshooting tips on the internet posted by the manufacturer or other experienced users.
Where Can You Buy GBC Laminator?
GBC laminators are very popular devices and can be easily found for sale. Buy them from an official GBC website or from trusted online stores like Amazon, BestBuy, eBay, Costco, Walmart, and others. These marketplaces guarantee the same warranty period stated by the manufacturer and offer refunds in case a product comes defective.
An internet purchase ? is the best way to find more information about the product and to read reviews from customers who have bought it. This is also a place where you can buy accessories for lamination like cleaning sheets or replacement rollers.
Conclusion
This selection of laminating machines by WoWPencils has the highest ratings from customers thanks to multiple features. All these models are user-friendly, multipurpose, and provide quick and quality lamination. This list of machines will narrow down your search to efficient products with a variety of functions.
References
- GBC Laminating Machines – https://www.gbc.com/
- Fusion Laminators by Swingline GBC – http://www.swingline.com/
- Royal Sovereign Laminators – https://www.royalsovereign.com/
- GFP Machines – https://www.gfpartnersllc.com/
- How to Install New Rolls of Laminating Film on Your Roll Laminator – http://www.articlesfactory.com/