Demco PHOENIX ML44 User manual

P HOENIX
TM
P HOENIX
TM
44 Laminator
Pouch / Roll Laminator
Operators
Manual
Model ML44
REV C

S
• OVERVIEW 3
• SAFETY INFORMATION 4
• SET-UP AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS 5
• STAND ASSEMBLY (OPTIONAL) 6
• ROLLER KIT INSTALLATION (OPTIONAL) 7
• ROLLER GAP CONTROL KNOB REAR PANEL 8
• OPERATIONAL CONTROL PANEL 9
• MOUNTING USING A HEAT ACTIVATED MOUNTING BOARD 10
• MOUNTING AND LAMINATING USING A POUCH BOARD 11
• ENCAPSULATING USING A FLEXIBLE POUCH 12
• USING ROLL FILMS IN A PHOENIX 13
• CLEANING YOUR PHOENIX LAMINATOR 14
• TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE 15
• TECHNICAL SERVICE / REPAIR CENTERS 16
• MOUNTING AND LAMINATING TERMS 17
• TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 18
• WIRING DIAGRAM 19
• PARTS LIST 20
• LIMITED WARRANTY 23
• PHOENIX SUPPLIES 24tor
TABLE OF CONTENT
PHOENIX 44 LAMINATOR

Thank you for purchasing a PHOENIX
laminator. We have designed the PHOENIX
Laminator to give you years of reliable
service. As you become familiar with the
PHOENIX laminator you will appreciate the
high quality of its production and the
excellence in its engineering design.
By following the guidelines for proper care
and use of the PHOENIX laminator you
can depend on many years of trouble-free
profitability from your investment.
The purpose of this manual is to outline
materials and processes. This manual will
show you how to use PHOENIX supplies
with your laminator to create signs
displays and flexible graphics with
professional results.
The manual includes instructions of
various laminating procedures which are
meant to give you comprehensive
information needed for the efficient use of
your laminator.
Please read and fully understand the
entire manual before proceeding to
use your laminator.
MOUNTING AND LAMINATING U E
Your Phoenix Laminator has been designed to
be used with pouch boards thermal laminat-
ing films and flexible pouches. When using
pouch boards and film pouches you are able
to laminate and encapsulate prints in one
step. You may also use roll film products and
the PHOENIX has been tested and laminates
well with polyester based films with low tem-
perature adhesives (I.e. adhesive which work
below 200 degrees). For other materials you
will have to test those films to determine the
best settings and applicability of those prod-
ucts.
WARNING! This laminator is designed
for mounting and laminating. Any use
other than the intended may cause
damage to the laminator or physical
harm to the user.
WARNING! Any unauthorized changes or
modifications to this unit without our prior
written approval will void the user’s warranty
and will transfer health and safety obligations
to the user.
LIABILITY TATEMENT
The details given in this manual are based on
the most recent information available to us.
They may be subject to change in the future.
We retain the right to make changes to the
construction or the design of our products
without accepting any responsibility for
modifying earlier versions.
CAUTION! Please pay attention to all pas-
sages marked this way. This information is
vital to preventing user injury and/or damage
to the unit. Failure to follow this information
could void the user's warranties and transfer
all safety obligations to the user.
Owner’s Manual Overview
PHOENIX 44 LAMINATOR 3

When using electrical appliances basic
precautions should always be taken to re-
duce the risk of electrical shock and injury
to persons including the following:
1. Read all instructions before connecting
or operating this unit.
2. Retain this Owners Manual for future
reference. For technical assistance
beyond what is covered in this manual
contact Technical Service.
3. Save your carton! PHOENIX laminators
are shipped in special cartons and should
be used in case your PHOENIX laminator
should ever require service or need to be
transported.
NOTICE! Failure to return machines
properly packed in original packaging
will impose a fifteen percent
restocking fee plus costs to repair
shipping damage. Contact Technical
ervice for a return authorization
(see WARRANTY AND AUTHORIZED
REPAIR CENTER ).
4. Do not use the laminator for other
than its intended use.
5. The Laminator case may be cleaned
with a lint-free cloth lightly
dampened with a mild soap and
water solution. Do not use spray-on
cleaners.
NOTE: Disconnect the laminator from
the main power supply before
cleaning!
6. Do not immerse any part of the
laminator in water or other liquids..
7. The laminator's location or position should
not interfere with its proper ventilation. Do
not install or place in a built-in enclosure
such as a bookcase.
8. Do not operate the laminator with a
damaged cord or plug or after the laminator
has been dropped or damaged in any
manner. If purchased in U.S./Canada
return the laminator to your ADEMCO reseller for
examination repair or adjustment.
8. Do not let the cord hang over the edge of a
counter/bench or touch hot surfaces.
9. Always unplug the laminator when it is not
in use for a long period.
10. This unit should only be connected to a
power supply outlet of the voltage
amperage and frequency marked on the
rear panel. The laminator has a grounded
plug (three prongs). To reduce the risk of
electrical shock this plug is intended to fit
only a grounded outlet of the proper
amperage and in only one way.
If the plug does not fit in the outlet, contact
a qualified electrician.
WARNING! Do not modify the plug in
any way.
AFETY I NFORMATION
PHOENIX 44 LAMINATOR
4

The PHOENIX 44 is a professional laminator
designed for ease of use. The process speed
and temperature have been preset to eliminate
operator guesswork. The factory setting will
facilitate good quality results using the
Flexible Pouches and Pouch Boards using low
temperature adhesives.
The PHOENIX 44 can handle Flexible Pouches
and Pouch Boards up to 44 inches (1120mm) wide.
Please familiarize yourself with machine
operation before installation operating the
Control Panel and the Nip Control Knob.
Installation of your PHOENIX Laminator
Please read and fully understand the entire manual
before proceeding to use your laminator.
Without the PHOENIX Stand your PHOENIX
laminator must be lifted and carried to the place
where it will be used. This should be done by at least
two people one on each side. Grasp the machine
8-10 inches (20cm-25cm) from the side. It should
only be placed on a sturdy clean flat level surface
able to support 150 lbs. (70kg). See Stand
instructions.
Keep the area around your laminator clear with
adequate space around it so you can feed receive
and trim mounted and/or laminated images.
Unpacking your Laminator
1. Open the box and lift the machine out (at least
two persons necessary!). Grasp the machine
8"-10" (200mm-250mm) from either side at
the bottom metal parts. Be careful! The
polyethylene bag is slippery!
2. Place the machine on the work area described
above.
3. Remove the protective molded foam.
4. Remove the polyethylene bag.
5. Inspect the machine for any physical damage
(if damage does exist report this to the Freight
Company on the BILL OF LADING. Contact
Your Dealer to determine if a replacement machine
should be shipped to you.
NOTICE! Retain original packaging.
Failure to return machines properly packed in
original packaging will impose a fifteen
percent restocking fee plus costs to repair
shipping damage. Contact Technical Service
for Return Authorization (see rear cover).
etting up your Laminator
The PHOENIX laminator should be installed
next to a power/main outlet. We do not
recommend using an extension cord but if
needed make sure the cord rating meets or
exceeds the machine rating.
The plug and the outlet must be easily
accessible. Please ensure that you plug your
laminator into a grounded three-prong
outlet. Please ensure that the total load of the
other items using the same circuit breaker do
not exceed its breaking value.
The US versions of the PHOENIX machines
are provided with a fixed power cable and
NEMA 5-20 plug.
Use 120Vac 20A grounded outlet
only.
110V 20 amp outlet
Using your PHOENIX 44
Plug the power cable into the grounded outlet
with appropriate service as described above.
Turn on power with main power switch. Roller
will turn continuously while power is on.
Depress the Heat switch and wait approxi-
mately 20 minutes for the unit to reach its
operating temperature. Also turn the Speed
on and set the Control Knob to zero so that
the roll heats uniformly. When Ready LED in-
dicator is constantly lit the PHOENIX lamina-
tor is ready for use.
CAUTION! et the Control Knob to the
“Open” position when not in use.
NOTE: The laminator may emit vapors the
first few times it is used. This is normal and
will cease after several minutes of use.
PHOENIX 44 LAMINATOR
ET - UP AND E LECTRICAL R EQUIREMENT
5

Tools Required
Philips head screwdriver
4mm Allen wrench
14mm wrench or adjustable wrench
tand Kit Contents (Figure 1)
(2) Side frames
(2) Cross straight supports
(8) 14mm Phillips screws & nuts
(4) 4mm Allen screws
Assemble cross supports (Figure 2)
Attach the cross supports to the
side frames. Position the nuts on
the inside of the stand. Leave
the bolts finger tight until all
of the stand has been assembled
in Figure 3. Then tighten all of the
screws securely.
Insure all of the bolts are
tightened before attaching the
stand to your Phoenix laminator.
Attach stand to Phoenix laminator
Place your Phoenix Laminator
on a flat secure surface. Rotate
the laminator gently onto the back
panel (do not pinch the power cord).
Having one person holding
the laminator remove the feet from
the bottom of the laminator and
attach the stand with
the 4mm screws supplied. The
angled side is the back. Tighten
securely. Then with 2 people lift
the Phoenix into position (Figure 4).
TAND A EMBY AND ET - UP (O PTIONAL )
6
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
PHOENIX 44 LAMINATOR
6

Tools Required
Philips head screwdriver
4mm Allen wrench
14mm wrench or adjustable wrench
Roll Kit Contents
(1) Dispensing Bar with tensioner
(2) Dispensing bar Support brackets
(1) Idler bar with 4mm allen screws
IMPORTANT! - Unplug you laminator
before installing the Phoenix Roll Kit
Remove the side panels
Lower the rollers to the closed or zero position.
Remove the roller gap control knob by taking off the
center cover of the Control Knob and unsrewing the
philips screw in the middle of the Control Knob (Figure 1)
and side panels gently and angle from the back
as the control panel will be attached to the circuit board
on the side frame (Figure 2).
Install Idler Bar (Figure 3)
Locate the pre-drilled holes in the sideframe in back of
the rollers. Attach the idler roll threading the 4mm
bolt through the hole in the side frame and tighten
with the corresponding nut. Repeat on the other side.
Install Roll holder (Figure 4)
Remove the upper back panel. Install roll
holder brackets with the 3 phillips screws.
Mount the roll holder in the bracket.
Replace the side panels and Control Knob.
Instructions for running cold films on Page 13
R OLL K IT A EMBLY (O PTIONAL )
PHOENIX 44 LAMINATOR 7
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4

The Control Knob (see figure 1A) is located on
the right hand side of the laminator and should
be operated from this side. The control knob is
used to adjust the height of the rollers.
The Nip Settings are 1/4"(6mm) 3/16" (5mm)
1/8" (3mm) and 1/16" (1.5mm) correspond to
Pouch Board thickness. There is also a closed
position - 0" (0mm) for film and paperboard
applications. Select the setting that indicates
the thickness of the material you are using.
To Operate the Nip Control Knob
1. Grasp it with your right hand and push
in approximately 1/4" (6mm).
2. Once the knob has disengaged from the
stop it may be rotated forward or
backward (clockwise or counterclockwise as
viewed from the right hand side of the unit).
3. Once the indicator has reached the desired
nip setting release the knob or gently
pull the knob out to lock it in place. See
Figure 1A.
Figure 1A
Caution! et the Nip Control Knob to
the “Open” position when not in use.
Note: When the machine is warming
up, set the control to the zero or
closed position.
REAR PAN
R OLLER GAP CONTROL KNOB
R EAR P ANEL
Note: Always switch the power off when the
machine is not in use. The Control Panel is
always powered when the main power is
on.
In case of Emergency: Turn off the main
power breaker or unplug the machine
from the power outlet.
Caution! Turn off the main power
breaker and unplug the machine when
removing the side panels and performa-
ing maintenance on your Phoenix.
To turn the machine on and off use the
main breaker switch below in figure 1B.
“O” is off and “1” is on.
Figure 1B
PHOENIX 44 LAMINATOR
8

Figure 3
Location of Control Panel
Figure 2
O PERATIONAL CONTROL P ANEL
The Control Panel (see Figure 3) is lo-
cated on the top right of the machine. A
diagram of the Control Panel is shown
in Figure 2.
peed Control
The speed of the rollers is controlled in
the SPEED section of the Control Panel.
1. To turn the rollers on press the
‘On/Off’ pad once. The Green LED
light will turn on indicating the bot-
tom roller is turning. Note: the top
roller is free spinning as with all high
quality laminators. The PHOENIX will
automatically be set to the faster
‘Rabbit’ speed.
2. To adjust the speed of the rollers
press the ‘Rabbit’ for the faster speed
(approximately 1 foot per minute) or
the ‘Turtle’ (approximately 6 inches
per minute) for the slower speed. All
standard pouches and pouch boards
with inkjet paper up to 11 mils thick
should work on the faster speed. For
thicker materials.use the slow ‘Turtle’
speed. The LED light which is on is
the current speed of the PHOENIX.
Heat Control
The Heat of the rollers is controlled in the
HEAT section of the Control Panel. When you
turn the PHOENIX on the heat will be off and
the rollers cold. The LED Light above the
‘On/Off’ switch will be the color red.
1. To turn the heat on press the ‘On/Off’
pad once. The LED above the ‘On/Off’
the PHOENIX will automatically be set to
the ‘Pouch’ heat setting and the ‘Pouch’
LED will be lit. The LED above the ‘On/
Off’ switch will be Green indicating the
roller is heating. When that light be-
comes yellow the PHOENIX is ready to
process your pouch boards.
2. To adjust the heat of the rollers
press the ‘Pouch’ button when using
pouch boards mounting boards or flexi-
ble pouches. The ‘Pouch’ heat setting is
the higher setting and has a roll face
temperature of 150° Celsius. The Roll
temperature is a lower 90° Celsius (195°
Fahrenheit) for use with standard inkjet
laminating films.
In case of Emergency: Turn off the main
power switch or unplug the machine
from the power outlet. Open the Roller
Gap Control to its fully open position
and remove your work.
PHOENIX 44 LAMINATOR 9

PHOENIX 44 LAMINATOR
M OUNTING WITH H EAT A CTIVATED B OARD
Using a Heat Activated Mounting Board
Refer to the instruction sheet packed with
each box of Mounting Boards for specific
information on mounting with a heat acti-
vated Boards. All boards can not be thicker
than 1/4” inch and must use low tempera-
ture adhesive.
Also refer to the instruction sheet for
information on Compatible Media Process
Conditions and technical information.
Place the image to be mounted on the ad-
hesive-coated side of the mounting board
(dull side of the board).
Cover your print with the "cover sheet" as
marked (included with each box of
Mounting Boards or use a sheet of non-stick
silicon paper). If the release paper is
longer fold over the narrow end to make a
’pocket’ for the board to be inserted into.
Place your board with your print on it into
the fold of the cover sheet.
If you are overlaminating with roll film
while using Phoenix mount boards, do
not use any cover sheets but insure the
laminating film is equal to or wider
than your mount boards.
Set the Roller Gap Control knob to the cor-
rect setting that matches the Mounting
Board thickness.
Insert the board into the inlet opening. En-
sure the board will enter centered and
straight. A gentle push may be required to
start the board into the laminator.
Hold the edges of the board until it is en-
gaged in the unit and the laminator begins
pulling it on its own.
The board will feed through the lamina-
tor and automatically exit at the rear of
the unit.
CAUTION! The board will be hot! Al-
low it to lie flat while cooling.
CAUTION! USE ONLY WITH HEAT ACTI-
VATED MOUNTING BOARDS 1/4" (6mm)
THICK OR LESS.
DO NOT USE PLYWOOD METAL
CARDBOARD SHARP OR HARD BOARD
WITH RAGGED EDGES OR ANY TYPE OF
PLASTIC.
MAKE SURE THAT ALL MEDIA FED INTO
THE LAMINATOR IS FREE OF STAPLES
PAPER CLIPS OR OTHER HARD
OBJECTS.
Foam board may be cut or trimmed using
a sharp hobby knife such as an X-ACTO
Knife. Lightly score the paper first. Sev-
eral passes of the knife may be required.
We recommend a professional grade
trimmer with a standard utility knife
blade be used for professional and fast
results.
NOTE:
Ragged cuts or pulling of the foam
board indicates a dull blade.
10