By Olivia Cahoon
Part 2 of 2
Lamination acts as insurance for graphics. It provides protection from scratches to UV rays and is used in many applications including fine art, banners, indoor and outdoor signage, museums, photographs, retail, and vehicle wraps. Affordability, volume, type, and product size are all helpful considerations for choosing the ideal laminator.
On the Market
Advanced Greig Laminators, Inc. offers the Patriot with a print width of 62 inches and a maximum depth of 33 inches. The laminator features a proprietary nip roll design and includes roll-to-sheet lamination, roll-to-roll lamination, mounting, pre-masking, and one-sided thermal laminating. It is equipped with a fully pneumatic tension control system, six e-stop function switches, and a ten-inch diameter unwind and rewind capacity. The Patriot reaches speeds up to 30 feet per minute (fpm).
Dataplot GmbH offers the Emblem EasyLam-160C cold film laminator. Released in 2017, the EasyLam-160C handles material as thick as 44 millimeters and reaches speeds up to 3.5 meters per minute. The laminator features a practice-oriented material guide, automatic pressure by film or foam, automatic closing, and an adjustable feed table. Bernd Rüter, marketing and product management, Dataplot GmbH, says the EasyLam-160C axles feature a simple clutch and self-snatching coreholders. Each spindle is adjustable by brake or clutch.
D&K Group features the Minikote Pro, released in September 2016. It is a hot film laminator that features one-inch core film capabilities. “This desktop system is capable of laminating products up 27 inches wide and up to 1/4 inches thick,” shares Brian Biegel, marketing communications specialist, D&K Group. The unit is priced at $2,195.
Drytac’s JetMounter JM55 Force is a cold film laminator with a maximum width of 55 inches. “It’s a heavy-duty, yet cost effective, entry-level laminator designed for users who require durability and functionality for the long term,” says Darren J. Speizer, VP, sales and marketing, Drytac. The unit mounts, laminates, and decals pressure-sensitive materials. The JetMounter JM55 Force reaches up to 20 fpm and is priced at $7,395.
Eastsign International Ltd.’s BU-1600E.COLD is part of the advanced level cold laminator series released in 2015. The unit offers a maximum work width of 63 inches and laminates at 20 fpm. The laminator is used with a range of self-adhesive materials and is user-friendly despite the level of operator experience. Its nip opening is controlled by a hand crank and heat assist is available. It is intended for small- and medium-sized print shops. The BU-1600E.COLD is an upgraded version of Eastsign International’s Cold Laminators II Series.
Graphic Finishing Partners, LLC offers the 800DH Series of professional dual heat laminators in 47 and 65 inches. The units laminate, mount, and encapsulate with two front rewind shafts. Both laminators feature independent top and bottom heaters, a web clutch adjustment for output quality, and an optional motorized rear rewind. The 800DH Series is intended for applications like dry-erase boards, floor graphics, graphic mounting, point of purchase displays, and trade show, vehicle, and window graphics.
Marabu North America LP offers the StarLam 1600R liquid laminator. The 64-inch devices is equipped for one person operation and doesn’t require constant attention. It costs on average from 12 to 20 centers a square foot to coat material when using Marabu’s ClearShield water-based liquid coatings. The cost of the StarLam 1600R is $10,995.
The Rollover AS Rollover Flexi flatbed application is the newest addition to Rollover’s portfolio. Released in 2015, the Flexi offers fast dismantling for access to difficult buildings. The unit is 3.36×1.55 meters and handles 5×10-inch boards. No overhead gantry above the roller improves access to media and substrates.
The Rollsroller AB Rollsroller Flatbed Applicator is a cold laminator with mounting capabilities. One operator can mount large format print and self-adhesive film to substrates like acrylic, banners, corrugated plastic, glass, metal plates, and rigid boards. Pressure-sensitive lamination film is offered by roll or sheet for minimal waste. A heat assist roller is available. Its pre-masking feature enables users to apply transfer tape to cut vinyl graphics from its built-in tape roll holder.
Royal Sovereign International, Inc.’s Paramount 65X cold roll laminator with heat assist is a film laminator. Released in Fall 2017, Paramount 65X handles media up to 65 inches and reaches speeds up to 20 fpm. The laminator features rigid media adjustment guides, SureSet tension controls, release liner take-up, and mounting up to 1.2 inches. It is used for heavy-duty commercial construction.
GBC released the Spire III 44T/64T thermal film laminator in 2013. The unit is available in 44 and 64 inches. It features lamination speeds of 20 fpm, a two-inch mounting grip, easy-load auto grip shafts, all steel construction, and optional rewind for roll-to-roll applications. The 44-inch model is priced at $9,916 and the 64-inch is $11,196.
Supply55, Inc.’s 65-inch Guardian is offered as cold and heat-assist laminators. Released in 2011, Guardian film laminators include crowned silicone rollers and a removable feed table. Michael Pender, president, Supply55, says the Guardian is easy to use and features all steel construction. “It’s a 65-inch unit for the price of a 55-inch unit,” he adds. Guardian laminators have a variable speed up to 23 fpm. The cold laminator is $4,995 and the heat assist is $5,995.
Wide Format Laminators
Today’s laminators preserve and protect prints for all types of uses. Whether a hot, cold, film, or liquid laminator, a great selection of devices are available.
Click here to read part one of this exclusive online series, Preserving Big Print
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Aug2017, Digital Output
DOLM1708
