By Cassandra Balentine
Part 2 of 2
Floor graphics are an attractive option for print service providers. However, it is important the right overlaminates are used to add protection, durability, and safety. Wide format laminators are used to apply these overlaminates.
Here, we highlight wide format laminators used to apply overlaminates to floor graphics before they are installed.
Advanced Greig Laminators, Inc. (AGL)
AGL offers a variety of wide format laminators for the graphic arts. Its Patriot laminator is designed to specifically address the issues associated with finishing UV-, latex-, and solvent-based printing technologies. With AGL’s heating system and proprietary nip roll design, this laminator solves problems associated with poor laminate adhesion and silvering. Processes include roll-to-sheet lamination, roll-to-roll lamination, mounting, pre-masking, and one-sided thermal laminating. The Patriot is also equipped with fully pneumatic tension control system for process repeatability and cantilevered material supply stations for easy loading of materials. The laminator’s swing up infeed table and pneumatically controlled pull roll assembly are designed to make webbing easy. With heavy-duty construction and throughput speeds of up to 30 feet per minute, the Patriot is a high-production laminator. Optional inline rear rotary trimmer assemblies and inflatable material supply shafts are also available to increase productivity.
AGL offers Cover-Rite V4.75T overlaminate, which is available in sizes up to 54 inches wide. The product is Underwrite Laboratories (UL) approved for slip resistance, durability, and flexibility, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. The subtle texture enhances images and doesn’t distort them.
D&K Group, Inc.
D&K offers its Expression (EXP) wide format laminator series, which mounts and laminates images up to to 65 inches wide. The widest machine is a heavy-duty thermal and pressure-sensitive laminator designed for high volume or other demanding production environments. The EXP 65 features heavy-duty rollers and internal drive mechanisms for mounting onto large or heavy substrates up to two inches thick. The machine also features a media rewind on the back that efficiently winds up laminated graphics onto a three-inch core. A digital display allows for easy setup and adjustments, while integrated safety features such as an electronic eye and emergency shutoff switches help protect users during operation.
Graphic Finishing Partners, LLC (Gfp)
Any Gfp laminator is capable of producing floor graphics. The machines are rugged, heavy duty, and built to satisfy the demands of the production environment, but designed to be simple enough for entry level users.
The Gfp 200 Series is a cold-only line available in widths of 55 and 63 inches. The Gfp 300 Series offers top heat assist in 55- and 63-inch widths with integrated roll-to-roll capabilities.
The Gfp 563TH is a top heat assist device available in 63-inch widths with roll-to-roll capabilities and swing out supply shafts.
Quality Media and Laminating Solutions (QMLS)
QMLS offers the Quality 64 TLX Top Heat Laminator. The top-heated roller laminator is suited for pressure-sensitive, heat set, and single-sided thermal overlaminates and adhesives. It handles laminate material up to 62 inches wide. It includes a photoelectric nip protection circuit along with e-stop circuits for safety. No compressor is required. The Quality 64 TLX features removable front and rear tables as well as automatic and foot pedal running mode.
Royal Sovereign
Among its wide format laminators, Royal Sovereign offers its RSC-5500H and RSC-6500H professional roll laminators in 55 and 65 inches wide, respectively. The heavy-duty, high-volume production units are capable of reaching speeds of up to 28 feet per minute. A commercial grade heat assist top roller and included front feeder and dual rewinders allow users to tackle more jobs in less time.
SEAL/ACCO Brands
Thermal Floor Guard is available in 38 or 51 inches by 200 feet long. It is priced at approximately $0.98 per square foot. Print Shield Floor Guard is available in 38, 51, and 54 inches wide by 200 feet long and priced at approximately $1.08 square feet.
Both products feature an ultra-aggressive adhesive, UL approval for safety, and scuff resistance to withstand wear and tear. The Floor Guard line is ideally suited for interior floor graphics while the print shield line is great for adhering to hard-to-stick media such as polyester-based white films.
USI
USI features an extensive product line of thermal heat shoe and cold laminators in widths up to 63 inches wide. It offers a full range of quality roll laminating machines to meet virtually every need. When purchasing a roll laminator, USI recommends users consider several factors, including the thickness of the films that you expect to use, the maximum width of the items you plan to laminate, whether you expect to mount laminates to rigid substrates such as pouch boards or self-adhesive foam boards, as well as the features you seek in a laminator such as precise temperature control, variable speed, a wrap around prevention bar, electric reverse, and a motor key lock.
Lamination Matters
Floor graphics benefit from overlaminates. A variety of wide format lamination systems are available to apply overlaminates to printed floor graphics.
Click here to read part one of this exclusive online series, Functional Floors.
Aug2019, Digital Output
