Laminator operate by utilizing a combination of heat, pressure, and an internal roller mechanism to apply a thin plastic coating to paper documents or other materials. In a typical process, each page or item is individually placed into the laminating machine and enclosed within plastic sheets or laminating pouches.

In the case of modern pouch laminators, the plastic covering around the document comes pre-coated with a specialized adhesive on its inner surfaces. When exposed to heat and pressure from the machine's rollers, this adhesive is activated and securely binds the front and back sides of the pouch, creating a protective cover that seals along all four edges.

Advanced laminating machines often offer customizable settings for temperature and feed-through speeds. These settings can enhance efficiency and effectiveness, particularly when working with heavier pouches or larger items. Some machines even incorporate sensors that automatically detect misfeeds and reverse the document to realign it.