In the past almost every pouch laminator would require the use of a pouch carrier. However, in recent years more and more manufacturers are advertising that you can use their machines without a carrier. These machines often use silicon or ceramic heated rollers and Teflon coated heating plates and they are able to pass the documents through without a carrier. However, just because these laminators can run documents without a carrier doesn't mean that you shouldn't use a carrier. Here are four reasons you should always use a pouch carrier with your laminator.

1. When you laminate documents the heat from the rollers activates and melts a layer of adhesive inside the laminating pouch. This adhesive is what makes the pouches stick to your documents and provides the lasting laminated effect. When the adhesive is melted during the laminating process it is possible (and likely) that some adhesive will squeeze out of the edges of the pouch. If you are using a pouch carrier the adhesive will never come into contact with your laminating rollers. However, if you aren't using a carrier the adhesive will squish out onto the rollers of your laminator and will begin to build up. Over time, this buildup of laminating adhesive can cause all sorts of problems.

2. If you run laminating pouches without a carrier you exponentially increase the chances of the pouches getting wrapped around the rollers. The buildup of adhesive mentioned in point number one can cause a pouch to stick to the rollers and to curl around the rollers instead of exiting the laminator. If you catch the problem quickly it is sometimes possible to salvage your laminator. However, many laminators end up in the garbage every year because of this problem. A pouch carrier adds additional rigidity to keep the pouches from curling and helps to ensure that even if things would start to wrap up that the adhesive won't fuse the pouch and document onto the laminating rollers.

3. A laminating pouch carrier can help to ensure that the finished laminated document is smooth and free from heat marks or imperfections. The carrier helps to ensure that there is a smooth surface against the pouch and document when the laminator is feeding the materials. Small amounts of adhesive on the rollers or imperfections will not affect the laminating process as dramatically when using a pouch carrier.

4. When handling laminating pouches while they are still hot it is very easy to leave marks and fingerprints on the laminated surface. With a pouch carrier it is easy to move the laminated material to the side where it can cool without ever needing to touch the actual document. This can be extremely helpful.

Ever pack of pouches that you buy should come with a pouch carrier and if you need extras they are extremely inexpensive. With these things in mind, it is highly advisable to use a carrier with every document that you laminate. It can save you time, money and hassle if you do.