Laminating with a Xyron cold process laminator is actually very easy. You simply insert the cartridge, put your document in the opening and crank the handle to pull the document through and laminate it. There really isn't that much to it. However, unless you have the right type of laminating cartridge you will not get the results that you need. This article is designed to help you choose the right cartridge for your needs.

The first step in choosing the right cartridge for your laminator is to figure out what model of laminator that you have. Unfortunately, cartridges for different models of laminators are not interchangeable. This means that you will need to choose a laminating cartridge that is built for your particular laminator. Depending on the model of laminator that you have the options for laminating might be somewhat limited. However, here are some of the options that you may get to choose from.

1. Two Sided Laminate: These cartridges add a permanent protective laminate to both sides of your documents. The finished result will look just like any other laminated document that is finished with a roll laminator or pouch laminator. Two sided laminate cartridges usually use gloss laminate for both sides. However, sometimes cartridges are available with one side matte and the other side gloss or even with both sides matte.

2. Repositionable Adhesive: This type of cartridge doesn't actually laminate your documents. Instead it applies a thin layer of repositionable adhesive onto the back of your document. This type of cartridge is often used to make stickers or signs. With the repositionable adhesive there isn't supposed to be a residue left behind when the sticker is moved. However, depending on the temperature and length of time that the items are left it may end up leaving a residue.

3. Permanent Adhesive: Permanent adhesive cartridges work the same way as repositionable cartridges but the stickers aren't designed to be moved or removed. Permanent adhesive cartridges are great for creating packaging, labels and for the customization of hard cover books.

4. High Tack Adhesive: Again these cartridges work the same way as the other two adhesive cartridges. However, Hi tac or hi-tack cartridges utilize a more aggressive adhesive that is designed to last longer and adhere better. This is a great option for labels and other materials that might get a lot of use.

5. Laminate / Adhesive Cartridges: Sometimes you want to laminate one side of the document and apply an adhesive to the other side. In order to do this you will need laminate / adhesive cartridge. This cartridge will have either a gloss or matte laminate on one side and will apply one of the three different types of adhesive to the other side.

6. Magnet Cartridges: A few of the Xyron Creative Station laminators have the option to accept a magnet cartridge. This cartridge laminates one side of your document or item while applying a magnet to the back of the item.

Depending on the Xyron laminator that you have, the options available to you will vary. However, these are the most common types of cartridges that are available for Xyron laminators. Good luck and happy laminating.