Protect Your Prints
From posters to POP displays, from fine art to menus, there are a whole host of printed materials ripe for lamination these days.
By Gretchen Peck
Ranging from desktop to extra-wide-format models, laminators come in all shapes and sizes. Here's a guide to some of the new and notable solutions on the market.
Banner American Products (www.banam.com) touts its ENTRY 4500 Laminating/Mounting machine as an ideal entry-level laminator for organizations producing large-format print. It's can laminate output from 36˝, 42˝ and 44˝ ink-jet printers. The ENTRY 4500 applies both top and bottom heat (courtesy of the 4,600-watt heater), operates at variable speeds (up to five feet per minute) and favors safety, with a clear polycarbonate safety shield and emergency stops on both sides of the device.
Coda Finishing Products (www.codamount.com) offers the 64˝-wide Coda-Pro Production Laminator, available in three models. Depending on which you choose, the laminators offer heat-activated, heat-assist and/or pressure-sensitive applications. Standard features include: swing-out supply roll shafts, swing-up feed trays, pressure indicators, and the ability to accept material up to 1.5˝ thick. These laminators can produce at a maximum speed of 15 feet per minute. The Coda-Pro Production Laminator is also available in 44˝ models.
D&K Group (www.dkgroup.com) has a new System 2760 laminating system designed for on-demand, short-run jobs. It comprises an automatic feeder, a one-sided laminator and an automatic sheet separator. This laminator accommodates sheets of between 8.4x11˝ and 27x30˝, from 80-lb. offset stocks to 18-pt. boards. Quick-changeover embossing rollers are available as an option.
GBC Films Group (www.gbcconnect.com) calls its Catena 25AA laminator a "3-in-1 Finisher," suited for entry-level sign producers that need to finish and mount prints of up to 25˝ wide. It's designed to be compatible with three of GBC's single-step finishing processes, including the application of AccuShield, a patented, liquid-coating alternative for banners and signage; SecurFilm, an ink-jet media and protective laminating film "all in one"; and Pouch boards, a one-pass mounting and laminating method that comprises mounting board with an attached over-laminate film.
LEDCO (www.ledcoinc.com) says it blended the best features of the popular Econocraft pressure-sensitive roll-applicator with the XL44 pouch mounter/laminator to produce the "heavy-duty" Signmaster 44˝ Commercial Laminator. This device accommodates a range of substrates, including papers, vinyls and other materials of up to .5˝ thick, using film of up to 10 mils thick. It operates at variable speeds (one to 25 feet per minute) and features variable-speed presets, a release liner take-up and a reverse drive switch.
Seal Graphics Americas (www.sealbrands.com) offers the SEAL Ultra Series of laminators, comprising the 44 Ultra, 62 Ultra S and 62 Ultra C—the first two of which offer five-feet-per-minute output; the latter outputs up to 10 feet per minute. The SEAL Ultra series devices include a touch-pad control panel, adjustable speed dial for operator control, and auto-grip shafts for loading of material and removal of release liners. The 44 and 62 Ultra C models also feature three temperature settings: 125°F, 195°F and 250°F.
Southwest Plastic Binding (www.swplastic.com) says its ProSeal 25˝ and 44˝ laminators are well-suited for print producers requiring a desktop laminator for the production of everything from signage to courtroom graphics, from presentations to photographs. These laminators are based on a heated roller design and feature a reverse mode, automatic temperature shut-off and digitally controlled heat with "Cold Option."
Spiral Binding Co. (www.spiralbinding.com) recently introduced the Digital 44 Roll Laminator, with a top speed of 30 feet per minute and variable temperature controls. This laminator has a 5,500-watt heater, a 31⁄8˝ laminating pull roller diameter and a 3˝ supply roll core size. It accommodates a maximum sheet size of up to 44˝ wide and has a standard release liner takeup, which enables applications of pressure-sensitive laminates or mounting adhesives that require the removal of a protective liner.
