ABC Office Educator User manual

Educator
Laminator
Operation Manual
June 1999
Read all precautions & instructions carefully before
operating laminator
Setup
Instruction
Operation
Lamination
Maintenance

IMPORTANT: Don’t laminate one-of-a-kind documents unless you are sure of your
laminating skills and can afford to damage or ruin the document.
Don’t laminate valuable items such as stamps, baseball cards, autographs or other
collectables because the value of such items can be destroyed by lamination. Collectors
generally value these kinds of items only in their original state.
Remember that you cannot laminate thermal paper, such as typical fax paper, because it
is activated by heat and will turn black. Also, remove paper clips and staples because
they can damage the rubber rollers. Be careful about laminating anything that will be
affected by heat. For example, the colors in crayon drawings may run together or be
smeared, especially if the crayon layer is heavy. Light crayon drawings may not be
affected, but test an expendable sample of any item that may not laminate well.

Table of Contents
1-1Introduction
1-2 Features and benefits
1-3 Options
1-4 Characteristics
1-5 Principles of operation
1-6 Laminating film
1-7 Warranty
2-1 Unpacking and Inventory
3-1 Product Illustrations & Names of Parts
4-1 Safety Precautions
5-1 Setup & Operation
5-2 Threading the laminator
5-3 Threading diagram
5-4 Laminating
5-5 Recommended temperature settings
5-6 Preventing and solving problems
6-1 Instructions for Options
6-2 Footage counter
6-3 Slitters
7-1 Maintenance
7-2 Cleaning the heat shoes
7-3 Cleaning the rubber rollers
7-4 Lubrication

1-1Introduction
This laminator is designed to provide quality lamination of a wide range of papers and
materials up to 1/8” thick using film up to 5 mil thick. Common applications include but
are not limited to maps, digital imaging, packaging, posters, instructional aids, signs,
presentation materials, photographs, copies (B&W or color), prints, flyers, promotional
sheets and many other items. Options include footage counter, and a roll feed.
To assure the best performance from your new laminator, please follow the safety,
installation, operation, and maintenance instructions in this manual. Read the manual
before using the laminator, keep the manual with the machine, and periodically review
the instructions. The manual also contains warranty and parts information.
The international “HOT” warning symbol will be placed on the appropriate
areas of each laminator.
We take this opportunity to thank you for selecting the laminator and to assure you of our
commitment to your satisfaction with our products.
As you unpack your new laminator, please complete the following information. Always
have this information ready when calling.
Dealer where purchased____________________________________________________
Installation Date___________ Serial #___________________ (back of the laminator)
•WARNING: High temperatures are present and care should be exercised in
operating the laminator. The laminator should not be operated without the
plexiglass safety shield.
Ledco, Inc
4265 North Main Street
Hemlock, NY 14466
Web: ledcoinc.com
Fax: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

1-2Features & Benefits
Your new laminator has several standard features that set it apart from other models.
•The clear safety shield keeps fingers away from the head shoes and laminating rollers
while allowing you to see your work.
•The easily accessible heat control permits the use of many different types of thermal
laminating film from 1.5 to 5 mil thick.
•Ease of cleaning. The silicone rubber rollers and the Teflon-coated heat shoes of the
laminator should be cleaned regularly
•Tension control knobs are built into both supply roll mandrels so that wrinkles and
curling in the film can be elimated.
•Ease of maintenance. The Educator is made to last, however, some items on a
laminator do wear out. Even the high-quality silicone rubber used in the rollers will
lose flexibility over time. Extensive use may wear out the rollers on an operator may
cut a roller by accident. Rollers and other key parts can be changed quickly without
disassembling the frame.
•Reverse can be invaluable at times to help avoid problems or clear misfeeds.
•Silicone rubber laminating rollers are flexible enough to provide good edge seal and
firm enough to offer a good surface seal. A high silicone content insures a much
longer average roller life. They can accommodate poster board or other materials up
to 1/8” thick.
•Very strong steel cores prevent roller flexing and insure uniform pressure across the
width of the laminate, giving you the best quality lamination available in medium-
duty commercial machine.
•Zippy safety cutter is shipped with the laminator to allow quick and easy cutting and
trimming of the lamination web.
•Removable power cord prevents unauthorized usage without locking away the whole
machine.
•100% made in the U.S.A.

1-3 Options
There are several options available to make the Educator more versatile.
•Footage counter. This device can be reset to measure film usage in feet. Also
available in a metric version. The footage counter and slitters will not fit on the
machine together.
•Slitters can automatically cut away side scrap which can greatly reduce the amount of
time needed to trim your work. Most Educator-class laminators do not have slitters
available. The slitter knives can be completely retracted into their holders when not
in use.
•Right side feed guide to go with the standard left side guide and feed on sheet at a
time with greater accuracy or feed two sheets at a time in alignment with each other.
•The dust cover will help keep the machine clean while not in use.
1-4 Specifications
Laminating Width: up to 25”
Speed: 5 FPM
Maximum Film Roll Diameter: 6”
Maximum Film Gauge: 5 Mil
Maximum laminating thickness: 1/8”
Dimensions: 37 L x 11 H x 16 W
Shipping Dimensions: 37 L x 17 H x 18 W
Weight/Shipping Weight: 76/84 lb.
Electrical: 110 V (220 optional)
1560 watts
15 amps
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

1-5 Principles of Operation
The laminator operates by pulling film with a thermally activated adhesive over a heat
source and into a set of laminating rollers. Film from a supply roll passes over heat shoes
to activate a polyethylene adhesive layer on the film. It then passes through rubber
rollers to apply pressure and bond the film to the item being laminated. The film’s
adhesive is pressed into the ink and fibers on the surface of the paper.
The strength of the lamination bond can be checked by cutting a large “X” on the surface
of a laminated sample with a sharp blade. Use the tip of the blade to pry up one corner of
the “X”. Grab that corner and pull up the film. Ink and/or paper fibers coming up with
the layer of film indicates a good adhesive bond.
If the film comes up too easily, with no ink or paper, the lamination was probably done at
too low a temperature. Check the instructions that may have come with your laminating
film and/or the lamination chart in section 5-5.
Please note that when doing X-test on glossy (coated) paper, a good X-test will pull up
ink only. The film should not come up easily. When laminating material that is not
glossy (uncoated), the paper is often more fibrous and a good X-test will yield ink and
paper fibers coming up with the film.
1-6Laminating Film
Most thermal laminating film consists of two layers: a base of polyester and an adhesive
layer of polyethylene. The polyester layer forms the harder outer surface of the film and
does not melt at laminating temperature. It provides rigidity and protection for your
laminated items. The greater the polyester content, the higher the level of protection,
rigidity and luster. The polyethylene layer melts at laminating temperature and bonds the
film onto the subject material under the pressure of the laminating rollers. As an X-test
demonstrates, the adhesive is pressed into the paper and fills irregularities in the surface.
The proportion of polyester and polyethylene in a film is usually described with numbers.
For example a “1-2” film consists of one mil of polyester and two mils of polyethylene.
The first number refers to the base layer. The second number refers to the adhesive layer.
A mil is 1/1000 of an inch.
Since polyester is the more costly of the two types of plastic generally used in laminating
film, a “3-2” film will cost more than a “2-3” film. Both are 5–mil films but the “3-2”
version will seem a little thicker on a piece of laminated material because it will be
slightly stiffer. Thermal laminating films are available in many different base/adhesive
combinations. Five-mil film, for example 1-4, 2-3, 3-2, and 4-1 combinations.
In the US laminating trade, the generally accepted practice is to describe two-sided
lamination, or encapsulation, by the thickness of one layer of film. For example, “3-mil

lamination” should refer to lamination with two layers of 3-mil film. If you are buying or
selling lamination film or lamination service, please make sure both parties understand
the film descriptions being used.
There is a huge variety of thermal laminating films available to suit many different kinds
of application. Here are some of the more commonly used “special” film types or film
additives:
•Film with low-melt adhesives, also known as co-polymer films; these often have
better clarity and are less likely to curl or ripple.
•Matte films to eliminate glare or to accept printing or accept printing or writing; many
suppliers offer films with glossy and matte (non-glare) finishes.
Rolls of film may be purchased in different widths. The size of the laminator is the only
limitation to the width of the film rolls you can use. The Educator can use 4, 12, 18, or
25 inch rolls. Make sure the upper and lower roll widths are the same, and are aligned
with each other.
Rolls are also produced with different lengths of film on a roll (250’, 500’, 1000’). The
Educator will easily accommodate film rolls up to 6” diameter.
When installing film, always center the rolls if film on the supply roll mandrels so the
core grippers engage the cardboard core. Look for the score marks around the supply rill
mandrels to aid in aligning the top and bottom rolls.
We recommend 3-mil film for the most common applications, including posters, signs or
instructional aids. The 3-mil film provides better protection, more rigidity, and a more
lustrous appearance than 1.5-mil film. Five mil film is suggested for those applications
that need the most protection and rigidity.
Lamination with 1.5-mil film can sometimes present problems because the film is so thin
it loses heat easily. It sounds backwards, but 1.5-mil film has to be run at a higher
temperature than a 3-mil film with the same adhesive. The higher temperature
compensates for the faster rate of heat loss during lamination. A standard 3-mil film is
applied at 280°F, while a standard 1.5-mil film must be applied at 310°F. Even when
applied at 310°F, a 1.5-mil film is still more likely to delaminate later.
If the item being laminated is fairly thick, it will pull heat from the film. This will lower
the temperature of the 1.5-mil film and prevent it from sticking properly. When
laminating thick items with standard 1.5-mil film, it may be necessary to raise the
temperature to 330°F or 340°F. Do not use any higher temperature for any film than is
needed to get an acceptable degree of adhesion, as measured by an X-test. Remember
there are low-temperature films that should run at much lower temperatures than those
cited in this example. (see the chart on film operating temperatures.)
Rolls of film are sometimes spliced. Most film suppliers will mark a splice with colored
tape. This way, you can see the splice as a “dash” of color on either end of the roll. If

you spot a spliced roll in advance, you can put it on the top supply roll mandrel in order
to see the splice coming more easily avoid putting material under the splice. Or you
could put it on the bottom roll if you plan to be laminating items that will never be seen
from the back side.
1-7Warranty
This laminator is guaranteed against defects in material and workmanship for a period of
two years after date of shipment. Defective parts will be replaced without cost within the
warranty period, provided the laminator has not been abused, altered or operated contrary
to instructions. Ledco, Inc. Shall not be liable for any alterations or repairs except those
made with its written consent.
This obligation under warranty shall not extend to the following:
•The adjustment or replacement of parts which are the normal responsibility of the
owner. For example, rubber rollers, heat shoe coatings, scratched or chipped paint,
loose fasteners (screws, nuts, etc.), or other items that show wear under normal use;
i.e. “normal wear parts”.
•Normal operating adjustments to heat, speed, tension, etc.
•Parts that are not manufactured by Ledco, Inc. If the individual manufacture warrants
these items, their warranty is, in turn, passed on to the original purchaser of the
laminator. Ledco, Inc. does not incur any obligation or liability as a result of the
warranties that are the sole responsibility of the appropriate individual manufacturer.
Any laminator that provides defective during the warranty period may be returned to
Ledco, Inc. unless it is decided that the necessary repairs can be made during a service
call. Notice of the defect should be submitted in writing or by phone to Ledco before any
steps are taken to repair or return the machine. Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
If the machine is returned, the following should accompany it.
•Customer name, address and phone number.
•Written particulars regarding the malfunction.
•Date of installation.
•Serial number of machine.
•All returns must have a return authorization number on the outside
of the shipping container. Send all returned equipment freight
PREPAID to: Ledco, Inc., 4265 North Main Street, Hemlock, NY 14466:
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
If your machine needs servicing after the warranty has expired, please contact your
dealer. Ledco, Inc. does offer technical support if your dealer is unable to assist.
This warranty is expressly in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied, including
the warranties of Merchantability and Fitness For Use and of all other obligation or

liabilities of Ledco, Inc. Said company neither assumes nor authorizes any other person
to assume it for any other obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this
laminator except as provided for above.
Further, this warranty will not apply to any machine or part thereof which has been
damaged as a result of an accident or as a result of the abuse, misuse, or neglect of the
machine. The warranty is also void if the laminator has been altered or repaired by any
other than an authorized repair facility or dealer.
2-1 Unpacking and Inventory
Except for the supply roll mandrels and feed tray the laminator is assembled at the
factory. Upon arrival, inspect the unit immediately and thoroughly using the packaging
list that accompanies the shipment. Please follow these steps to correct any problem with
your shipment. Ledco, Inc. cannot accept any responsibility for damage or loss unless
you notify us within ten days of receipt of shipment and follow these procedures:
Breakage or Damage: It is imperative that any shipping damage is reported and a
claim is filed with the delivering carrier immediately upon receipt of damaged
shipment. The procedure for reporting damage depends on the method of shipment.
Please note damage on the bill of landing.
Freight, Express, or Truck Delivery: According to the contract terms and conditions of
the carrier, the responsibility of the shipper ends at the time and place of shipment. The
carrier then assumes full responsibility for the shipment.
1. Notify Ledco IMMEDIATELY.
2. Hold damaged goods with container and packing for inspection by the examining
agent. Ledco will arrange the inspection.
3. DO NOT RETURN ANY GOODS TO LEDCO PRIOR TO
AUTHORIZATIONBY LEDCO.
4. Submit a copy of the inspector’s report to Ledco. Ledco will file the claim with
the carrier. Ledco will replace your machinery if necessary. You will be credited
for the damaged machinery when the claim is processed.
Shortage:
1. Check the packing list notations. The apparent shortage may have been marked
as an intentional short-shipped (back-ordered) item.
2. Reinspect the container and packing material, particularly for smaller items.
3. Make certain that unauthorized personnel prior to complete unpacking did not
remove the item and inventory.
4. Call us and send immediate written notification of the shortage.

Incorrect Shipment:
1. If the material you receive does not correspond with your order, notify Ledco
immediately. Include the order number and item(s).
2. Hold item(s) until return instructions are received.
Returns: DO NOT RETURN DAMAGED OR INCORRECT ITEMS UNTIL YOU
HAVE RECEIVED SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS AND AN AUTHORIZATION
NUMBER FROM LEDCO.
3-1Product Illustrations & Names of Parts
The photos below and on the following pages identify major components and operating
controls. Refer to them as you study the installation, operating and maintenance
procedures described in this manual.

4-1 Safety Precautions:
DANGER
1. High temperatures are present and care should be exercised in operating and
maintaining the laminator. Even after the machine has been turned off it
will remain hot for an extended period of time. Contact with hot surfaces
may cause burns.
2. Always make sure the power cord is not placed under the laminator where it
might get overheated from proximity to the bottom heat shoe.
DANGER
3. The safety shield must remain attached to the machine and in position any
time there is power to the machine. You may tip the safety shield down while
loading the film. Always make sure the rollers are NOT turning when the safety
shield is flipped down.
DANGER
4. Never operate the laminator with neckties, jewelry, or lose clothing. Tie
back long hair. These items can be caught and be pulled in by the laminator
causing serious injury.
5-1 Setup & Operation
With the laminator on an unobstructed, level surface, perform the following checkout
before threading the machine with film.
Warning: Make sure the power cord is clear of the underside of the machine prior
to operation to avoid overheating the cord.
1. Remove all packing straps, rubber bands, tape, and plastic ties from the machine.
Remove the protective paper from the safety shield.
2. Turn the heat/power switch to the Off position. Move the drive switch to the
middle/Off position.
3. Plug the machine into a working outlet of at least 15 amps. Plugging in the
machine does not power on any control unless a switch has been left on.
4. Turn the heat/power switch to the ON position. The heat indicator lamp in the
heat switch will come on. It will stay on until the machine has reached set
temperature.
5. Once the heat is turned on, it will stay on until the switch is manually turned off.
There is no automatic shutoff on this machine, except in the case of a blown fuse.
6. Turn the heat/power switch on the ON position. The heat indicating light will go
on.
7. Turn the drive switch to FORWARD position. The pull rollers and the
laminating rollers should rotate. The fans will operate while the drive motor is
ON.
8. Turn the drive switch to the OFF position.

9. Turn the heat/power switch to the OFF position, unless you are going to proceed
with threading and laminating. Unplug the machine.
5-2Threading the Laminator
1. Remove the supply roll mandrels and the feed tray. The supply roll mandrels are
now ready to accept loading of the film rolls, wound with the polyester (shiny)
side out. When viewed from the front of the machine, the core grippers on both
top and bottom supply roll mandrels should point toward the heat shoes (and
toward each other). The tension control knobs should be positioned on the right.
Notice the knobs are labeled “Top Right” and “Bottom Right”. If you have rolls
of film on which the material is wound in the opposite direction (adhesive or dull
side out) exchange the top and bottom supply roll mandrels so the core gripper
positions are reversed.
2. Slide a roll of film onto the top supply roll mandrel, turning the roll slightly to
slide the gripper inside the core. Make sure the dull side of the film is facing
up and the shiny side is facing the heat shoe during the threading. Scored
marks on the supply roll mandrels provide a guide for proper alignment of the two
rolls of film to each other. NOTE: The pointed metal piece protruding from the
center of the supply roll mandrels grips the cardboard core of the film supply roll
to prevent slippage. When placing a roll of film supply on the mandrel, twist the
film supply roll on the direction away from the point on the gripper, or the gripper
may break or become dislodged from its mounting.

3. With the roll aligned with the scored line on the right side of the mandrel, place it
in the top bracket. Place the left side of the shaft in its slot first, then place the
right side of the shaft in its slot, turning it as needed. FOLLOW THE
RECOMMENDED LOADING PROCEDURES CAREFULLY WHEN
THREADING FILM IN THE LAMINATOR. ACCURATE ALIGNMENT OF
ROLLS WILL MINIMIZE WASTE AND HELP KEEP THE LAMINATOR
CLEAN.
4. While the machine is still cold, review the threading diagram. With the bottom
roll of film centered on the mandrel and the shiny side facing down, run the film
under the bottom idler bar and pull towards you.
5. Refer to the threading diagram. The top roll of film should run under the silver
stabilizer bar and over the front of the top heat shoe. Remember, the shiny side of
the film must always go against the shoe. The dull (adhesive) side must face
away from the shoe. Make sure the two rolls are aligned with each other before
going to the next step.
6. Turn the machine on and heat to the desired temperature.
7. With both rolls threaded and installed in their respective brackets, unwind enough
film from the top roll to reach the bottom of the bottom heat shoe. Next, unwind
enough film from the bottom roll to reach the top of the top heat shoe.

8. Now drape the film from the bottom roll against the top shoe. If the laminator is
hot, the exposed adhesive on the top web will hold the bottom web and make it
easy to stick the two rolls together. If you are threading the machine while it is
cold, use tape to stick the bottom web against the top web.
9. Tip the safety shield down into the laminating position. With the film draped
over the two heat shoes, push one edge of the threading card between the heat
shoes so that the film is firmly positioned against the laminating rollers. If a
threading card is not available, any piece of card stock or poster board will work.
10. Make sure there is still enough slack in the web. Turn the drive switch to
FORWARD, permitting the film and feed board to pass through both sets of
rubber rollers. Carefully monitor initial threading to be sure the web reaches and
passes trough the pull (back) rollers. When the threading card has cleared the
back of the machine, move the drive switch to the center position (off).
Whenever you want to remove the film and/or laminated material from the back
of the machine, use the Zippy cutting toll provided with the laminator.
11. Slide the feed tray into position.
12. If the machine has the slitter option, make sure the slitters are disengaged (blades
in the raised position) and moved all the way to either side of the machine.
13. Film tension adjustments can be made at this time. Refer to section 5-4 for
instruction.

CAUTION: The laminator is designed to be run with the operator directly facing
the control panel and feed tray, not at an angle or from the side of the machine. For
operator safety, the safety shield must be in position over the upper heat shoe when
the machine is ON, or when the drive switch is in the forward position.
5-3 Film Threading Diagram

5-4Laminating
1. Turn the heat/power switch to ON. The heater light will come on. The laminator will
be ready to operate in about 10 minutes. The heat indicating light will turn off when
the machine has reached the correct temperature. Allow about 20 minutes for warm
up the first few times the machine is used.
WARNING: Never permit the temperature to exceed 310°°F while film is threaded
and the laminator is not running. The film could disintegrate and require cleaning
and rethreading of the machine. When it is necessary to laminate at temperatures
in excess of 310°°F, such as for poster board or when using 1.5 mil film, pull some
excess film off the film supply rolls to provide slack so the film is not tight against
the heat shoes while the machine is heating. This will keep the film from melting
when the laminator is not advancing film.
When the heat indicating light is on, it means the thermostat is calling for more heat to
maintain the laminating temperature. During normal operation, the light will go on and
off periodically. After initial warm-up (but not before), there is enough heat for
laminating to continue normally even if the light is on. The heat drop during lamination
is too slight to affect operation.
2. Position the feed guide for the work to be performed. Adjust by loosening the black
knob, sliding the guide to the desired position, and tightening the knob.
3. Check the tension on the film supply rolls to see if the top roll and the bottom roll
have approximately the same tension. This may be done by gently rotating the rolls
back and fourth. If a roll moves too freely it is too loose. If a roll is difficult to move
the tension will need to be decreased.
4. Once the machine has come up to temperature, as indicated by the heat indicating
light going out for the first time, you are ready to laminate. Check the heat setting
dial to make sure the machine is at the right temperature for the film you’re using.
Making sure that the safety shield is in the operating position (up), move the drive
switch to the forward position. Film will begin to pass through the laminating rollers.
Once you start the film, watch the film as it passes over the heat shoes to let the
wrinkling disappear before inserting material to be laminated. Each time you stop the
film, slack will form in the web of film. It will take a few inches to get the slack and
the resulting wrinkles past the shoes.
5. Slide items over the feed tray, positioning them against the guide and into the
laminating rollers.

6. Examine the film as it exits the machine.
If bubbles or wrinkles appear in the film, this means there is not enough tension to draw
the film tight and smooth over the heat shoes. Turn the tension control knobs clockwise
to increase the tension.
If the film is tight and smooth as it goes over the heat shoes but then draws in towards the
center of the machine or squeals, there may be too much tension on the supply roll
mandrels. This can be corrected by turning the tension control knobs counterclockwise to
decrease the tension.
Film that is 1.5-mil thickness requires very little tension.
REMEMBER TO TURN BOTH THE TOP AND BOTTOM TENSION CONTROL
KNOBS THE SAME AMOUNT TO KEEP TENSION THE SAME ON TOP AND
BOTTOM ROLLS. If the film curls up or down after it leaves the machine, read the
above section on supply roll tension again and readjust the supply tension on both rolls.
7. When starting the machine to begin lamination, let at least 10 inches of film go
through the rollers before inserting the items to be laminated. This takes out the slack
in the film and removes the cooler strip of film that forms just in front of the nip when
the laminator is hot but film is not being advanced. This also removes any areas of
film with excess adhesive that may have pooled just beneath the shoes.
8. If the tension appears balanced, but you notice waves or ripples toward the center of
the web of film as it comes out the back, the temperature may be too high or the
lamination speed may be too high for that film. These waves in the film are called
“heat wrinkles”. These heat wrinkles are formed when the film has not cooled
enough before coming out the back of the machine. For the best results, the film
should be cooled below melt temperature while it is pulled tight and perfectly flat
between the laminating rollers and the pull rollers. If it gets out the back of the
machine while still at or above melt temperature, heat wrinkles can form. The major
reason for fans on a laminator is to cool the film, not to cool the machine.
5-5Recommended Temperature Settings
The recommended temperature setting for low-temperature 1.5-mil film is 240°F. If you
are laminating with a different thickness of film, refer to the following table for
recommended temperature settings.
Your first source of information about recommended film application temperatures and
operating characteristics should be your film suppliers. If you do not know the source of
your film, or if the supplier cannot provide the information, please use the table as a
guide.

Film Melt Temperature Chart (All Fahrenheit)
Film Type Film Thickness
1.5-1.8 mil 3 mil 5 mil
Monopolymer 310°-320°280°-290°270°-280°
Low-temp (copolymer) 300°-310°220°-270°180°-260°
Ultra-low Temperature 230°-280°180°-270°180°-260°
Several important notes about this chart:
1. Your film vendor must have the primary responsibility for providing information
about the film that you are using.
2. This chart is to serve as a general guide when better data is not available.
3. If your film vendor cannot provide this and other information about the film you
are using, it may be difficult to achieve good results.
4. When laminating heavy posters or other thick items with 1.5 mil to 1.8 mil films,
some additional heat may be required to get a permanent bond. Never exceed
340°F.
5. While offset printed materials may be laminated at the lower ends of the above
ranges, inkjet and other output from digital printers may require the upper end of
the range in order to get a good bond.
6. See 1-6 Laminating Film for more information.
NOTE: It is possible that variances from recommended temperature settings may be
necessary due to material thickness, ambient temperature, humidity or the quality or
thickness of the materials being laminated.
Please note the wide range of temperatures listed, especially for heavier films. This does
not mean any film that thick can be run anywhere within the given range. These are
“standard” or high-temperature and “low-melt” or low-temperature versions of all film
thickness. Some low-melt films work at lower temperatures than others do. It is
important you buy your film from a vendor who can tell you the following additional
information about any film you choose:
•The thickness
•The clarity
•Suggested melt-temperature range
•Polyester/polyethylene content
•How well the adhesive will stick to the kinds of images you’ll be
protecting and enhancing.
Temperatures may exceed 310°F when laminating poster board or other thick items with
1.5 mil film in a continuous basis. When the machine is stopped, turn the heat off if the
setting is in excess of 310°F. Never set the heat above 350°° with film in the