Banner American Easy-Lam II User manual

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DO NOT DISCARD BOX!
(If for any reason you need to ship your machine back and you discard your box you will be responsible for purchasing
another one plus any freight charges to ship the box to you)
READ BEFORE OPERATING MACHINE
FAILURE TO LOAD FILM INCORRECTLY WILL VOID ALL WARRANTIES

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Messages and Electrical Safeguards……………………3-4
Introduction………………………………………………………………….5
Specifications………………………………………………………………..5
Initial Setup……………………………………………………………….6-8
Unpacking……………………………………………………………6
Components………………………………………………………….6
Motor Switch……...……………………………………………...6
Reverse Switch………...…………………………………………6
Heater Switch……………...……………………………………..8
Heat Indicator Light……………………………………………...8
Loading Laminating Film onto Mandrels………..………………….....8-9
Threading Laminating Film…………………………………………....9-12
Adjusting Mandrel/Film Tension……………………………………..12-13
Setting Heat Shoe Temperature………………………………………13-14
Laminating…………………………………………………………....14-15
Troubleshooting………………………………………………………15-16
Maintenance…………………………………………………………......17
Cleaning the Heat Shoes and Laminator Rollers……………........17
Removing Wrap-arounds…………………………………..….….18
Warranty…………………………………………………………….…...18
Return Policy………………………………………………………….....18

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IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGES AND
ELECTRICAL SAFEGUARDS
For your protection, do not connect the laminator to electrical power or attempt
to operate it until you have read these instructions completely. Keep these
instructions in a convenient location for future reference. This instruction
manual and labels affixed to the laminator are important safety messages. Read
these messages carefully.
For Your Safety
Save these Operating Instructions for later use.
Keep hands, long hair, clothing, and other loose articles, such as jewelry
and ties, away from laminator’s moving parts.
Do not touch the heat shoes while the laminator power is turned on.
Allow shoes to cool completely before touching.
Do not use the laminator for other than its intended purpose.
Place the laminator on a stable cart, stand, or table. A laminator placed on
an unstable surface may fall, causing serious bodily injury or damage to
the unit.
Move the laminator with caution. Quick stops, excessive force, or uneven
floor surfaces may cause the laminator and cart to overturn.
Do not insert items or objects other than recommended laminating
material. Do not store liquids or flammable material near laminator that
may spill or cause electrical shock or fire damage.
The laminator should be operated only from the type of power source
indicated in these Operating Instructions and on the data plate located on
the rear panel of the laminator.
The three-pronged grounding plug is a safety feature and will fit only into
a grounding-type power outlet. If you are unable to insert the
plug into an outlet, contact a qualified electrician to have a suitable outlet
installed.

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Do not leave the laminator power on overnight. Unplug the laminator at
the end of the day.
Unplug the laminator before moving it or when it is not in use for an
extended period of time as a precaution against the possibility of an
internal malfunction that could create a fire hazard.
Do not operate the laminator with a damaged power supply cord or plug,
or after it malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
•Keep the power cord away from hot or wet surfaces.
•Do not overload electrical outlets beyond their
capacity, as this can result in fire or electrical shock.
This unit is rated at 15 amps and should be the only
item plugged into a 20 amp branch circuit.
•Adjust only those controls that are specified in these
Operating
Instructions.
Do not attempt to service or repair the laminator yourself. Unplug the
laminator from the electrical outlet and contact an authorized service
representative under any of the following conditions:
When the power supply cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
If liquid has been spilled into the laminator or it has been exposed to
water.
If the laminator has been subjected to excessive jarring through being
dropped or bumped.
If the laminator does not operate normally when following the operating
instructions.
KEEP THE LAMINATOR OUT
OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Easy-Lam II Roll Laminator. This unit is designed
to provide years of trouble-free service.
The Easy-Lam II will accept rolls of laminating film up to 27” wide in both 1.5 and 3 mil
thicknesses. Paper and card stock up to 1/16” (1.6mm) thick may be laminated without
adjusting the feed rollers.
The Easy-Lam II will accept 5 mil film if the machine was purchased with the 5 mil switch or
variable speed only!
Your Easy-Lam II is preset at the factory for most applications, so any adjustments should be
minor. A thermometer provides continual indication of the heat shoe temperature, which may
be adjusted as needed.
SPECIFICATIONS
Plastic Width Up to 27” (68.6cm)
Plastic Thickness 1.5 mil and 3 mil (37 and 75 micron).
5 mil (125 micron) with 5 mil option switch
only.
Maximum Roll Length 1.5 mil – 1,000 feet (304.8 meters)
3 mil – 500 feet (152.4 meters)
5 mil – 250 feet (76.2 meters)
Speed 5 feet per minute (1.64m/minute)
Net Weight 91 lbs (41 kg)
Power Requirements 120VAC, 60Hz, 1840 watts (UL),
220VAC available

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INITIAL SETUP
Unpacking
Before unpacking the unit, inspect the shipping container for signs of damage.
Notify the carrier and your dealer immediately if any damage is noted and refuse
package.
Components
Figure 1 shows the location of the major components and controls of the Easy-
Lam II. You should become familiar with these before operating the
laminator.
Motor Switch
This switch provides power to the motor. If the switch is pressed to the
“on” position, the rollers move the plastic film and laminating material
through the unit.
Reverse Switch
This toggle switch is found on the back of the machine. When this switch
is pressed to the “REV” (upper) position, and the motor switch is on, the
rollers move in the reverse direction. This is useful for clearing film from
the rollers.
Figure 1

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Heater Switch
This switch turns power on and off to the top and bottom heat shoe.

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(Switch will light up in the “on” position).
Heat Indicator Light
This light goes on when the heat switch is first turned on and then
remains on until the heat shoe reaches the operating temperature.
After that point, the light will go on and off periodically as the
thermostat cycles.
Loading Laminating Film onto Mandrels
Slide film with a one-inch core onto the mandrel as in Figure 2. Note that one
mandrel is labeled TOP and the other BOTT (for bottom). They are not
interchangeable.
When sliding roll of film onto mandrel, you must push the core gripper to
the flat position. When core gripper is inside the core, the core gripper spring
will cause the core gripper to grab the film so the tension adjustment knob will
tighten the tension on the film.
Make sure film is aligned from left to right on top and bottom mandrels
when loading film. See Figure 2a.
Figure 2

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Figure 2a
Threading Laminating Film
These instructions apply to poly-in film rolls (shiny side out, dull side in).
1. For the top supply roll, place the mandrel ends into the slots on the top
of the laminator. If you are facing the front of the laminator, the film
should unwind toward you from the bottom of the roll as in Figure 3.
Figure 3

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1Pull 6”-12” of film from the top roll. Pass the film under the idler bar and
safety shield, and over the heat shoes. Make sure the shiny side of the film is
against the shoes. See Figure 5 and 6.
2For the bottom supply roll, remove the feed table. Place the mandrel
ends into position in the lower mandrel holder slots. If you are facing the front
of the laminator, the film should unwind away from you from the bottom of the
rollers as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4
4. Pull 6”-12” of film from the bottom roll. Pass it under the lower idler bar.
You can “drop-down” the lower idler bar to give you more clearance. After
doing so, return the idler bar to its upper position for running the machine. If the
idler bar is not in the upper position, you will not be able to properly adjust roll
film tension. Drape the film from the bottom roll over the film from the top roll.

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(Use a piece of tape to hold film in place). See Figure 5 and 6.
NOTE: The shiny side of the film must always go against the heat shoes.
CAUTION! The heat shoes reach a temperature of up to 350°F. Do not touch
the surface of the heat shoes.
Figure 5
Figure 6
1. Turn the motor switch to the “on” position to start the rollers.
Push a piece of thin letter-sized cardboard against the film so that it is
centered between the two heat shoes. Push the cardboard and film into
the nip rollers. See Figure 5.

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When the feed card has completely exited the Pull Rollers at the rear of
the laminator, turn the motor switch off. Make sure both webs of film
have cleared the pull rollers and have not wrapped around the rollers.
2. Replace the feed table.
3. If you are ready to laminate, the green heat switch should be in the “on”
position and the red heat indicator should have gone off.
4. If you are changing film while the machine is hot, please refer to the
video.
Adjusting Mandrel/Film Tension
Each type of laminating film has different characteristics and may require
laminator adjustment. The tension should be set so that the film moves over the
heat shoes without wrinkles as the film enters the laminator. Best results are
obtained if tension adjustments are made while the unit is at operating
temperature. If any adjustments are required, use the following procedure:
1.Switch the heaters on. Wait 30-35 minutes for the heat shoes to reach
operating temperature. The heat indicator will turn off when the set temperature
is reached. You can check the temperature by reading the thermometer located
on the right side of the laminator.
2.When the unit is first turned on, it will need to sit 30-35 minutes for nip rollers
to reach proper laminating temperature.
3.Press the motor switch to the “on” position.
4.Locate the knob on the right side of the top supply mandrel. See Figure 7. 5
5.Turn the knob to adjust the tension (clockwise to increase,
counterclockwise to decrease) until the film passes over the top heat shoe
without wrinkles and the web between the laminating and pull rollers is tight.
Note: This adjustment should require only a slight turn. If increased too
much, you may stall the drive motor.
Figure 7

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6. If necessary, locate the knob on the right side of the bottom supply
mandrel and adjust the tension as in Step 3 above.
Setting Heat Shoe Temperature
The laminator temperature should be adjusted according to the film
thickness and the item being laminated. See recommended temperature
settings from your film supplier. Keep in mind that different brands of
laminating film may require different temperatures.
1.Turn the heater switch on.
2.Use the thermostat adjustment knob (black knob) on the left side of the
laminator to adjust the temperature of the heat shoes.
3.Turn the knob clockwise to increase and counterclockwise to decrease the
temperature. If reducing the temperature, wait several minutes for the heat to
drop to the desired operating temperature. When increasing temperature, the
indicator lamp will come on as the laminator is heating up and go off when it
reaches the set temperature. (Wait 10 minutes between each adjustment before
using the laminator. This will let the heat stabilize).
4.Check the thermometer to see if the desired temperature has been reached.
You may have to make a few minor adjustments before optimum temperature is
set. Most laminating film laminates within a given temperature range so an exact
temperature reading is not necessary.
Laminating
1. When the motor is first turned on, allow 6” of film to clear heat shoes for best
laminating results.
2. Be sure the heaters have been turned on and are at the proper temperature.

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CAUTION! Do not allow the temperature to exceed 350°F as this could
cause the laminating film to melt on the heat shoes, and will void warranty.
3. Adjust the paper guide on the feed table so that the right edge of the item will
enter the laminator at the desired position.
4. Press the motor switch to the “on” position. The film will begin moving
through the laminator.
5. When you begin laminating after the film has been sitting on the heat shoes
for a while, you should let about 6” of the film run through the machine before
you insert an item to be laminated.
6. After clear laminating film exits the pull rollers at the rear of the machine, you
may slide the first item to be laminated into the laminator with the right edge
along the paper guide.
NOTE: You may want to run a test lamination first, as any item that passes
between the heat shoes will be laminated and cannot be recovered until it
exits the rear of the laminator.
7. Additional items may be fed in sequence, keeping enough distance between
sheets for trimming.
8. After the last item has exited the pull rollers, turn the motor switch off.
9. Use a zippy cutter to cut across the film to remove the laminated items from
the unit.
10. The 5 mil option switch is a factory installed option which gives the user the
capability of laminating 5 mil laminate.
Troubleshooting
The following guide will assist you with most problems that may be encountered
when laminating.
PROBLEM: Laminator is inoperative. Motor does not run and the indicator lights
are out.
ACTION: Unit may be unplugged, ensure that your circuit breaker has not
tripped. Fuse may have blown. Replace the fuse (in back next to the
power cord) with 15 amp BUSS (MDA-15)
PROBLEM: Laminator heats but motor does not turn on

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ACTION: Ensure all motor switches are in the ON position. Change motor fuse
with .75 amp
PROBLEM: Laminating film and item being laminated moves through the laminator
erratically.
ACTION: Check the thickness of the item that is being laminated. Maximum
thickness is 1/16” (1.6mm)
PROBLEM: Laminator blows fuses often.
ACTION: Ensure machine is running on a dedicated circuit. Do not exceed
maximum material thickness. Reduce supply mandrel tension.
PROBLEM: Plastic is not bonding to the item or to itself at the edges.
ACTION: Make sure heat shoes and rollers are at the proper operating
temperature and have had time to warm up. Increase temp. Do not
exceed 325°
PROBLEM: Wrinkles appear on the laminated items running parallel with the
outside edges.
ACTION: Increase brake tension on top and/or bottom supply rolls.
Reduce heat shoe temperature.
Clean heat shoes of residual adhesive. See MAINTENANCE
section for cleaning instructions.
PROBLEM: Blistering of the film appears over the item or along the edge.
ACTION: Reduce the temperature on the heat shoes. Clean laminating rollers. See
MAINTENANCE section for cleaning instructions.
PROBLEM: Laminated material curls after leaving pull rollers.
ACTION: Adjust tension. If laminated item curls upwards, reduce top supply
tension. If item curls downward, reduce bottom supply tension. Clean
heat shoes of residual adhesive as this may cause “drag” on one side.
Refer to MAINTENANCE section for cleaning instructions.

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Maintenance
This section contains instructions for cleaning and maintaining your laminator.
These procedures should be performed at regular intervals to help ensure the
trouble-free operation of your laminator.
Cleaning the Heat Shoes and Laminator Rollers
The Heat Shoes and Laminating Rollers should be cleaned of any residual
adhesive whenever the film does not pass smoothly over their surfaces.
NOTE: The surface of the Heat Shoes is Teflon-coated and must only be
cleaned using a soft cloth. The Heat Shoes can easily be damaged by sharp
or abrasive objects.
1. Unplug the unit.
2. Allow the Heat Shoes to cool.
3. Remove the Feed Table.
4. Cut the plastic film at the top and bottom mandrels.
5. Turn the Motor Switch on and pull the film out of the back of the
machine.
6. Turn the Motor Switch off.
Use a soft cloth or a teflon scrub pad moistened with denatured alcohol to
remove any residue from the Teflon surface of the Heat Shoes and
Laminating Rollers.
7. Allow the Heat Shoes and Laminating Rollers to dry before re-threading
the film.
Removing Wrap-arounds
When laminating with thinner gauges of films, there is the possibility of the film
wrapping around the Pull Rollers. Refer to Cleaning the Heat Shoes and
Laminating Rollers in order to remove a wrap-around. If the film cannot be
pulled out of the back of the machine, leave the motor switch on and use the
reverse switch on the back of the machine to reverse the rollers so the film can
be pulled up and out the front of the machine.

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CAUTION! The Heat Shoes are hot! Please use caution when cleaning the rollers or Heat
Shoes or when removing wrap-arounds. Be careful with sharp objects, cutting a rubber roller
will ruin it and result in void of warranty.
Warranty & Return Policy...
Warranty:
Your laminator is warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year
from the date of original purchase. In the event of a manufacturers defect in materials or workmanship
or for assistance with the operation of a malfunction, please email [e-mail]. Include
the model number, serial number, dealer purchased from and the date of purchase. Also please attach
pictures of the problem and explain in detail the issues you are having and a technician will get back to
you within 24 hours.
Laminators Specialties, Inc. makes no other warranty stated or implied except as stated above. This
warranty does not cover damage to the machine that occurs as a result of misuse, wrap-around or
improper handling, or damage to prints. If you receive your machine with shipping damage please
contact your dealer right away. All freight charges to ship machine back are your responsibility.
Return Policy:
If your laminator is not operating properly, first review the Operating Instructions and the
troubleshooting guide. If the malfunction cannot be corrected, contact your dealer for instructions. Be
sure to have your machine serial number and date of purchase handy.
If the laminator must be returned to the dealer, There will be a 20% restock fee and it is your
responsibility to ensure that it is shipped back in original packaging. Failure to do this will void all
warranties. If you do not have the original packaging. please contact your dealer for purchase at an
additional charge. All freight charges to ship machine back are your responsibility. Shipping
damage as a result of improper packaging is not covered under the terms of this warranty.

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