By Lindsey Roman
Part 2 of 2
Consider several factors when deciding on a laminator. These include such areas as affordability, whether a business produces at a high or low volume, type and size of products printed, what the skill level may be of those who will operate the laminator, and footprint help determine which size laminator makes sense. Besides these variables, it is important to consider the unique features found on each laminator to ease in operation, assist with specific needs, and work efficiently. The following companies offer a variety of models.
Advanced Greig Laminators, Inc. (AGL) produces the AGL 64i, a laminator that runs both hot and cold with a width of 64 inches. The standout feature on AGL’s laminators is the pneumatically adjusted, non-crowned roller design. Non-crowned rollers safeguard a print from imperfections such as bubbles and creases by using even, end-to-end pressure across the roller. The AGL 64i is $35,400.
Artgrafix features the new Smooth Mount Laminator, available in 27-, 40-, and 50-inch widths. It can run both hot and cold and is used for board mounting and laminating pouch boards. MountCor heat activated boards allow the machine to mount at a speed of six feet per minute (fpm). This laminator also offers a rear extension table to catch prints when mounting is complete. MSRPs are $1,999, $2,499, and $3,799 for the 27-, 50-, and 50-inch models, respectively.
Brdr.Hansen AS offers the Rollover laminator, featuring an inward facing and protected activation switch, ergonomic handles for roller operation, rounded housings with no sharp edges, unobstructed access to the roller, side trays for large formats on both sides, and a self-healing cutting mat. Optional features of the Rollover include legs with electronically adjustable height and twin rollers from 86 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Coda Inc. has multiple options for a business’ laminating needs. Cold Mount tabletop presses are available for wide format laminating in widths ranging from 26 to 54 inches. These tabletop presses are either motorized or hand operated and manufactured for pressure-sensitive mounting and laminating. Prices vary depending on size and model; for example, a 26-inch hand operated press is priced at $1,250 and a 54-inch motorized model is priced at $4,395.
Coda’s Cold Mount System provides users with the best of both worlds, combining features of their tabletop laminator with a newly designed roll feed featuring automatic scrap rewind and a floor stand. It also features locking casters and storage space for roll materials. The Cold Mount System is available in widths of 26, 34, 44, and 54 inches. Prices range from $5,215 for a 34-inch model to $6,895 for a 54-inch. Coda also offers the CodaMount Laminator, available as pressure sensitive, heat assist, or thermal with width options of 26, 34, 44, 54, or 64 inches. Prices range from $4,975 for a 26-inch laminator to $9,050 for a 64-inch model. A few key features of the CodaMount Laminator include single side gap adjustment and nip rollers that open to a full two inches, operator-adjustable tension control, and self-locking core supply and take-up mandrels.
D&K Group, Inc.’s latest model is the Expression (EXP) 55+ wide format laminator, with a top roller that heats up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, optional inline slitter for side trimming during lamination, and rollers with variable pressures. The EXP 55+ laminator has the ability to work with low-melt, thermal, and pressure-sensitive films. An optional media rewind rolls up the finished product in the back for optimal efficiency. The working width of the laminator is 54 inches.
Daige, Inc. offers the Solo Cold Laminator, a cost-effective laminator that includes all the desired features such as automatic pressure control, silicone covered top and bottom nip rollers, automatic take up shaft for liner paper, print holder in front for long prints, rugged steel and aluminum casing, and the ability to accommodate boards up to a half-inch thick. Solo Cold Laminators come in four sizes; 25, 38, 55, and 65 inches, with MSRPs of $1,295, $1,695, $2,195, and $2,700, respectively.
Dataplot GmbH has three laminators; the Emblem Easylam Expert 140C with a width of 55 inches, Emblem Easylam Expert 160C with a width of 63 inches, and Emblem Easylam Expert 160W, also a width of 63 inches. The Emblem Easylam Expert 140C and 160C are both cold laminators and the Emblem Easylam Expert 160W is a cold laminator with warm upper roll that runs from 104 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit. All models are completely mounted and quick to install and include intuitive keyboards, self-locking material axels that are easy to put on and take off, and adjustable feeding tables to ensure optimal feeding of the material into the rolls.
Drytac offers the JetMounter JM55 Force, a 55-inch cold laminator priced at $7,395. This heavy-duty, user-friendly laminator can be easily operated by all skill levels. Controls located on the right side of the machine provide ease of use, and it features an interchangeable 110 or 220 volt electrical configuration. The JM55 Force can process up to 20 fpm, putting the operator in greater control over the laminating process.
Eastsign International’s BU-1600E.WARM features cold lamination with heat assist capabilities. At 64 inches, this laminator is priced at $4,348, offers full roll-to-roll application, and adheres to UL standards.
Emseal Pty Ltd. has many models for varying lamination needs. The Compact thermal laminator works best for smaller volume use and like its names implies, is a great option for those dealing with space restrictions. Heat up times are low at only five to ten minutes. Models are available at widths of 32 and 40 inches and can laminate at speeds up to 18 fpm.
Emseal’s Centaur hot roller laminator provides its latest breakthrough in lamination, combining features of both hot shoe and hot roller technology in one. A hot roller at the top of the machine allows for a scratch-free finish with the hot shoe at the bottom working to regulate temperature and allow for higher continuous feed. The Centaur hot roller laminator is also used for pressure-sensitive lamination. Models are available in widths of 31 and 40 inches.
Ezy Taper’s self-titled laminators are offered in two widths of 25 and 60 inches for jobs in a range of sizes. They are available in three different models; Standard, Standard/Deluxe, and Platinum Package. Alignment is simple as the Ezy Taper features a self-adjusting system allowing for material up to 1.18 inches to be processed. With rollers nearly four inches in diameter and made with a special compound, this laminator applies films over multiple surfaces such as rivets, crevices, corrugation, steel, glass, and banner.
GBC/ACCO Brands offers two laminator models, the GBC Spire III 64T and the SEAL 62 Base. Priced at $11,196, the GBC Spire III 64T is a thermal laminator with a 64-inch working width. There is also a 440-inch model available. It features a two-inch mounting gap, speeds of 20 fpm, and an intuitive LCD control panel. The Seal 62 Base has a width of 61 inches and is a cold laminator with top-heat assist, priced at $12,148. It includes a two-inch nip, auto-grip shafts, and swing-up feed table. Roll-to-roll laminating and encapsulation capabilities are optional.
Graphic Finishing Partners, LLC (Gfp) offers a variety of models. The Gfp 563TH-2 and Gfp 363TH are both 63-inch cold laminators with heat assist. The Gfp 363TH is priced at $6,995 and provides an integrated rear rewind for roll-to-roll applications, along with a new Metal Alloy heater and Quick-Grip shafts.
The Gfp 563TH-2 is priced at $8,595. Like the Gfp 363TH, it features a new metal alloy heater along with optional rear rewind capabilities beneficial for roll-to-roll applications, and Quick-Grip shafts for ease when loading and unloading. However, the Gfp 563TH-2 also has swing-out supply shafts for easy access to the supply rolls.
The Gfp 800 Series comes in a 47- or 65-inch duel heat model. The 47-inch version is priced at $14,795 and the 65-inch laminator is priced at $16,795. The Gfp 800 Series is a versatile machine that offers the features of the other models but can run thermal films for encapsulation or PSA cold films for lamination or mounting applications.
Marabu North America supplies the StarLam 1600R roll to roll liquid laminator. It has a maximum coating width of 64 inches and applies a smooth consistent coating of Marabu’s water-based ClearShield liquid laminate. ClearShield can be used over solvent-based output and pigmented ink systems printed on water resistant substrates. The StarLam 1600R is ideal for a variety of businesses, from storefront or high-production print shops. It provides single operator use and cleanup that takes less than ten minutes.
Professional Laminating Systems, Inc. offers the 38-inch PL-238wf and 44-inch PL-244wf for wide format laminating needs. Both models have the ability to run all thermal laminating films through ten millimeters. The PL-238wf mounts a range of substrates up to ¼-inch thickness, and the PL-244wf can mount up to 3/16 inches.
Quality Media and Laminating Solutions offers the Kala Mistral 1650 laminator. This high-speed cold laminator comes with upper heated roller and integrated roll-to-roll assembly. It is available in widths of 65 and 83 inches and makes quick work of laminating with speeds up to 21 fpm and a maximum mounting thickness of two inches. The top roller can heat up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
For Rollsroller, the Rollsroller Premium Flatbed Applicator is a bestselling heat-assist lamination model made for high-volume industrial production. With a maximum width of 86 inches, this laminator can tackle the toughest laminating jobs with ease. Features include a worktable with cutting mat, light table, the ability to mount to oversized banners, height adjustable table, and profile bed for traffic signs.
Royal Sovereign International, Inc. offers the multi-faceted RSC-6500H, used for cold or hot lamination as well as cold lamination with heat assist. The RSC-6500H features a width of 65 inches and priced at $15,000. This laminator can take on the big jobs with ease through its industrial strength, heavy duty rollers with top roll heat assist that allow for speeds up to 28 fpm. Front and rear rewinders are ideal for roll-to-roll lamination, and are also beneficial for some instances of encapsulation with cold film. The RSC-6500H also includes a rear facing remote, two-inch gap for varying pressures, and a heavy-duty foot pedal.
SignEquip sells the Ezy Taper Platinum System at a price of $7,497 and Ezy Taper 1530 Deluxe for $4,497. The Daige Solo Cold Laminator is sold in widths of 25, 38, 55, and 65 inches for $1,877, $2,497, $3,127, and $3,877, respectively. SignEquip also sells the Royal Sovereign RSC-1400C 55-inch cold laminator with nine digital speed control settings, silicone rubber rollers, the ability to mount up to 5/8 inches, and multi-copy laminating. It is available for $5,997.
Supply55, Inc. offers the Guardian Laminator models featuring all steel construction, user-friendly operation, and a two year warranty. The Guardian Laminator comes in both cold and cold with heat-assist lamination models. The cold model is priced at $5,495 and the model with heat assist is priced at $6,495. There are two options for width, 65- or 82-inch laminators.
USI, Inc. offers the ARL 4000, a 40-inch heat shoe laminator priced at $2,245 that comes with a two year warranty, lifetime tech support, and an optional stand. The ARL 4000 features a one-inch mandrel and can run films up to ten millimeters thick. An intuitive machine that is easy to set up and begin using, it includes a key lock, digital LED temperature display, adjustable speed and temperature, and a reverse switch.
Ustech Inc. distributes cold, cold with heat assist, and hot/cold laminators. Its newer cold laminator models are the Ustech WORF VT-9600 Series, available in 55- and 65-inch widths, and the Ustech WORF VT-9800 Series, also available in 55- and 65-inch widths. Both series feature a rear winder shaft and automatic motor-driven liner take-up shaft, with the Ustech WORF VT-9800 Series also including a motor control pressure system. The Ustech WORF VT-9600 Series is priced at $3,250 and the Ustech WORF VT-9800 goes for $3,750.
The Ustech WORF TX Series is a cold laminator with heat assist, available in 55- or 65-inch models. This series also provides a motor control pressure system with a top roller heating up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. It is priced at $5,499. On the hot/cold laminator end, Ustech offers the Ustech Pro S Series, priced at $5,699 and Pro D Series, priced at $9,995, all available in 44-, 55-, and 65-inch width models. The Pro S Series features a single heated top roller that reaches temperatures of 248 degrees Fahrenheit. The Pro D Series features dual rollers that can heat up to 248 degrees Fahrenheit.
Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd.’s Easymount Air 1600 Single Hot laminator uses pneumatic air pressure to control the rollers, allowing the operator to mount and laminate accurately and quickly. With a multilingual control panel, variable speed control, foot pedal, reverse mode, and speeds up to 33 fpm, this laminator has a maximum width of 63 inches.
Xyron offers the XM2500, a cold pressure-sensitive laminator that works with documents up to 25 inches in width. With strong transfer and bond quality due to aggressive adhesive and high-pressure rollers, this laminator is easy to use and is environmentally safe with a removable, replaceable cutter.
Wide Format Laminators
Whatever the needs and desires are in a laminator of choice, many options are available to satisfy them. With a variety of special features in each model, the laminators of today preserve and beautify prints and provide ease and efficiency.
Click on the link above to get more information on the vendors mentioned in this article.
Aug2016, Digital Output DOLAM1608
