usi ARL-PRO-2700 User manual

ARL-PRO-2700
Thermal Mounting Roll Laminator
OWNERS MANUAL
Customer Service and Technical Support: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.usi-laminate.com
IMPORTANT INFORMATION

PLEASE DO NOT DESTROY THE SHIPPING CARTON!
USI urges you to store the original carton in which your laminator was shipped. Should you ever
need to return your laminator to our service and repair center, it is best repacked in the original
carton to avoid damage during transport. Our special carton ensures the laminator’s safe transit to
our facility. Failure to use original packaging will result in a repacking fee. If you have any service
inquires, please contact USI’s Customer Service department.
The details given in this manual are the most recent information available to us and they may be
subject to change in the future. We retain the right to make changes to the construction or design
of the equipment without accepting any responsibility for modifying earlier versions previously
delivered.
Warranty: A two year warranty will be issued from the date of product shipment. Please supply
the model and serial numbers on all correspondence concerning your laminator.
EQUIPMENT WARRANTY
We warrant to the original purchaser the equipment manufactured to be free from defects in
material and workmanship under normal use and service. Our obligation under this warranty shall
be limited to the repair or exchange of any part or parts which may prove in manufacture under
normal use and service within one year from the date of shipment and which our examination shall
disclose to our satisfaction to be defective. Warranty does not include damage due to operator
error or general maintenance. When necessary, purchaser shall properly repack and return the
unit to the USI Service Center, freight and insurance prepaid.
Note: You will be charged for the replacement of any parts which are damaged as a result of
improper packaging.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT ABILITY AND FITNESS FOR USE
AND ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIBILITIES ON OUR PART, AND WE NEITHER ASSUME
NOR AUTHORIZE ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR US, ANY OTHER LIBILITY IN
CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF THIS LAMINATING MACHIE OR ANY PART THEREOF
WHICH HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO ACCIDENT, NEGLIGENCE, ALTERATION, ABUSE OR
MISUSE. WE MAKE NO WARRANTY WHATSOEVER IN RESPECT TO ACCESSORIES OR
PARTS NOT SUPPLIED BY US. THE TERM “ORIGINAL PURCHASER,” AS USED IN THIS
WARRANTY, SHALL BE DEEDED TO THE PERSON OR COMPANY WHO FIRST PUTS THE
EQUIPMENT INTO SERVICE. THIS WARRANTY SHALL APPLY ONLY WITHIN THE
BOUNDARIES OF THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES.
Copyright Information:
IMPORTANT: This manual is copyright protected by USI, Inc. in accordance with the laws and
requirements of the United States Government. Any reproduction of this manual, in part or in full,
without the written permission of USI, Inc. constitutes a violation of the U.S. Copyright Laws and is
subject to prosecution.

For your safety...
Please review the following safety precautions
Do not connect the laminator to electrical power or attempt to operate it until you
have read the OWNERS MANUAL completely and understand it. If there are any
areas of proper laminator operation that you do not understand, contact USI
Technical Support for recommendations. Keep this manual in a convenient
location for future reference.

Read all safety messages located in this OWNERS MANUAL and on the
laminator very carefully.
Use care in unpacking and lifting the laminator as it weighs 80 pounds. Keep the
laminator level when lifting or moving it.
Consider the work area. A cluttered work space can lead to accidents. The
laminator should be placed on a level, sturdy surface. Do not operate the
laminator in a damp or wet environment. Do not operate electrical devices in the
presence of flammable liquids, solvents or in gaseous/explosive atmospheres.
Keep the work area well lit. Allow sufficient access to the front and the back of
the laminator.

Respect the heated rollers. Operating temperatures are hot enough to burn skin.
If clearing a film wrap-around or jam on or near the heaters, first set the Heat
Switch to the “OFF” position and allow the laminator to cool to room temperature.
Do not operate the laminator without the heat guard in place. Before lifting or
moving the laminator, set the Heat Switch to the “OFF” position and allow it to
cool to room temperature.

Removing the feed table exposes hot and moving parts. This means that you can
be harmed if you remove the feed table. When running the machine without the
feed table in position, use care to reduce the risk of injury to the operator.

Do not operate this laminator without all detachable parts installed correctly.
This means that there is risk of injury if this product is operated without all of its
parts in their proper positions.

Keep hands and clothing away from rollers. The rollers are pinch points that can
trap body parts or clothing and cause serious injury. Do not wear any loose
clothing, ties, jewelry, etc. which can be caught by rollers and draw any body part
into the machine.

Set the Drive Switch to the “OFF” position before walking away or leaving the
laminator unattended. Use common sense; be cautious when operating your
laminator. Do not operate the laminator when you are tired or your reactions are
impaired in any way. Do not allow anyone to operate the laminator who has not
received proper instruction and has not read the safety precautions. Keep
children away.

Do not use the laminator for other than its intended purpose.

Electrical Safeguards...
Never override or attempt to defeat electrical or mechanical safety interlock devices.
The laminator has been manufactured with a plug on the machine designed to
operate on a 115volt, 15 Ampere circuit.
Disconnect the power supply before servicing your laminator. If you service the
laminator yourself, contact USI Technical Support for additional safety
recommendations. Use only USI parts for service or replacement. Failure to use USI
parts could void manufacturer’s warranty. Note: Always turn the laminator “OFF”
and unplug it from the power outlet before attempting any service.
The laminator should only be operated from the type of power source indicated in this
OWNERS MANUAL and on the serial label located on the rear panel of the unit.
Do not leave the laminator power “ON” for extended periods while not in use.
Unplug the machine at the end of the day as a precaution against a possible fire
hazard.
Do not operate the laminator with a damaged power supply cord or plug. Do not
use an extension cord. Do not abuse the power supply cord; never pull cord to
disconnect it from a power supply. Do not allow cord to contact heat, oil or sharp
edges. Do not cut off or otherwise bypass the grounding prong on the plug.
Replace fuses only with same type fuses. Contact USI for replacement fuses.

1. Laminator Introduction…
USI Roll Laminators are uniquely designed and engineered to be user friendly, reliable and
virtually trouble free and provide a quality lamination with a minimum level of user skill and
machine control. USI’s modular construction makes them easy to maintain and repair. All
equipment controls are basic in design and function, and positioned for easy access. This
laminator has been designed expressly to use USI and ProMount supplies. When used with
these materials, you are able to encapsulate, mount, and mount and laminate. This machine has
not been tested with any other materials and is not recommended for use with supplies other than
USI and ProMount. We thank you for selecting this machine and assure you of our continuing
support!
1.1 First, Find a Work Area…
A sturdy work station is required to house your USI laminator. Picking an area that is well lit,
clean and dust free will help ensure the highest quality output. Ample room is necessary to
access the laminator from all four sides. If the laminator is back against a wall, the laminating film
may back up and jam the machine. WARNING: Do Not place the laminator where the heaters
will be in the direct path of a room cooling fan, air conditioner or similar forced draft.
Tools necessary to set up your laminator include cutting pliers and adhesive tape. For future
maintenance and repairs, an assortment of metric Allen key wrenches, a slotted screw driver and
a Phillips screw driver are necessary.
1.2 Unpacking Your Laminator…
Your laminator comes packed in one carton. It contains (1) laminator, (1) heat guard, (1) top
supply mandrel, (1) bottom supply mandrel, (1) threading board, (1) feed table with guide, (1) set
of keys, (1) roller lift handle, and this Owners Manual.
Upon receipt of your laminator, inspect the carton, the machine and all other contents of the
carton for shipping damage. Damage should be brought to the immediate attention of the
delivering carrier and USI Customer Service.
Using a minimum of two people, carefully lift the laminator from the carton by grasping the ends
of the machine and lifting. Do Not lift the laminator by the Upper Idler Roller or Supply Mandrels.
These are not weight bearing parts and lifting the laminator by these parts can cause damage to
the machine and possible personal injury.
For shipping purposes, white plastic tie straps are used to hold the power cord and accessories in
place. These straps need to be carefully cut and removed prior to set up. Use care to ensure
that you do not damage any machine wiring while cutting straps.

2. Machine Controls…
2.1 Motor Controls
All of the motor controls are located on the left side of the machine as viewed from the front.
Key Lock Switch: is located towards the top of the Left Control Panel. It disables the motor
drive to keep unwanted users from running the machine. The machine comes with two keys;
please keep one in a safe place in case of loss.
Motor Speed Control: is located in the middle of the Left Control Panel. It adjusts the roller
speed from 0 to 12 feet per minute. The speed control should not be used to turn the rollers “Off,”
use the Motor Drive Switch to do so. The speed control is only to be used for controlling running
speed.
Motor Drive Switch: is located at the bottom of the Left Control Panel. It makes the rollers run
in either a “forward” or “reverse” direction. Press “Up” on the switch to engage “forward” or press
“Down” to engage “reverse.”The middle position is the roller “Off” setting. Roller speed is fully
adjustable in either drive position.
Foot Switch Socket: is located above the power cord connection; the optional Foot Pedal
Control is plugged in here.
Foot Pedal Control: is optional and allows use of your foot to turn the motor drive “On” and “Off”
to allow freer use of your hands for handling and feeding your substrates into the machine. The
Foot Pedal Control does not control roller speed or direction; plug control into socket, depress the
drive switch to the “forward” position, depress control pedal to engage rollers and then set roller
speed as desired, release control pedal to stop rollers, set drive switch to “Off” when laminating is
completed.
2.2 Fan Controls
Fan Switch: is located at the top of the Left Control Panel. When encapsulating with heavier Mil
laminating films, it is usually desirable to cool the exiting laminating film to help ensure a quality
finish. When the switch is set to the “On” position, the cooling fans automatically turn on and off
whenever the rollers are engaged or disengaged.
2.3 Heat Controls
The heat controls are located on both the Left and Right Control Panels.
Heat Switch: is located on the Left Control Panel. It is the main power control for the heating
system and is set to “On” whenever encapsulating or thermally activated foam board products are
used. When using “cold” or pressure sensitive foam products, the switch is set to “Off.”
Display Board: is located on the Right Control Panel. When the Heat Switch is set to the “On”
position, the display normally shows your “Set” temperature.
Temperature Control: is located in the middle of the Right Control Panel. It allows the machine
to be set from 180 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. As the control knob is rotated, the set temperature
is immediately shown on the display.
ACT Switch: is located on the Right Control Panel. When depressed it changes the display
reading from the “set” temperature to the actual roller temperature.

C/F Switch: is located on the Right Control Panel. When depressed it changes the display
readings from Fahrenheit to Centigrade.
Heat Mode Switch: is located at the top of the Right Control Panel. It changes the setting from
“dual” heat (top and bottom rollers heated) for encapsulating to “single” heat (only top roller
heated) for use with thermally activated foam board products. Dual heat should never be used
with any foam board products as the extra heat can cause damage to them.
2.4 Tension Controls
Film Tension Knobs: are located on the right end of the machine at the end of each supply
mandrel. Film tension can be tightened or loosened as necessary for smooth lamination with
your individual rolls of laminate. In general, only tighten the tension enough for smooth
lamination, excessively high tension can cause laminating problems and increase wear on the
machine. It is normal to need higher tension on a new roll of laminating film and lower tension as
the size of the roll decreases with use.
2.5 Roller Lift Control
Roller Lift Handle: is located on the right end of the machine. When received, the handle is not
installed and is packed separately. Your machine is shipped with the rollers in the “closed”
position, place the lift handle onto the lift shaft so that the handle is pointing downward and
secure with the supplied screw and wrench. Do not turn the lift handle until it is securely fastened
onto the lift shaft. Rollers should be in the “closed” (down) position for encapsulating and “open”
(up) when processing foam board products. Processing some foam board products with the
rollers in the “closed” position can cause damage to your substrate. This machine is not
designed to process foam board products in excess of ¼” thick. It may also be beneficial to
“open” the rollers to help facilitate cleaning them.

3. Basics of Operating Your Laminator,
Encapsulating…
3.1 Encapsulating
Your new laminator arrives ready-to-run. For basic encapsulating, the machine needs to be
loaded with laminating film and have the Feed Table and Heat Guard installed. If the machine is
not loaded with laminating film already, do so as detailed in the section titled “3.2 Loading Film for
Encapsulating.” For operating instructions utilizing foam boards, see the section titled “3.6
ProMount Foam Boards.”
Plug the laminator into an appropriate power supply and set the Heat Switch to the “ON” position.
Next, set the temperature according to the film manufacturer’s recommendations for the film you
have chosen, and allow the machine to heat for approximately 15 minutes. Temperature
adjustment is detailed in the section titled “3.4 Heat Settings for Encapsulating.”
After 15 minutes of heating time, set the Motor Drive Switch to the “FORWARD” position and
allow the rubber rollers to rotate ½ turn. Set the Motor Drive Switch to the “OFF” position and
allow the machine to heat an additional 15 minutes before use. Check the heat setting and adjust
as necessary.
Set the Motor Drive Switch to the “FORWARD” position and perform a test lamination to ensure
proper settings for successful lamination. Watch film as it exits the rollers so it doesn’t wrap
around the rollers. It may be helpful to hold the exiting film at first when starting a lamination run.
If any adjustments are necessary make them now and run another test; see adjustment details in
the section titled “3.5 Film Tension for Encapsulating.” Repeat this step until you obtain desired
results.
When laminating, run a small amount of film before feeding the print into the laminator to avoid a
“dwell line”across the leading edge of your print. Feed the print slowly and evenly. Smoothing
the print or keeping gentle “back pressure” on it as the rollers pull it through will help to ensure a
professional, wrinkle free finish. You may laminate subsequent prints now, leaving appropriate
space between each print for trimming.
When your last print has cleared the pull rollers and completely exited the laminator, set the
Motor Drive Switch to the “OFF” position. Do Not use the Speed Control Knob to turn the drive
system “OFF;”the speed control is only to be used for controlling running speed.
When you have finished laminating, set the Heat Switch and the Motor Drive Switch to the “OFF”
position, rotate the roller lift handle to “open” the rollers, and unplug the machine at the end of the
day.

3.2 Loading Film for Encapsulating…
3.2.1 Non-Color-Coded laminating film:
Select the two rolls of laminating film that you wish to use. Both rolls of film should be of the
same size, type and thickness. Note: Always operate the laminator with two rolls of laminating
film of the same width to avoid excessive adhesive transfer to the Rubber Rollers. Next, take the
Bottom Supply Mandrel (labeled “Low”) and insert it into the roll of film until the “gripper dog”
meets the film’s cardboard core. Rotate the mandrel in the opposite direction from which the
“gripper dog” points. As you rotate, apply pressure to force the mandrel into the roll of film and
proceed to center it on the Supply Mandrel.
Place the loaded Bottom Supply Mandrel on the laminator; insert the right side first and then
lower the left side into the roll bracket.
Take the Top Supply Mandrel (labeled “Top”), insert it into the roll of laminating film as above,
and place it in the top position in the same manner as was done with the lower. Note: See the
Threading Diagram Label on the bottom of the Feed Table for reference.
3.2.2 Color-coded laminating film:
Select the two rolls of laminating film that you wish to use. Both rolls of film should be of the
same size, type and thickness. Note: Always operate the laminator with two rolls of laminating
film of the same width to avoid excessive adhesive transfer to the Rubber Rollers. Next, take the
Bottom Supply Mandrel (marked with the blue Color-Code) and insert it into the roll of film so the
blue end of the mandrel matches the blue end of the film roll. While inserting the Supply
Mandrel, rotate it in the opposite direction from which the “gripper dog” points while pressing it
into the roll of film and center on the mandrel. Place the loaded Supply Mandrel on the machine
by matching the blue end with the Blue Friction Stud and then lower the left side into the roll
bracket.
To load the top, do the same as with the lower, only match the red ends.
CAUTION: Do not apply excessive force to the ends of the Supply Mandrel (i.e. with a hammer,
etc.). Excessive force will damage the mandrel.
Notes:
When loading your laminating film, check for film splices. These rolls will be clearly
marked. Splices are not common, but are unavoidable. If you find a spliced roll, place it
in the “top”position on the laminator so that the splice can be monitored carefully. When
the splice is ready to come through the laminator, set the Motor Drive Switch and the
Heat Switch to the “OFF” position and allow the machine to cool. Then rotate the roll of
film by hand so that the film is very slack. Set the Motor Drive Switch to the “FORWARD”
position again and allow the splice to run through. If necessary, keep turning the roll of
film by hand to keep it slack until the splice has passed through.
When loading film on the laminator, be sure the heat is turned “OFF” and the machine is
cool to avoid chance of burns.
Film rolls must be centered on the Supply Mandrels. If the rolls are not aligned, hot
adhesive will be deposited on the Rubber Rollers necessitating a cleaning operation.

1” core laminating film is rolled adhesive side “in” (poly-in”). When loading film on the
Supply Mandrels, be sure that the roll is positioned correctly to unroll as shown in the
Threading Diagram on the back of the Feed Table. If the roll is loaded in reverse, the film
could adhere to the laminator when heated necessitating a cleaning operation.
3.3 Threading Film for Encapsulating…
Thread the top film under the Upper Idler Roller. Pull the film down so that the film’s leading edge
is just below the Lower Front Laminating Roller. Next, thread the bottom film around the Lower
Idler Roller. Pull it upward until it is even with the top of the Top Front Laminating Roller (the film
will overlap). Tape the lower film’s edge to the upper film. This creates a film “Web.” Refer to
the Threading Diagram on the back of the Feed Table for additional details.
Loosen the tension on both rolls of laminating film by turning the Tension Adjustment Knobs
counter-clockwise; when threading the laminating film it is best to have no drag at all. Turn the
Speed Control Knob to a slow speed setting. Set the Motor Drive Switch to the “FORWARD”
position and using the Threading Board, push the film Web into the Laminating Rollers. This
process will push the Web into the Pull Rollers and then exit the machine. Ensure that the
Threading Board and laminating film exit between the rear Pull Rollers.
Remove the Threading Board and save it for your next use. Your laminator is now loaded and
ready to be heated.
Note: If the Threading Board becomes lost or damaged, you can make your own with a piece of
poster board. Cut the poster board 10” wide by 30” long.
3.4 Heat Settings for Encapsulating…
For Basic encapsulating, set the Heat Switch to the “ON” position. The Red Indicator Light will
illuminate and remain lit while the Heat Switch is in the “ON”position. Next, set the Heat Mode
Switch on the Right Side Panel to “dual heat.” The Display Board, also on the Right Side Panel is
now illuminated and shows the current set temperature. To reset the temperature, rotate the
Heat Control Knob located below the display. The new set temperature will be displayed
immediately. The Heat Indicator Lamp will be illuminated while the machine is heating and will
turn off when the set temperature is reached. To view the actual running temperature, depress
the ACT Button on the Display Board.
Notes:
When setting the heat to a temperature below 200˚F, first rotate the Heat Control Knob
fully clockwise and then proceed to the desired temperature setting.
The temperature display can be toggled between Fahrenheit and Centigrade by
depressing the C/F button on the Display Board.

3.5 Film Tension for Encapsulating…
To adjust the film tension on the Top and Bottom Supply Mandrels, the laminator must be loaded
and heated. Remove the Heat Guard and Feed Table and then loosen the tension on both rolls
of laminating film by turning the Tension Adjustment Knobs counter-clockwise until there is no
drag on either the Top or Bottom Supply Mandrels. Turn the Speed Control Knob to a slow
speed setting and set the Motor Drive Switch to the “FORWARD” position. As the film runs
through the laminator with no tension it will appear wrinkled and bubbly. Gradually increase the
tension on both the Top and Bottom Supply Mandrels by turning the knobs clockwise until the film
is smooth on the Heated Laminating Rollers and is no longer wrinkled and bubbly appearing.
Notes:
For best results, reset the film tension with EACH new set of film rolls.
As the film supply becomes low and the roll diameter decreases, it is necessary to
decrease the tension on the film rolls.
Too little tension on the Top or Bottom Supply Mandrels causes vertical or diagonal
streaks in the film as it passes over the Heated Laminating Rollers.
Excessive tension will lead to increased wear on the laminator and will cause exiting
laminating film to curl excessively.

4. Basics of Operating Your Laminator,
ProMount Foam Boards…
Your new laminator is capable of running many different types of ProMount foam board products
that allow you to professionally and easily mount with pressure sensitive products or thermally
mount, or thermally mount and laminate in one step. For mounting, remove both rolls of
laminating film and the film web and install the Feed Table and Heat Guard.
4.1 Mounting using a ProMount Pressure-
Sensitive Mounting Board…
Before starting, refer to the instruction sheet packed with each box of ProMount Mounting Boards
for specific instructions on mounting and laminating.
1. Plug the laminator into an appropriate power supply. Do not turn the heat on. If the
machine is hot from previous use with thermal products, allow it to completely cool to
room temperature before proceeding.
2. Set the rollers to the “open” position
3. Starting at the top of the mounting board, peel back 2" of the liner paper. Do not remove
the entire liner paper.
4. Line up the top edge of the substrate to be mounted with the top of the mounting board
and gently set down on the board. Do not press the substrate down firmly until you are
certain that it is aligned correctly for your needs; the repositionable adhesive will allow for
slight adjustments to the substrate as long as it is not firmly pressed into place.
5. Set the Motor Drive Switch to the “FORWARD” position and adjust the rollers to a very
slow speed.
6. Slowly insert the top edge of the mounting board into the nip roller opening and continue
to slowly peel back the release liner with one hand, while lifting the substrate away from
the mount board with the other. A gentle push may be required to start the board into the
machine. Do not allow the substrate to contact the mounting board until it contacts the
rubber rollers; the rubber rollers will advance the board and the substrate will adhere to
the board and automatically exit at the rear.
7. When your last mounting board has cleared the pull rollers and completely exited the
laminator, set the Motor Drive Switch to the “OFF” position. Do Not use the Speed
Control Knob to turn the drive system “OFF;” the speed control is only to be used for
controlling running speed. When you have finished mounting, set the Motor Drive Switch
to the “OFF” position, rotate the roller lift handle to “open” the rollers, and unplug the
machine at the end of the day.

4.2 Mounting using a ProMount Thermal Mounting
Board…
Before starting, refer to the instruction sheet packed with each box of ProMount Mounting Boards
for specific instructions on mounting.
1. Plug the laminator into an appropriate power supply and set the heat as detailed in the
section titled “Heat Settings for ProMount Thermal Products.”
2. Set the rollers to the “open” position.
3. Place the image to be mounted on the adhesive-coated side of the mounting board; the
adhesive side is the “dull” side of the board.
4. Cover your print with the “Cover Sheet;” a cover sheet is included with each box of
ProMount Mounting Boards. Note: be certain that the board is completely covered by the
cover sheet; any exposed adhesive on the mounting board will be deposited on the
rubber rollers requiring cleaning. The “glossy” side of the cover sheet contacts the
mounting board and your print.
5. Set the Motor Drive Switch to the “FORWARD” position and adjust the rollers to a very
slow speed, approximately 8 inches per minute. Note: if the roller speed is too fast a
poor mount bond will result. When possible, perform a test to ensure proper settings for
successful mounting.
6. Insert the board into the roller nip opening. Ensure the board will enter centered and
straight. A gentle push may be required to start the board into the machine. Hold the
edges of the board until it is engaged in the rollers and the laminator begins pulling it on
its own.
7. The board will feed through the laminator and automatically exit at the rear of the unit.
CAUTION! The board will be hot! Allow it to lie flat while cooling.
8. When your final mounting board has cleared the pull rollers and completely exited the
laminator, set the Motor Drive Switch to the “OFF” position. Do Not use the Speed
Control Knob to turn the drive system “OFF;” the speed control is only to be used for
controlling running speed. When you have finished mounting, set the Heat Switch and
the Motor Drive Switch to the “OFF” position, rotate the roller lift handle to “open” the
rollers, and unplug the machine at the end of the day.
4.3 Mounting and Laminating using a ProMount
Pouch Board…
Before starting, refer to the instruction sheet packed with each box of ProMount Pouch Boards for
specific instructions on mounting and laminating.
1. Plug the laminator into an appropriate power supply and set the heat as detailed in the
section titled “Heat Settings for ProMount Thermal Products.”
2. Set the rollers to the “open” position if using 3/16” thick white, or ¼” thick white or black
ProMount Pouch Boards. If using 3/16” thick black ProMount Pouch Boards, set the
rollers to the “closed” position.
3. A ProMount Pouch Board consists of a ProMount mounting board with a sheet of
laminating film on top. The film is sealed to the mounting board along one of the short
edges of the board. Carefully examine the pouch board to determine which edge is
sealed. Starting at the end opposite of the sealed edge, gently lift and pull back the
laminating film. Care should be taken not to break the sealed hinge.
4. Center the image to be laminated on the board and lay the film back over it.

5. Set the Motor Drive Switch to the “FORWARD” position and adjust the rollers to a very
slow speed, approximately 8 inches per minute. Note: if the roller speed is too fast a
poor lamination will result. When possible, perform a test lamination to ensure proper
settings for successful lamination.
6. Slowly insert the pouch board into the roller nip opening. Ensure that it will enter
centered and straight. A gentle push may be required to start the board into the machine.
Hold the edges of the board until it is engaged in the rollers and the laminator begins
pulling it on its own. Smoothing or keeping gentle “back pressure” on it as the rollers pull
it through will help to ensure a professional, wrinkle free finish.
7. The pouch board will feed through the laminator and automatically exit at the rear.
8. CAUTION! The pouch board will be hot! Allow it to lie flat while cooling. Note: If there is
any dirt or adhesive on the surface of the board, it can be removed by dampening a lint
free cloth with ISO Propyl Alcohol (IPA) and wiping the surface.
WARNING: ALWAYS USE CARE WHEN USING IPA! IPA IS VERY
FLAMMABLE! THE FLASH POINT OF IPA IS 11°C (51.8°F). THE SELF-IGNITION
TEMPERATURE IS 400°C (752°F).
9. When your final pouch board has cleared the pull rollers and completely exited the
laminator, set the Motor Drive Switch to the “OFF” position. Do Not use the Speed
Control Knob to turn the drive system “OFF;” the speed control is only to be used for
controlling running speed. When you have finished mounting, set the Heat Switch and
the Motor Drive Switch to the “OFF” position, rotate the roller lift handle to “open” the
rollers, and unplug the machine at the end of the day.
4.4 Heat Settings for ProMount Thermal
Products…
Set the Heat Switch to the “ON” position. The Red Indicator Light will illuminate and remain lit
while the Heat Switch is in the “ON” position. Next, set the Heat Mode Switch on the Right Side
Panel to “single heat.” The Display Board, also on the Right Side Panel is now illuminated and
shows the current set temperature. The recommended processing temperature for ProMount
foam board products is 300˚ F. To reset the temperature, rotate the Heat Control Knob located
below the display. The new set temperature will be displayed immediately. The Heat Indicator
Lamp will be illuminated while the machine is heating and will turn off when the set temperature is
reached. To view the actual running temperature, depress the ACT Button on the Display Board.
Allow approximately 20 minutes of heating time, while the machine is heating set the Motor Drive
Switch to the “FORWARD” position and allow the rubber rollers to rotate at a very slow speed to
help ensure even heat distribution.
Note: processing foam board products with the “dual heat” mode selected will overheat and
damage your substrates. If the machine was recently run in “dual heat” mode and is still fully
heated, allow the machine to heat in “single heat” mode for approximately 10 minutes to allow the
bottom roller to cool before proceeding.

4.5 Heat Settings for ProMount Pressure Sensitive
Products…
We do not recommend using any heat with ProMount Pressure Sensitive Products.
5. Cleaning the Machine…
If you service the laminator yourself, call USI Technical Assistance (800-752-9131) for additional
service and safety recommendations.
5.1 Cleaning the Rubber Rollers
With continuous use, the Rubber Rollers will accumulate adhesive and dirt. If indentations or
bumps begin to appear on the surface of the finished lamination, or the Rubber Rollers have
“shiny” spots on them (especially on the ends), cleaning is necessary. Use a dry Scotch Brite®
scrubbing pad to cut through adhesive deposits. Rotate the Speed Control Knob to a slow speed
setting and toggle the Motor Drive Switch between the “FORWARD” and “OFF” positions to
advance the rollers and clean all areas. Proceed to wipe the rollers clean using the sponge pad
moistened with cleaning fluid.
Notes:
Be certain that the laminator has cooled down to room temperature when cleaning the
Rubber Rollers to avoid the chance of burns.
Use cleaning fluid sparingly; Do Not allow it to “run” onto wiring or into the “ends” of the
laminator.
Do Not use knives, scissors, any sharp metallic objects or steel wool to clean the Rubber
Rollers. Use of such objects will damage the rubber surfaces and require replacement of
the rollers. Damage of this nature is not covered under the Manufacturer’s Warranty.
For additional maintenance and service procedures call USI Technical Support for
recommendations.

6. General Operating Tips…
Read the instruction manual before operating your laminator.
This laminator has been designed expressly to use USI and ProMount supplies. This
machine has not been tested with any other materials and is not recommended for use
with supplies other than USI and ProMount.
Always run test samples before laminating valuable items.
Feed the print through slowly and evenly, smoothing it or using gentle “back pressure” as
it is pulled into the laminator.
If encapsulating, operate the laminator with two rolls of the same width laminating film to
avoid excessive adhesive transfer to the rollers.
If laminator is not in current use, turn the machine "OFF.”
Never feed abrasive materials or metal objects such as staples or paper clips through the
laminator. Keep sharp objects like scissors and rulers away from the rollers at all times.
Once an item has been fed between the Rubber Rollers, do not attempt to alter its
position as this can damage the print.
Do not stop the laminator before the item has completely exited from the rear to avoid a
“dwell line” across the print.
Do not service the laminator before disconnecting the power supply.

7. Troubleshooting...
7.1 Encapsulating
1. Laminating film is not bonding to substrate or to itself at sealed edges:
a. Heat is set too low.
b. Film tension is too tight.
c. Bottom roll of laminating film is threaded incorrectly.
2. Wrinkles or irregular waves running across the laminated web (perpendicular to the
edge):
a. Heat is set too high.
b. Film tension is too loose (large, irregular waves).
c. Film tension is too tight (small, fine wrinkles –“orange peel” effect).
d. Roller speed is too fast.
3. Stretch lines running with the web (parallel to the edge):
a. Film tension is too tight.
b. Heat is set too high.
c. Substrate is too thick to seal fully.
4. Blisters on surface of substrate or along edge of substrate:
a. Heat is set too high.
b. Excessive moisture in the substrate being laminated.
c. Inks are not fully dry.
d. Rubber Rollers are not clean or are damaged.
5. Curling of the finished lamination:
a. Unbalanced tension on the supply mandrels; too much tension on the top supply
mandrel will cause the film to curl upward, or too much tension on the bottom
supply mandrel will cause the film to curl downward.
b. Bottom roll of laminating film is threaded incorrectly.
6. Wrinkling around edge of laminated substrate:
a. Substrate to be laminated is too thick; try a laminating film with a thicker adhesive
layer to compensate for the added thickness or flush cut the substrate.
7.2 Mounting
1. Print is not bonding to foam board:
a. Heat is set too low.
b. Roller speed is too fast.
c. Print was not placed on the adhesive side of the mounting board (ProMount
Mounting Boards only).

USI
98 Fort Path Road
Madison, Connecticut 06443
Customer Service and Technical Support:
[phone], Int’l. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.usi-laminate.com
East Coast Distribution Center: Madison, CT
West Coast Distribution Center: Phoenix, AZ