Apache AL18P User manual
AL18P Laminator Operation Manual
Product Overview:
Thank you for your Apache purchase. All Apache products are designed to provide excellent
function, high quality, ease of use and stylish appearance. The Apache AL18P laminator is an A3
class laminator which is capable of laminating items up to 17.5" wide sideways for quicker
lamination. The AL18P is a professional grade laminator which is designed with heavy duty steel,
professional grade heating elements and motor and has 4 silicone rollers. Additionally, the
AL18P has the ability to laminate in cold mode. The AL18P is designed for long term, heavy duty
use. This laminator can help protect your documents and photos from wear, tear, liquids, and
humidity, along with preserve and enhance your presentation documents.
Key Features:
•4 Silicone Rollers
•Heavy Duty Steel Case
•Professional Grade Motor and Heating Element
•Variable Temperature Control From 77 – 390.2⁰F (25 - 200⁰C) (adjustable)
•17.5" Laminating Width
•Forward and Reverse Switch
•Cold Laminating Mode
Specifications:
Model:
AL18P
Power:
600W
Voltage:
110-120V AC, 2.4A @ 60Hz
Speed:
2.5pp/min
Working Temperature
Range:
77⁰F (25⁰C) – 390.2⁰F (200⁰C)
(adjustable)
Thickness Range:
1.2 mm Max / 1200mic Max /
10 mil Max
Pre-Heat Time:
3 minutes
Certifications:
ISO9001 Designation
Warranty:
1 Year Manufacturers
Weight:
17 lbs
Operation Instructions:
1. Plug in the power and turn on the power switch located in the rear of the unit.
2. The lowest heated temperature setting is 212⁰F (100⁰C). You can raise or lower the
temperature setting based on the type and thickness of your lamination pouches.
Initially start with a lower temperature, the high heat of the machine can cause the
laminating sheet to melt and clog the machine.
3. Preheat time is approximately 3 minutes, while the unit is preheating the LED will be off.
Once preheated, the ready light will turn green, you can begin laminating your items.
4. Place the item you wish to laminate in a laminating pouch. Insert laminating pouch,
pre-sealed end first into the laminating machine. Be sure to align your item properly and
once inserted the rollers will start the laminating process.
5. If you insert the item incorrectly you can reverse the rollers to back the item out of the
machine. To do so you simply press the “REV” button to back the item out.
Press the “REV” button again to return to normal mode.
6. Again, adjust the laminating temperature based on the thickness of the pouch. If you are
unfamiliar with them start with a lower temperature and slowly increase until the
appropriate temperature is reached. If your laminated item is cloudy you can raise the
heat on the unit then run the item through the machine again.
Cold Laminating:
This laminator has the ability to be used for cold lamination processes. To use for cold
lamination simply set the machine to room temperature, open the top cover and then proceed
with the lamination process.
mil
mm
(millimeters)
mic
(microns)
Temperature
Setting
1.49
0.038
38
230⁰F (110⁰C)
2.95
0.075
75
277⁰F (130⁰C)
4.92
0.125
125
302⁰F (150⁰C)
9.48
0.25
250
356⁰F (180⁰C)
This is a high pressure and high heat professional model laminator.
Laminating pouches are composed of a blend of two types of plastic. The outer layer has a high
melting temperature and does not melt when laminated and gives the pouch it's stiffness.
The inner layer has a lower melting temperature and melts during lamination to seal to the
surface of your project and around the edges. But during lamination, the inner plastic layer
under pressure will have small amounts which escape on the sides and bottom of your pouch.
Without a pouch carrier, this inner plastic adheres to and builds up on the rollers of the
laminator. In time, it can build up on the roller surface and cause a new pouch lamination to
stick to the rollers. If you consistently use a pouch carrier, and inner plastic leakage is captured
by your carrier and keeps the roller surfaces clean. The carrier is also an excellent way to
simplify laminating small items as it provides some additional rigidity and prevents smaller items
from getting caught between the front and the back rollers.
Prevent Heating Element Failure
Your professional laminator uses a heating element that can be set to higher temperatures that
simpler home/office models. For any laminator, the heating element will eventually burn out.
But there are things you can do to prevent burnout and extend the life of your laminator:
- Do not set the temperature at the highest possible setting for warmup. This does not speed
up the warmup period. It simply runs the risk of overheating the laminator to an
unnecessarily high temperature.
- Turn your laminator off when not in use and do not let it continue to run if you are not
actually laminating.
- Allow your laminator to cool down before you move it or put it away.
- Laminate at the minimum temperature necessary to fully seal your pouches. Setting the
temperature higher does not result in a better lamination and risk air bubbles, curling, or an
oil-slick appearance on the surface of the lamination which are all signs of too much heat.
If your laminator is not functioning at all, it may be that the internal fuse was blown and there is
a second fuse which is included and ships with your laminator. It can be found in the small
plastic bag inside the box.
If your heating element does fail within your warranty period, please contact your authorized
Apache seller for a replacement.
List of Apache resellers:
Cheetah Mounts
SPN Performance
JJ Authority
Indigo Star
WhoDat
ATTENTION: Monitor the laminator at all times when the machine is turned on.
DO NOT LEAVE UNATTENDED. Please operate in an open, dry place away from temperature
sensitive materials. Do not place anything on or near the machine when it is in operation.
After laminating please allow the unit to sit for 2 minutes so rollers can cool.
Always unplug unit before servicing. To clean rollers use laminator roller cleaner pads available
at office supply stores. Please follow instructions included with cleaner pads. The Limited
Liability Warranty applies to laminator only. Apache Laminators is not responsible for damage to
any other personal property.
TROUBLESHOOTING: If you experience issues, many times the laminator is either too hot or too
cold. Ensure the laminator heats up completely before using it and use a carrier or sheet of
paper on top only when necessary. During the preheat sequence, if the laminator produces an
excess amount of smoke, turn off the machine, unplug the unit and wait for the laminator to
cool down. Next, visually inspect the rollers to ensure that there is no foreign debris and remove
any if necessary. Also, make sure that the rollers are functioning and moving properly. If the
problem persists, please contact Apache customer support immediately.
CONTACT INFORMATION: The Laminator comes with a 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty that
does not require registration. If you experience any issues please contact us at the email listed
below.
Our customers are our #1 priority and we would be glad to assist you.
Thank You, The Apache Team
www.apachelaminators.com
© 2014 Apache Laminators
Table of contents
Other Apache Laminator manuals
