5 Best 11×17 Laminator Machines: What Formats Is It Purposed For?

Are you looking for a machine for laminating with 11 x 17 pouches?

Keep reading and find the right model between 6 best-rated laminators. If you need help while buying a pouch for the 11×17 laminator, check the last review. Below the reviews, there is the main info about this type of laminator and conclusion.

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What Does 11×17 Mean In A Laminator?

An 11×17 laminating machine is a type that supports the pouches that are 11 inches wide and 17 inches long. Most packages include both laminator and appropriate pouches that have various thicknesses for you to choose from.

How Big Is The Inlet Size?

The inlet size on the laminator for 11×17 documents has to be between 12 and 13 inches. A document in an A3 size is also very similar to this, measuring 11,5 x 16,5 inches.

Which Thickness Is Suitable?

While the dimensions will have to be around 11×17 inches, the thickness of the pouch can be thinner or thicker, depending on what is suitable for your laminating machine. The thickness of this size can be 3 mils, 5 mils, and 10 mils. While 3 and 5 mils are used more often with 11×17 machines, 10 mil ones are used less often. The bigger mil you choose, the thicker your document will be once laminated. Choose a bigger mil (10 mils) if you want the document to be more rigid and durable. If you want it to be flexible, choose 3 to 5 mil.

Hot Vs. Cold Laminating Mode

While thermal laminators use hot temperature to seal, cold laminators use adhesive pouches which are activated by pressure rather than heat. Some laminators allow you to use both hot and cold modes, while some are used only with the hot mode. You will have to buy pouches that are suitable for the mode you use. The 11×17 pouches are most often used with the thermal method.

The Biggest Size Documents For 11×17 Pouches

You should leave at least 1/8-inch on each side of the document when using a laminating pouch. You should not put documents larger than 10.75 inches by 16.75 inches inside the 11×17 pouch.

Which Pouch Do You Need For 11×17 Documents?

Documents sized 11×17 inches will need pouches measuring 11.5 inches by 17.5 inches or 12 x 18 inches. You can even buy 100-piece packs to last you a long time.

What Are They Used For?

With a laminator suitable for 11×17 documents, you will be able to:

• Protect documents – laminating 11×17 documents will keep them protected, especially if they are handled frequently



• Make it durable and rigid – the paper won’t longer bend and break as easily as it will be more durable
• Have a professional-looking document – putting the document in a laminating pouch will give it a more professional look

Who Are They For?

Laminators are especially useful for:

• Teachers in schools
• Office workers
• Home projects

Factors To Consider When Choosing

Some specifications and characteristics are needed when buying a machine for laminating 11×17 documents. Find out more about them below.

How Often Will You Be Using It?

Depending on how often you will be using your laminator, a different type will be a better choice for you:

• Once a week – if you want to laminate occasionally, a pouch laminator will be a good choice for you, especially for small projects
• More flexible use – if you want to laminate both bigger and smaller projects, look for a roll laminator

Speed

For occasional use, you won’t need a machine with a speed over 15 inches per minute. However, if you want your laminator to be faster, you can choose those that can laminate 20 to 30 inches per minute. On the other hand, those working 12 inches per minute or less might be too slow.

Warm-Up Time

Laminators that work with heat will also need a longer or shorter time to heat up before you can start using them. If you are going to be using it a lot and very often, we suggest a warm-up time of up to 1 minute. Slower models will sometimes take even 5 minutes to warm up.

Heat & Run Time

Most laminating machines nowadays can run for up to 30 minutes before they need to shut off and cool down. Do not use it for longer than the recommended time as it might cause a fire. Also, always keep an eye on it while it is laminating, and do not use it on flammable surfaces.

Jam Release

It is very common for laminators to cause jams. If you want a quick and easy solution, always make sure that the model you end up choosing features a quick jam release.

5 Best 11×17 Laminators

Scotch TL1306 Thermal Laminator

Three Settings  Offered
The Scotch laminator includes the white-colored exterior where the LED touch control line is placed. It’s easy to set the option you need by pressing the right button. You can choose between 3 mils, 5 mil, or 6 mil settings. The settings signify the thickness of the pouch you use.

Adjusting Temperature Easily
You can use the pouches that are up to 12 inches wide so the 11 x 17 laminating sheets are optimal for this laminator. Don’t forget to select the right pouch thickness because the machine adjusts the temperature depending on the pouch you use.

Pressure Combined With Heat
The heating system includes 4 rollers that use the pressure in combination with heat to connect the pouches to the materials. The laminating speed is 18 inches per minute. You need to wait for about 1 minute until the machine reaches the optimal temperature for laminating.

Automatical Shut Off
This white 11×17 laminating machine has a mechanism that saves energy. That means there is the auto shut-off function that makes it possible to save power. The machine shuts off automatically after 1 hour of nonuse. This machine package includes 2 pouches so you need to purchase more.

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Crenova 13 Inches Laminator

Inlet Size Of 13 Inches
The Crenova laminator has a size of 13 inches which is a little wider than a pouch with dimensions 11×17. This type of pouch is ideal for the inlet. You can use it to protect photos, documents, and all other materials of this and similar size.

Green Light Appears
When you use the thermal system, you need to wait for about 2 minutes before the laminating process begins. Two minutes are enough for preheating. You will see the green indicator light when the laminator reaches the optimal heat level.  The laminator includes also the ABS button for jam prevention.

25 Pieces In The Box
The package of this Crenova lamiantor consists of the lamiantor, paper trimmer, corner rounder, and laminating pouches. You will get 25 pieces of pouches that have different formats. There are 5 pouches of A3 format that is similar to the 11×17 dimensions.

Simple To Use Mechanism
This laminating machine has a portable design. It’s practical for carrying so you can transport it from home to the workplace. The machine is simple to use. There is one button to choose a hot or cold method. After you press the right button, you’re ready to start.

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Fellowes Laminator Saturn

Short Heat-Up And Laminating Time
The Fellowes Saturn laminator is a powerful electric machine that requires the socket of 120 V. The high power makes its preheating time and laminating time short. The Instaheat technology provides 1-minute preheating while the laminating speed is 12 inches per minute which is 300 mm per minute approximately.

Three And Five Sizes
This 11×17 model supports the documents that are up to 12 inches long which includes also 11×17 dimensions. You can use the 11×17 pouches of 3 mils or 5 mils thickness size. If the pouches stick during the laminating process, it’s easy to release them by pressing the anti-jam button.

Double Laminating Systems
There are offered double laminating settings you can choose. Depending on if you use standard document type or sensitive document, you can choose between hot and cold laminating systems. If you select cold mode, you need to replace hot pouches for a self-adhesive pouch type that doesn’t need the heat for sticking to the material.

Overheating Prevented
Using this durable laminator machine 11×17, you can save your time and electric energy. With auto shut off function, the laminator saves energy and prevents overheating. You don’t have to worry if you switched it off. The machine will turn out automatically when it’s not in use.

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AmazonBasics Thermal Laminator Machine

Ideal For 11×17 Dimensions
The Amazon laminator comes in white color design. You can choose between various size versions. For using 11 x 17 laminating sheets, you need to choose a 12-inch version. The inlet of 12 inches is optimal for 11-inch wide sheets. Larger pouch size isn’t supported.

3 Mil Heat Pouch Type
On the inlet, there are marks for various material sizes that help you to position the material well. You can use this machine to laminate letters, photos, business cards, and more. It’s suitable for 3 and 5 mil pouch thickness. It’s better to use 3 mil hot pouches for normal documents.

Optimal Temperature Reached
Since it uses the hot laminating system, you need to leave the machine for about 4 minutes to get hot before you start working. The laminator reaches the optimal temperature to melt 3-5 mil pouches and stick them to the paper. The laminator reached the optimal temperature when you see the green indicator light.

A Few Pouches Included
In the package, you will get 20 pouches. All of them are 3 mils thick so you need to purchase 5 mil thick pouches separately but they are easy to find on the market. The laminator protects documents with pouches using a speed of 270 mm per minute.

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Jieze Thermal Laminator

Three Different Sizes
The Jieze laminator has the same size as the previous models. The inlet length of 13 inches is ideal for 11 x 17 laminating sheets. The materials you laminate can be up to 0,5 mm thick. You will get suitable pouches that have three different formats.

Rollers Work Fastly
The lamiantor includes double rollers that get hot after about 5 minutes. The heat and pressure of the rollers are the main factors in the lamination process. The rollers work fast laminating with a speed of 250 mm per minute. It takes about a minute to laminate the paper with 11×17 dimensions.

Two Thickness Settings
This 11×17 laminating machine has programs for laminating with 3 mil pouches and 5 mil pouches. Depending on the function you choose, the laminator adjusts the temperature. You have to push the button to select 3 mils, 5 mils, or a cool option.

Reserve Pouches Included
The machine has a simple system that might be practical for every family member. You will get 20 pouches that have different sizes and shapes. You can use it as a reserve but you can purchase 11×17 laminating pouches of different sizes and thicknesses separately.

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Blusmart Multiple Function A3 Laminator

Hot/Cold Mode Button
Just like the previous thermal model, this one offers also hot lamination options but also cold function. It’s simple to choose which laminating mode you will use. There is a button you need to push and set the hot or cold mode. Except for this button, the indicator lights are also built-in.

Adhesive Pouch Type
The suitable materials and pouches have a maximum width of 13 inches. The documents or photos can be protected with pouches of various thicknesses for a short time. When you use the cold mode, you need to use the adhesive pouches instead of the hot type.

Finish It For Short
This laminating machine laminates with a speed of 250 mm per minute. It’s an average speed of an office or home laminator. You can finish laminating quickly no matter if you use hot or cold mode. The hot lamination includes the preheating that lasts 3-5 minutes.

Up To 0,5 Mm
Double rollers reach the temperature of about 120 °C. This temperature is enough to melt the plastic pouch that is about 0,5 mm thick and smaller. The machine needs electricity from a 110-120V outlet. Just like all the laminators, this one includes also the ABS function for the case of a jam.

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Do Pouches Come Included?

Once you purchase a laminator, you will usually get a couple of pouches in the package, too. However, we suggest also buying or ordering a pack of pouches on the side, along with the laminator. The included pouches that come with the machine won’t last you long as you will usually get only a few.

Uinkit Laminating Pouches

Numerous Pieces Included
After you choose the appropriate laminator for you, now you might be in need of the pouches. If you’re searching for the best laminating sheets 11×17, consider taking the Uinkit laminating pouches. You will get 100 sheets in the package. The pouches have 11,5×17,5 dimensions that are ideal for 11×17 documents that will get a glossy look after laminating.

For A Long Period
The pouches have a thickness of 3,5 mils. This thickness is suitable for most laminators since the machines are usually made for 3-5 mil pouches. In the package, you will get enough pouches for laminating through a long period, depending on how often you use the laminator.

Resistant To Heat
You can use the pouches to protect various documents such as certificates, awards, office documents, menus, photos, and more. These pouches are made for hot lamination only. If you use a cold laminating system, you need to purchase self-adhesive laminating sheets 11×17.

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How To Laminate With A Laminator?

If you are unsure how to run a laminator, you should read the manual book that came with your model.

Steps For Lamination

For the best lamination, follow these easy steps:

• Put the paper inside the laminating pouch and close it.
• Turn the laminator on and leave it to heat up. The indicator will usually let you know when the machine is ready for use.
• Set up the proper temperature for the thickness of your pouch. Usually, a guide that comes with the product will help you determine the best temperature. Also, some laminators have presets for the thickness of the project. Turn the proper setting on.
• Place the folded edge inside the machine.
• Do not pull the laminated project out until the whole pouch has gone through the machine.
• Leave the project to cool down before trimming it.

Learn even more in this helpful video:

Is It Possible To Laminate Without A Laminator?

If you do not have a laminator, there are some other methods you can use to laminate a document. For instance, you can use a clothes iron and wax paper. Place the document between two sheets of wax paper. Then, put a piece of paper over the top (or a towel), place it on an ironing board, and iron over it on a low heat setting without steam.

Can You Laminate With Cling Wrap?

No, you cannot use cling wrap to laminate. It is very thin, bendy, and would completely melt and ruin your lamination project.

What Can I Use Instead Of Laminating Pouches?

Instead of pouches, you can also use laminating sheets to run through the laminator. Alternatively, you can also use wax paper to laminate without the use of a machine, as well as clear packing tape and self-adhesive sheets.

Should You Cut Before Or After Laminating?

If you are using pouches, never cut them before laminating as they will cause a jam in the laminator. Once the document is laminated, you can use scissors to cut around the pouch. We suggest not opening and closing the scissors while cutting, but rather sliding them through the laminate. Moreover, some laminators come with built-in cutters.

Can You Unlaminate Something?

Yes, it is possible to unlaminate something. For instance, you can use a hairdryer and a cloth or a clothes iron and a cloth to unlaminate. How? Well, you can place the laminated project on a non-flammable surface, put a cloth over it, and then use an iron on top. Do this for half a minute to about 40 seconds. Then, use a razor knife to peel the plastic from the document.

How Much Does It Cost To Laminate 11×17?

If you want to laminate in a print shop, you should know that the cost of it differs from one shop to the other. Also, the price will depend on the thickness you need. For example, some shops offer a service of laminating 11×17 documents in 3-mil thickness for around $1. Moreover, you might have to spend $1.50 for 5-mil of the same size, and around $2 for 10-mil thickness.