Pouch laminating machines use a laminating pouch that is composed of two plastic sheets (PET-Polyester) sealed (hinged) on one side. On the inside of the laminate pouch is a coating of heat activated adhesive. Your document is then interested into the pouch and into the machine. Some laminators require you to first put the pouch into a file folder like item known as a "carrier" prior to inserting it into the laminator. Pouch laminators are available in different widths from ID card size to full 11" x 17" sheet size. Heat mechanisms vary from heat plates to heated roller types. Heated roller laminators provide heat and pressure at the same time and are referred to as "photo laminators"