usi MRL Series User manual
OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
MRL SERIES
ROLL LAMINATORS/MOUNTERS
WIDE
FORMAT
LAMINATING
Inc. Since 1975
USI
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 repair and ser-
vice center, it is best repacked in the original carton to avoid damage during
transport. Our special foam filled carton ensures the laminator’s safe transit
to our service facility. Failure to use original packaging will result in a repack-
ing fee. If you have any service inquiries, please contact USI’s Support
Department, M-F 8am-7pm EST, at 1-800-282-9890.
Note: You will be charged for the replacement of any parts which are dam-
aged as a result of improper packaging.
Warranty: A Full Two Year Warranty will be issued upon the date the product
has been received in by the customer. Please supply the model and serial
numbers on all correspondence concerning your laminator.
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 defective under normal use and service with-
in two years from the date of shipment and which our examination shall dis-
close to our satisfaction to be defective. When necessary, purchaser shall
properly pack and return the unit to the USI Service Center, freight and insur-
ance prepaid.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT ABILITY AND FITNESS FOR USE
AND OF ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES ON OUR PART, AND WE NEITHER
ASSUME NOR AUTHORIZE ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR US, ANY OTHER LIA-
BILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF THIS LAMINATING MACHINE OR ANY PART
THEREOF WHICH HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO ACCIDENT, NEGLIGENCE, ALTERATION,
ABUSE OR MISUSE. WE MAKE NO WARRANTY WHATSOEVER IN RESPECT TO ACCES-
SORIES OR PARTS NOT SUPPLIED BYUS. THETERM “ORIGINALPURCHASER,”AS USED
IN THIS WARRANTY, SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE THE PERSON OR COMPANY WHO FIRST
PUTS THE EQUIPMENT INTO SERVICE. THIS WARRANTY SHALL APPLY ONLY WITHIN
THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES.
2USI • YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
EQUIPMENT WARRANTY
YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION • USI 3
READ ME FIRST!
About this manual:
This manual contains all the information you need to properly unpack, operate and maintain your USI
Laminator. Before unpacking your laminator we suggest you read and follow the manual step by step.
It contains essential information about each and every facet of your laminator. Pay special attention
to the work environment and safety precautions necessary for your laminating unit.
The manual is organized in the following way:
• There are five major chapters, each covers a different subject heading.
• Each chapter is further broken down into parts.
Each part contains a detailed discussion covering either an operation
or maintenance procedure for your laminator.
• Please pay special attention to particular notes and caution statements.
These comments alert you to information that we feel essential to operator
safety and damage prevention to the laminator.
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.
4USI • YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 — Preparation
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Work Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Laminator Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Loading Film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11
Heat Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Threading Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Tension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Roller Lifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Loading Pressure Sensitive Film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Automatic Reverse Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Cooling Fans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Inline Slitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Chapter 2 — Care And Cleaning
Reloading A New Supply Of Film On A Hot Laminator . . . . . . . . 18
Cleaning The Heat Shoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Removing The Heat Shoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Cleaning The Rubber Rollers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Laminator Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Chapter 3 — Common Examples Of Poor Laminating And Their Causes
Trouble Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Chapter 4 — Wiring
Wiring Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 5 — Technical Drawing/Parts
Exploded View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION • USI 5
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Please review the following safety precautions before unpacking your new laminator.
• Use care in unpacking and lifting the laminator. Keep laminator level when lifting or moving.
Laminator weighs approximately 300 pounds.
•Consider work area. A cluttered work space can lead to accidents. The laminator should be
placed on a level sturdy surface. Do not attempt to operate the laminator in damp or wet
environments. Do not operate electrical devices in the presence of flammable liquids,
solvents or in gaseous/explosive atmospheres. Keep work area well lit. Allow sufficient
access to front and back of machine. See the manual for additional work space requirements.
•Respect feed rollers. Keep hands away from feed rollers and any other moving parts.
Turn drive switch OFF before attempting to clear film wrap arounds or jams. Use automatic
reverse to clear film. Do not wear any loose clothing, ties, jewelry, etc., which can be caught
by feed rollers and draw any body part into the machine.
•Respect heat shoes. Operating temperatures are hot enough to burn skin. If clearing a film
wrap around or jam on or near heat shoes, first turn the heat switch OFF and allow laminator
to cool to room temperature.
•Do not operate laminator with any panels or guards removed. Panels and guards protect
operators from such moving parts as the drive chain and sprockets, roller ends, etc.
•Turn the power switch OFF before walking away or leaving the laminator unattended.
• Before lifting or moving laminator, turn power switch OFF, unplug and allow to
cool to room temperature. Remove film rolls before lifting or moving machine.
Film is easy to rethread, see the section in this manual.
• Keep children away. Make sure visitors are kept well back from an operating laminator.
• Do not abuse electrical cord. Never pull cord to disconnect from electrical outlet.
Do not allow cord to contact heat, oil or sharp edges. Do not cut off or otherwise
bypass the grounding prong on the plug.
•If an extension cord is necessary be sure it is properly rated and of the same wire gauge
or smaller as the laminator cord. Capacity of the cord must prevent loss of power and
overheating. Before using, inspect extension cord for any damage, including loose or
exposed wires, broken fittings, damaged insulation, etc.
•If you service the laminator yourself, call USI’s tech department at (1-800-282-9890) or
(1-800-752-9131) for additional safety recommendations. Use only USI parts for service
or replacement. Failure to use USI parts could void manufacturer’s warranty.
•Use common sense. Be cautious when operating your laminator. Do not operate
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 instructions.
A separate work station is required to house your USI laminator. Ample room is necessary
to access the laminator from all 4 sides. If the laminator is back against a wall, the laminating
film may back up and jam the equipment. Your laminator must be on a stable, level surface.
A USI laminator cabinet is an excellent choice for a work area. It can easily be moved and
provides sufficient storage for film in the cabinet below.
WARNING: Do not place the laminator where the heat shoes 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 shears and any adhesive tape.
For future service or maintenance, an assortment of Allen wrenches, a flat head screwdriver
and a Phillips head screwdriver are necessary.
LAMINATOR SPECIFICATIONS
POWER REQUIREMENTS 42 MRL
220-240VAC
Single Phase
3 Wire
30 amp
6000 Watts
6USI • YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION
FIND A WORK AREA
42" MRL
Accepts: 41-1/4"
Weight: 300 lbs
Width: 51"
Depth: 26"
Height: 23"
Speed Variable: 15’
Photo 6A.
USI’s Heavy
Duty
Laminator
Cart.
YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION • USI 7
The shipping carton contains:
1 Laminator
1 Top Supply Mandrel
1 Bottom Supply Mandrel
1 Feed Table
1 Operating Handbook
1 Pressure Sensitive Take up Mandrel*
*MRL42 only.
Be sure to save the shipping carton, it’s
components and it’s skid...
Should your laminator ever need to be returned for service,
the foam-filled carton ensures safe transit.
CAUTION: Laminator is extremely heavy.
Two people will be needed to move the machine.
USI suggests using a third person to remove skid
from area upon lifting of laminator.
UNPACKING YOUR LAMINATOR
Photo 7A.
Cut shipping straps with cutters.
Photo 7B.
Remove cardboard box top from laminator skid.
Photo 7C.
Lift and place laminator on surface top.
8USI • YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION
LOADING FILM
Step 1:
•The laminator should be preheated before loading
laminating film.
•To heat the machine, turn on the main power switch
located on the left rear corner of the laminator.
Next, turn on both of the heat shoe power switches
located on the left control console. The LCD’s
showing the temperature setting will illuminate.
•Rotate the heat control knobs until desired temperature
is indicated on the LCD panel. The red heat-on lights will
remain on until the machine is up to temperature, at
this time the red lights will turn off and the green lights
will turn on.
Step 2:
When the laminator is heating, the rollers should be turning to heat the rubber rollers evenly.
•Turn the drive switch to the forward position and rotate the speed control knob until the
rollers are moving slowly.
•Heat approximately 15 minutes, until the green ready light turns on.
CHOOSING FILM
Choose your laminating film. For encapsulating, both types of film should be of the
same size, type and thickness.
Temperature Range (F) Film Type Film Weight (in mils)
275°—290° Standard 1.5, 3 and 5
230°—250° Opti Clear®1.3, 3, 5, 7 and 10
230°—250°Photo Plus®3, 5 and 10
190°—210° DigiSeal®1.7, 3, 5 and 10
Photo 8A.
Turning on the main power switch.
NOTE: Each laminator is test run after it is assembled.
Your laminator may have a piece of test film in the rollers
when you receive it. If so, before threading, remove the
test film by turning the drive switch to “ON”. The test film
will exit the laminator.
YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION • USI 9
NOTE: Do not apply excessive force to the ends of the
mandrel (i.e. with a hammer). Force will cause damage.
Film rolls must be centered on supply mandrels. If rolls are
not aligned, hot adhesive will be deposited on the heat shoes
and rubber rollers, necessitating a cleaning operation.
Square
End
Top Mandrel
Take the bottom supply mandrel 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 center it on the mandrel. See
Diagram above. Place the lower mandrel on the laminator.
Take the top supply mandrel and insert it into the desired roll
of film and place it on the laminator as illustrated above. Fol-
low the same steps to load the top supply mandrel. See
threading diagrams on page 10.
FILM SPLICES
NOTE: 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 splice, place that
film roll on the top position so the splice can be monitored
carefully. When the splice is ready to come through the lami-
nator, turn the drive off, and rotate the roll of film by hand so
the film is very loose. Turn on the drive switch again and
allow the splice to run through. If necessary, keep turning the
roll of film to keep it slack until the splice is out.
Photo 9A.
Inserting top supply mandrel into roll of film.
Photo 9B.
Place each mandrel back on laminator.
(Dull SIde)
Adhesive
Shiny Side
Round
End
Gripper
Dog
Tension
Knob
Square
End
Bottom Mandrel
(Dull SIde)
Adhesive
Shiny Side Round
End
Gripper
Dog
Tension
Knob
10 USI • YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION
THREADING DIAGRAM
UPPER PULL
ROLLER
UPPER 2-1/4"
SUPPLY MANDREL
LOWER IDLER ROLLER
DULL SIDE
GLOSSY SIDE
FRONT
HEAT SHOE
UPPER
LAMINATING
ROLLER
LOWER PULL
ROLLER
UPPER IDLER ROLLER
GLOSSY SIDE
DULL SIDE
HEAT SHOE
LOWER
LAMINATING
ROLLER
LOWER 2-1/4"
SUPPLY MANDREL
YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION • USI 11
Step 3:
•Thread the top roll of film under the idler roller.
Pull the film down so that the film’s lead edge is
below the lower heat shoe.
•Next thread the bottom roll of film under the
lower idler bar pulling film upward until it is even
with the top heat shoe and parallel side to side
with the top roll of film.
“Tack” it to the top film edge, this creates a film “Web”.
NOTE: Use caution when threading film around heat shoes.
Step 4:
•Loosen tension on both rolls of laminating film.
Rotate both roller lifts to their full clockwise position.
Be sure that the slitters are rotated up and out
of the film’s path.
Turn on the “Drive” switch and using the threading
board–push the film web into the laminating rolls.
This process will push the web into the pull rolls
and exit. Take extra care to ensure that the film exits
between the rear rollers. Your laminator is now loaded.
NOTE: Slowly run the laminator while threading to
help maintain control.
•Remove the threading board and
save for your next use.
NOTE: Create your own threading board from a
piece of poster board 12” x 25”.
Photo 11A. Thread film around top idler.
Photo 11B. Thread film around bottom idler. Photo 11C. Creating a film web.
Photo 11E. Pushing the threading board through.
Photo 11D. Loosen tension for each roll of film.
12 USI • YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION
TENSION
To adjust tension for upper and lower film rolls, the laminator
must be loaded and heated.
•Remove the feed tray.
•Loosen both tension control knobs by turning
counterclockwise until there is no tension on
upper or lower film roll. Film should pull freely.
Turn the drive switch “ON.”
•As film runs through it will appear wrinkled and bubbly.
Gradually increase tension on both rolls, by turning
knobs clockwise, until film is smooth on heat shoes.
Once film is smooth, stop tightening knobs.
•Once the laminator is loaded, heated and tension
adjusted, re-install the feed tray.
HELPFUL HINTS
For best results, reset tension with EACH new pair of film rolls.
As the film roll supply becomes low it is necessary to decrease
tension on the rolls. Reset at approximately the last
1/3 to 1/4 of a roll.
Too little tension on the top or bottom roll causes vertical or
diagonal streaks in the film as it passes over the heating shoe.
If the laminator’s speed is set too fast when using thicker films,
wrinkling and bubbling may occur.
WARNING: Excessive tension will lead to increased wear and
tear on the laminator.
Photo 12A.
Loosening tension.
Photo 12B.
Clear film exiting laminator after
correct tension is applied.
YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION • USI 13
Photo 13A.
Roller lift knob adjustments allow for
lamination of thicker substrates.
Photo 13B.
Adjusting the roller lifts to fit specified thickness.
ROLLER LIFTS
The roller lifts should be set to full pressure
(rotated fully clockwise) for most encapsulation
laminating.
For laminating stock 1/8” or thicker, release the
roller lifts by rotating counterclockwise. The lamination
should be loaded and heated. Using a 12” x 25” scrap
piece of the substrate stock that you will be laminating,
push material through the rollers (at the same time you
will be pushing the film). Stop when approximately 1” of
board is pertruding out in front of the heat shoes.
Lock roller lifts down one quarter turn past the contact
point. Note: Document should not be crushed.
To laminate, butt the substrate piece to be laminated
up against the scrap piece. Turn the drive to a slow
speed and push the substrate into the laminator
while keeping it butted up against the scrap. The
scrap and the substrate will run through. Once the
pressure has been set, it does not need to be reset
until the thickness of the substrate changes.
14 USI • YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION
LOADING & OPERATING PRESSURE
SENSITIVE FILM
The MRL42" Roll Laminator/Mounter is equipped with the features
necessary to allow the use of pressure sensitive (cold) film with
release liners for single side lamination. The Waste Rewind will remove
the release liner from the film and wind it onto an empty core, which
can then be disposed.
Turn the heat controls to off and allow machine to cool if necessary
when using cold films.
The pressure sensitive film must be mount-
ed on the upper supply mandrel (3" core
adapters are provided if necessary) and
threaded under the idler roller. An empty
film core should be mounted on the waste
rewind mandrel, and the mandrel mounted
onto the laminator.
A section of scrap substrate that is as least
as wide as the film in use should be started
into the front rollers of the laminator.
Separate the release liner from the film for
a length of about six inches, and adhere
the exposed portion of the film to the sub-
strate that has been started into the
machine. Bring the end of the release liner
under and up to the Waste Rewind man-
drel, and tape the release liner to the spare
core that has been installed over the man-
drel. The Waste Rewind mandrel may be
rotated by hand to assist in the start up.
Slowly advance the motor of the laminator,
guiding the film and substrate to the rear
rollers, while insuring the release liner is
firmly attached to the Waste Rewind core.
The separation point for the film and
release liner should be between the idler
shaft and the point where the film contacts
the heat shoe. The separation point can be
adjusted by the tension knob on the Waste
Rewind Drive Shaft. If the separation point
is past the point where the film contacts the heat shoe, tighten the
tension knob slowly until the separation point approaches the idler
roller. If the separation point is too close to the idler roller, then loosen
the tension knob slowly until the separation moves toward the heat
shoe. The tension setting should need very little adjustment once set,
but should be monitored during operation.
Apply a small amount of tension to the upper supply roll if necessary to
clear any wrinkles occurring on the heat shoe. Once the separation
point is set, lamination is performed normally. Care should be taken to
minimize the gap between successive pieces of substrate being
laminated so that the adhesive from the film is in contact with the lower
roller as little as possible. Cold films utilizing aggressive adhesives will
stick to the laminator’s rollers and potentially wrap around. It is also
recommended to use supply film widths equal to or narrower than the
width of the substrate being laminated.
Note: To encapsulate, run image a second time upside down.
Waste Rewind
Mandrel/Core
Upper Supply Roll
Upper
Idler Roller
Release liner
Separation
Point
Film
Substrate Front Rollers
Rear Rollers
Heat Shoes
YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION • USI 15
AUTOMATIC REVERSE FEATURE
Use the automatic reverse feature if laminating film gets
wrapped around the rubber roller. Proper care and attention
during operation minimizes the need for the use of the
reverse feature. However if a “wrap-around” does occur
follow these instructions.
NOTE: Excessive film wrap around will cause
equipment damage.
•Remove the feed tray and cut the film web top
and bottom where it wraps around the idler bars.
•Firmly grasp the film web.
Be careful to stay clear of the hot heat shoes.
•Turn the speed control knob to a slow speed
and depress the reverse switch. Slowly back
the film out of the laminator.
•When clear, reload the laminating film.
WARNING: Never use a sharp object to cut laminating
film on the rubber rollers. Any damage to the rollers will
leave a permanent impression on the lamination and
require roller replacement.
NOTE: To assist in removing jammed film, you can
release the roller pressure. Rotate the roller lift knobs
counterclockwise and remove film. Reset the pressure.
Photo 14A.
Automatic reverse switch.
Photo 14B.
Cut top and bottom film webs
where they wrap around idler bars.
Photo 14C.
Grasp the cut film and gently pull as the
laminator runs in reverse at a very slow speed.
16 USI • YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION
MOUNTING
Mounting”One Step”
It is recommended that you make initial tests and adjustments with scrap pieces of the substrate that you wish to
mount to. Mounting materials greater than 1/8" thick will require an adjustment of the roller lifts. This adjustment must
be made to both the laminating and pull rollers. See " Roller Lifts” on page 13. The mounting process can be achieved
a number of ways: Self-Adhesive mounting boards, spray adhesives, or special purpose mounting films. Dry mount tis-
sue and other heat activated types of foam boards cannot be used with this type of mounting process, as the expo-
sure time to heat is insufficient to activate the adhesive.
To mount/laminate materials greater than 1/8" thick:
1. Open the gap between the rollers to the approximate thickness of the substrate to be used. Turn the roller lift knobs
counterclockwise to open the rollers.
2. Utilizing a 12" x 25" scrap piece of substrate, set drive to a slow speed setting and push the substrate into the
rollers. Stop when approximately 1" of the substrate is protruding from the rear of the rollers.
3. Readjust roller pressure by gradually rotating each roller lift knob clockwise until the rollers are exerting a slight
downward pressure on the substrate.
4. Prepare your image for mounting. If using a Self-Adhesive mounting board, pull back the release liner
approximately four inches. If using a standard type of mounting board, prepare it using the appropriate adhesive.
Place your graphic on the mounting substrate. At this point only adhere the leading edge of the graphic to the
substrate. Do not attempt to adhere the entire image by hand, doing so may result in bubbles or creases.
Hold the remaining material up, off the substrate so the graphic does not prematurely adhere to it.
Leave a few inches of space between the leading edge of the graphic and the substrate.
5. Butt the desired substrate up against the scrap piecealready placed in the laminator in step 2. Turn the drive on to
a slow speed, and gently push the substrate into the laminator until the rollers grab and it feeds itself. If using a
Self-Adhesive mounting board, grasp the release liner and pull back about 12" to 18". Allow the graphic to slowly
contact the mounting board just before entering the laminating rollers.
The machine will apply the mounting pressure as the substrate is run through.
Mounting “Two Step”
An alternate mounting method can be accomplished by sandwiching an image between a thermal top overlaminate
and a pressure sensitive type backing film. This laminated image is then mounted. This method is known as
“decaling”.
Laminating:
1. Load a roll of Pressure Sensitive Backing film on the bottom mandrel and a roll of laminate on the top mandrel.
Set the roller lifts to full pressure. Thread and adjust the tension on both rolls as in “Loading Film” and “Tension”.
2. Laminate the image face up as normal. The image is now ready for mounting.
Mounting:
1. Remove lamination film from top and bottom mandrels. Turn off the heat and allow the machine to cool.
2. Adjust roller lifts as described in step 3 in “one step” mounting section.
3. Place the image face down and peel back about 1" of the release liner along the leading edge. Adhere this edge
firmly to the leading edge of the mounting board.
4. Set the speed control to slow setting.Push the leading edge into the laminator. Momentarily turn the drive on until
the board is just caught by the rollers. Stop the rollers.
5. Flip the image up onto the top mandrel. Grasp the release liner and pull back several inches. Turn the drive
back on while grasping the release liner. The mounting board and the graphic will be pulled into the machine.
Gradually pull away the release liner. Do not allow the release liner to enter the rollers. If it does, reverse drive and
back out the mounting board far enough to release the liner. Continue until all of the release liner is removed and
the mounting board exits the machine.
Helpful Hints:
• Once the final pressure has been set, it does not need to be reset until the thickness of the substrate is changed.
• Roller pressure set too high may result in the substrate not feeding through the laminator.
Pressure set too low may result in bubbles, wrinkles or crescent shaped marks on the lamination.
• Your mounting substrate should be several inches wider and longer than your image. This makes alignment less
critical when the mounting process begins. Final trimming can be easily accomplished.
• When mounting/laminating thin foam boards, it is recommended to laminate the backside of the board as well as
the front. This will counter act the tendency of the foam board to bow.
YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION • USI 17
COOLING FANS
Every MRL Roll Laminator/Mounter is factory equipped
with cooling fans.
For the best laminating results the cooling fans should be
used. The control for the cooling fans is located on the right
control console.
The fan control has three positions: Off, On and Auto.
When the auto position is selected, the fans turn
on and off automatically with the drive motor.
To conveniently trim your laminated items, your laminator is
equipped with in line slitters. The round knob on the left side
of the laminator raises and lowers the slitters.
•To adjust where the slitters cut, first remove the
laminating film from the rollers.
•Next raise the slitters to their operating position by
rotating the control knob.
•Using an Allen wrench, loosen the locking screw on
the slitter blocks. Slide the slitter blocks to the
desired location.
•Tighten the locking screws.
•Lower the slitters to their retracted position and
re-thread the laminating film. Now the slitters can be
raised and lowered to use.
Additional slitters can be added.
Photo 15A.
Cooling fans plug.
Photo 15C.
Using an Allen wrench, loosen the
locking screw on the slitter block.
Photo 15D.
Slide slitter block to desired location.
Photo 15E.
Exiting lamination trimmed by slitters.
Photo 15B
Cooling fans.
IN LINE SLITTERS
18 USI • YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION
RE-LOADING A NEW SUPPLY OF
FILM ON A HOT LAMINATOR
Allow the old film to run to a point just before it pulls off the
supply rolls. Turn the drive switch to “OFF.”
Cut the film web with a blade so that approximately 5” of film
extends beyond each idler bar.
CAUTION: When using a sharp object to cut film (blade or
shears), avoid contact with heat shoes or rubber rollers.
•Remove the old cores and replace with
new rolls of film.
•Loosen the tension on the film rolls.
Thread the new web of film around the idler
bar and tape it to the remaining segment of
the expended roll.
•Run film through the laminator until the
new web of film clears the pull rollers.
Photo 16A.
Cut the film web, leaving approx. 5” of film
extended beyond the idler bar.
Photo 16B.
Tape new film web to remaining
segment of previous film roll.
Photo 16C.
Run laminator until clear film exits.
YOUR SOURCE FOR LAMINATION • USI 19
CLEANING THE HEAT SHOES
With continuous use the heat shoes may accumulate
adhesive and dirt. It is recommended that you periodically
inspect them for adhesive build-up.
Use USI’s Laminator Cleaning Kit, which contains a
foam cleaner for use on the heat shoes & rubber rollers,
a coarse scrubbing pad designed for cleaning rubber
rollers, and a mesh covered sponge, for removal of
any adhesive buildup on the heat shoes.
NOTE: Be sure to clean the heat shoes only
when the laminator is cool.
CAUTION: Teflon coated heat shoes are scratchable.
Photo 17A.
Photo 17B.
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