Ledco Econocraft Laminator User manual

Instruction Manual
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Ledco 44" & 60"
Econocraft
Laminator

READ ALL PRECAUTIONS & INSTRUCTIONS
CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING LAMINATOR
Setup
Instruction
Operation
Lamination
Maintenance
ECONOCRAFT
44/60
Pressure sensitive roll applicator,
cold laminator, mounter
OPERATION MANUAL
W/inhibit Oct 2006

1
ECONOCRAFT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1-1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1-2 Unpacking and inventory
2-1 INTRODUCTION
2-2 Warranty
2-3 Principles of operation
2-4 Features and benefits
2-5 Options
2-6 Definitions of terms
2-7 Specifications
3-1 INSTALLATION & OPERATION
3-2 Threading the laminator
3-3 Application notes
4-1 PREVENTING AND SOLVING PROBLEMS
5-1 MAINTENANCE
5-2 General cleaning
5-3 Cleaning the rubber rollers
5-4 Lubrication
5-5 Storage

2
Glossary Of Symbols Part #
1. Hand Crush/Force From Above LAB35
2. General Danger LAB52
3. Arm Entanglement LAB51
4. Cutting of Fingers or Hand/Straight Blade (large) LAB54
5. Hand Entanglement/Chain Drive LAB36
6. International “Hot” Warning LAB100
7. Electrical Hazard LAB43
8. International Ground LAB79

3
1-1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
DO NOT OPERATE THIS MACHINE UNTIL YOU HAVE READ AND FULLY
UNDERSTOOD THE FOLLOWING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
*If the equipment described in this manual is used in a
manner not specified by the manufacturer, the
protection provided by the equipments safety devices
may be impaired
1. Never operate this machine without reminding yourself that a laminator
is a powerful and potentially dangerous tool. If misused, used carelessly,
or used without observing the rules of safe operation, very serious injury
can result.
2. Never operate this machine without all guards, housings, safety shields,
stop switches or other safety devices in place and fully operational.
3. Never operate this machine unless you have been fully trained and have
received and understood all operating instructions. Make sure you know
how the machine works and how it is controlled.
4. Never operate this machine if it is not working properly or if you notice
any abnormality in its performance.
5. Never tamper with, rewire, or bypass any control or safety device on this
machine .
6. Always keep all parts of your body and clothing clear of the rollers when
the power is on.
7. Never attempt to clean the laminating rollers when the power is on.
8. Never remove the machine housing or attempt any kind of maintenance
without disconnecting power to the unit.
9. Always be sure all persons are clear of the machine before advancing or
reversing the pressure rollers, especially when multiple operators or
observers are present.
10. Never wear loose clothing, ties, jewelry or any item which could be
caught in the rollers or machinery when operating the machine. Operators
with long hair must put their hair up before running the machine.
11. Always keep your hands clear of any slitter mechanism or blade except
when the power is off and you intend to adjust the mechanism or change a
blade.

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NOTICE TO EMPLOYER: A copy of these safety precautions must be given to all
operators, set-up personnel, maintenance people, and supervisors of this
machine. A copy should also be hung on the machine readily accessible and
visible to the operator. Additional copies are available upon request.
IMPORTANT: Where a language barrier or insufficient schooling would prevent a
person from reading and understanding these safety precautions, you should
either translate this information or have it read or interpreted to the person, and
get assurance that it is understood.

5
1-2 UNPACKING AND INVENTORY
The laminator arrives fully assembled, except that some parts such as feed trays
may be packed off the machine to avoid shipping damage. Upon arrival, inspect
the unit immediately and thoroughly using the packing 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 bill of lading.
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.
DO NOT RETURN ANY GOODS TO LEDCO PRIOR TO INSPECTION AND
AUTHORIZATION BY LEDCO.
3. 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. Re-inspect the container and packing material, particularly for smaller
items.
3. Make certain that the item was not removed by unauthorized personnel
prior to complete unpacking 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 items 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.

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2-1 INTRODUCTION
The ECONOCRAFT is designed to provide quality lamination of a wide range of
papers and materials up to ½ inch thick. Common applications include:
•transfer tape applications
•digital imaging
•vinyl application to sign blanks
•mounting and overlaminating
•one sided over lamination
Options include slitter attachment, bottom supply roll, and roll feed assembly kit.
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.
We take this opportunity to thank you for selecting the ECONOCRAFT 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 # _______________________
(located on outer rear right housing by power cord)
WARNING: The laminator should not be operated without the Plexiglas
safety shield.
MISE EN GARDE: Ne pas utiliser la machine à plastifier sans son écran
protecteur en plexiglass.
ADVERTENCIA: No utilice el plastificado sin tener el protector de
plexiglass en su lugar.
Ledco Inc. •4265 North Main Street •Hemlock, NY 14466
Fax [phone] •Phone [phone]
Web: ledcoinc.com E-mail: [e-mail]

7
2-2 WARRANTY
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, 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 speed, tension, etc.
•Parts that are not manufactured by Ledco Inc. If these items are warranted by the
individual manufacturer, 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 which are the sole responsibility of the appropriate individual
manufacturer.
Any laminator which proves 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. tel: [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 the 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
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., and 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. If you have any questions about this
warranty, contact Ledco. Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

8
2-3 PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The Econocraft pressure-sensitive roll applicator automates the application of
transfer tape and other pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes or films. The
Econocraft conveniently and easily applies transfer tape to weeded vinyl,
transfer-taped vinyl to sign blanks, and will apply clear PSA overlaminates to
finished signs or promotional materials. Econocraft applicators are ideal for
mounting applications and can accept substrates up to ½ inch thick.
Designed for sign and graphics applications, Econocraft machines are used in
many settings including sign shops, photo-finishing labs, reprographics shops
and manufacturing plants.
Jobs such as applying vinyl to sign blanks or putting transfer tape on vinyl
signage are very labor intensive. As the material gets wider and longer, the labor
costs become disproportionately high. Bubbles and wrinkles are introduced and
waste increases. Some jobs require the additional time and mess of liquid
application.
When signage is ruined during the taping or application process, the cost of re-
cutting, re-weeding and reapplying will usually take all the profit out of a job.
Whether it Is transfer tape, vinyl, sandblast or acid resist tape, pre-masks,
adhesive film, clear polyester, or other pressure-sensitive material, an Econocraft
applicator will put it down effortlessly with no bubbles or wrinkles.
Using an Econocraft is much easier than doing the same work by hand. Fast
and versatile, it requires little instruction for you to be up and running. Supply roll
tension is controlled with knobs. Econocraft applicators are forgiving. They will
apply most materials under a wide range of speeds and pressure or tension
settings.
The Econocraft is a heavy-duty commercial laminator designed for the most
rigorous and demanding jobs and workloads.

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2-4 FEATURES & BENEFITS
Your new machine has many standard features and accompanying benefits that
set it apart from other laminators:
•A scrap rewind with an adjustable clutch takes up the release liner found on
many pressure-sensitive films.
•Roller bearings with alloy construction and high quality motors insure a long
and trouble-free life for these machines.
•The laminating roller opening is adjustable in seconds and allows operators
to work with different thickness materials.
•A variable speed motor control allows operators to apply different materials
to different substrates.
•The feed tray is non-ferrous, so magnetic materials may be applied.
•The supply roll tension knobs are important because without some supply
roll tension, most films and tapes will wrinkle during application.
•A reverse drive switch makes it simple to back material out of the laminating
rollers or correct material wraparound.
•A foot pedal is now a standard feature that frees hands to align and feed
work.
•A stand is included with removable castors.
•A safety shield with electronic interlock prevents operation of the machine if
the guard and the feed tray are not in place, protecting operators and other
employees.
•Two emergency stop buttons with one on each side of the machine will
automatically stop the machine when the operator pushes them in.
•Manufactured in the USA means quality, better service and faster parts
availability.

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2-5 OPTIONS
•Prefeed Slitter attachment cuts material on the supply roll for application to
narrower substrates, for multiple-up production or for striping.
•Bottom supply roll feed assembly can be used when applying film or tape
to a long piece of material such as weeded vinyl signage. Tape the material
to be covered to a 3-inch supply roll core. Roll the material onto the core so
that it is not telescoped. The edges of the material at both ends of the rolls
should be even.
Put that core with the material to be laminated on the bottom roll feed mandrel
and line it up with the tape or film on the top supply roll mandrel. Once the
two webs (widths) of material are squared and aligned to each other, they will
stay aligned for the entire run.
The bottom roll feed mandrel is also useful when applying tape or film wider
than the materials being covered. In this case, put a roll of “sacrifice” paper
(such as wrapping paper) on the bottom roll feed mandrel. The roll of
“release paper” should be wider than the tape or film. This width allows the
tape or film on either side of the material being laminated to stick to the paper.
The “release paper” serves to keep adhesive off the bottom laminating roller,
prevent wraparounds on the bottom laminating roll, and to keep adhesive
from sticking to the exit table, which would ruin the job as material jams
against the stoppage. The signage or other material can then be trimmed out
of the sandwich formed by the tape or film and the release paper.
In other jobs where the tape or film is not wider than the material being
covered, it is advisable to overlap pieces or put scrap paper between pieces
to serve as “release paper” for the reasons listed above. Scrap paper can
also be used at the beginning and end of a job for the same purpose.
•Roll Feed The roll feed option allows you to feed a roll of substrate
through the laminator when using the lower supply roll for either release
paper or another laminate. This option attaches directly to the feed table.

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2-6 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS
•PSA stands for pressure-sensitive adhesive, used for cold mounting of
images and for cold application of vinyl and clear overlaminates.
•Vinyl is the base or outer protective layer of many cold/PSA overlaminates.
•Acrylic is the type of adhesive most often used on vinyl and other types of
cold films.
•Substrate literally means under-layer. It can refer to material we print on, or
it can refer to the board we use to mount an image
•A web is the unwinding width of plastic coming off a supply roll, or the
continuous flow of laminate coming out the back of the laminator.
• The nip is the line where the two laminating rollers meet and lamination takes
place.

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2-7 SPECIFICATIONS
Max. lamination width/E60
Max. lamination width/E44
60"
44”
Variable speed 1-25 fpm
Laminating roller diameter 3"
Supply roll core size 3"
Recommended film thickness 1 mil and up
Max laminating thickness ½"
Dimensions with stand/E60
Dimensions with stand/E44
80L 50H 34W
63L 48H 27W
Shipping dimensions/E60
Shipping dimensions/E44
91L 53H 43W
71L 53H 43W
Shipping weight/E60
Shipping weight/E44
805 lbs
700 lbs
Motor 1/4 HP DC
Electrical 110V
220V
3 amps
(specifications are subject to change without notice)

13
TOP SUPPLY ROLL
MANDREL
RELEASE LINER TAKE UP
WITH 3” CORE CHUCKS
SAFETY
SHIELD
NON-FERROUS
FEED TABLE
EMERGENCY
STOP SWITCH
EMERGENCY
STOP SWITCH

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3-1 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
With the laminator positioned on an unobstructed, level surface and always with
easy access to the main power switch or circuit breaker, perform the following
check before putting the laminator into service.
1. Install supply roll mandrel and scrap rewind mandrel (a spare 3” cardboard or
plastic core) into their respective positions as shown in the familiarization
illustrations.
2. Place safety shield down, toward rubber rolls.
3. Check both EMERGENCY STOP BUTTONS. They should be in the up
position. If buttons are depressed, turn clockwise slightly until they pop up. In
the event of any emergency depress the stop button closest to operator to stop
machine.
4. Insert the feed tray into the slots of the feed table mounting brackets located
at mid level on the insides of both side panels and gently push the tray until it
seats.
5. Connect the power cord to a suitable power source which conforms to the
specified power requirements of the unit.
6. Place the drive switch in the FORWARD position. Gradually rotate the speed
control knob clockwise and observe the lamination drive rollers to see that they
are moving.
IMPORTANT: RETURN THE SPEED CONTROL KNOB TO ZERO!
7. Place the drive switch in the OFF position. Locate the forward/reverse switch
and place it in the REVERSE position, you will need to pause between positions.
Turn the drive switch ON and increase the speed by turning the speed control
knob clockwise. The rolls will now rotate in the opposite direction. This feature
will allow the operator to correct “wraparound” conditions.

15
EMERGENCY STOP
SWITCH
ROLL PRESSURE HANDLE: OPENS,
CLOSES & LOCKS ROLLERS
TENSION CONTROL FOR
RELEASE LINER TAKE UP
MANUAL/FOOT PEDAL
CONTROL SWITCH
DRIVE SWITCH
VARIABLE SPEED
CONTROL
FORWARD ~
REVERSE SWITCH

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3-2 THREADING THE LAMINATOR
SAFETY NOTICE: Always disconnect power from source before threading
laminator to prevent accidental injury to operator.
APPLICATION OF OVERLAMINATES:
1. Remove the supply roll mandrel and the feed tray. The supply roll mandrel is
now ready to accept loading of the PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive) material.
Slide a roll of film onto the top supply roll mandrel, turning the roll slightly to slide
the gripper inside the core. Center the roll. Make sure the adhesive side of the
film is facing upwards.
RIGHTSIDEVIEW
OF TOP SUPPLY ROLL
ADHESIVE OUT ADHESIVE IN
2. Center the roll on the mandrel and place the mandrel in the top brackets. This
is a job best done with two people, even if the roll of film is not very heavy. With
a person holding each end of the mandrel, it is easy to put both notch fittings into
their respective brackets. Make sure they are both fully seated. Attempting to
load the PSA material on the laminator by yourself may result in a back strain or
other injury.
3. For easier threading use a scrap paper leader or release paper from the
optional bottom roll feeder, preferably the same width or wider than the PSA you
are applying. Open laminating rollers and slide the paper through, leaving just
enough paper to tack onto the leading edge of your PSA material.

17
APPLICATION OF PSA FILM
AND VINYL WHERE
RELEASE LINER IS BEING
REMOVED BY THE RELEASE
LINER TAKEUP
APPLICATION OF PREMASKS,
TRANSER TAPES, PRESSURE
SENSITIVE ADHESIVES OR
OVERLAMINATES WITHOUT
RELEASE LINERS

18
4. Make sure when using a PSA with a liner that the film has been threaded
underneath the top idler bar (see threading diagram). Separate the liner from the
adhesive part of the film and tape the liner to the 3” core mounted on your
release liner take-up.
5. Close the laminating rollers and lower the safety shield toward the rollers.
Lock the feed table in place.
6. Reconnect power to the laminator.
7. Place the forward/reverse switch in the forward position. Turn the speed
control to the zero position. Turn the drive switch ON. Adjust supply roll tension
and release liner take-up tension as needed. NOTE: The release liner clutch
adjustment knob is located on the upper right side housing denoted by
“INCREASE / DECREASE” decal.
If a wraparound occurs, place the drive switch in the OFF position and turn the
speed control to zero. Place the forward/reverse switch in the reverse position.
Turn the drive switch on slowly and increase the speed. The operator will need
to alternately reverse, pull, reverse, pull, reverse, pull until the film is free of the
wraparound. Use the reverse jog sparingly as too much reverse can create a
“reverse wraparound”.
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 WHEN THE MACHINE IS ON or WHEN THE DRIVE SWITCH
IS IN THE FORWARD POSITION.
MISE EN GARGE: La machine a plastifier est concue pour que l’utilisteur
se place directement en face du plateau d’alimentation et des commandes.
De plus, pour assurer la securite de l’utilisateur, l’ecran protecteur doit etre
releve de facon a recouvrir le sabor chauffant superieur lorsque la machine
est sous tension (on) ou que l’interrupteur-moteur est en position de
marche avant (forward).
ADVERTENCIA: El plastificador está disenade para funcionar con el
operador estando directamente en frente del panel de mando y la bandeja
de alimentacion, y no a un angulo, o desde un costado de la maquina. Para
mayor sequridad del operador, el protector de seguridad debe estar en su
lugar cuando la maquina está
a encendida, o cuando el interruptor de mando está hacia adelante.