The One-Two Punch

Yet, though the off-line laminator seems to be the winner, it has its weaknesses, too. The largest disadvantage, according to Moreland, is that off-line laminators become one more step in the printing process, and this requires additional labor and manpower.

Another negative side to off-line laminators "is that printed stock may go unprocessed for an extended period of time, opening the door for problems such as transfer or blocking, and possibly stock that has become dry and brittle," said Metolik. "It is in these circumstances that the off-line process will cost more in waste, particularly if the job must be repeated."