kraft paper

WOODBS · #1 02-08-2010, 08:56 PM

how many of you guys are using kraft paper with your laminators? i have been , but trying to lam w/o now just tricky to do with one person..any tips on that ?

Pat White · #2 02-08-2010, 09:10 PM

We got a roll when we first got our GBC...I used it for a couple of minutes then put it away. The only thing I use it for is packing boxes lol. Which part do you find tricky?
I think there have been a couple of threads with laminating tips/tricks before...that might be helpful.
The way I do it....:
-Web up the laminator, tape release liner to take up reel then drape the laminate over the top roller so it's almost touching the bottom one.
-Take my sled (8" H x 54"W coroplast) and tack it to the laminate then roll/shove it between the rollers. I let it go half way to the end of the coro then increase the pressure. By this time, if webbed and started properly there shouldn't be any wrinkling.
-Insert the vinyl just on top of the end of the coroplast (so the lam doesn't stick to the rollers) and feed it until it hits the lam.
-Sit back and relax....or wipe the prints as they go by or whatever.

Hope that makes sense.... maybe I'll take some pics tomorrow morning if I remember.
Pat

WOODBS · #3 02-08-2010, 09:27 PM

so do you use sled for each print? i ran out of paper once and was able to lam a few more prints but had to have one hand pulling the prints thru..

Pat White · #4 02-08-2010, 09:34 PM

I only use it when I first web up a new roll of lam. I put the sled through first, then feed all my jobs through. I find the only thing you have to keep an eye out for is if there is a gap between print jobs, then the exposed lam gets sucked in and screws everything up.
All of this is based on using 54" lam w/ 54" media btw...

Doesn't your laminator pull them through w/o the kraft paper?

PressPrintGraphics · #5 02-08-2010, 09:49 PM

I just insert my print into the laminator, feed forward about an inch (just enough to "grab" it) and at this point it is not printed vinyl it is laminating, just some excess white, then go to the back, step on the foot pedal while holding the print coming through and let it feed onto the floor.

iSign · #6 02-08-2010, 09:59 PM

I have 38" paper & 51".. all my 30" & 36" prints have kraft paper under them because the lam is wider then the print. My 48" prints also have paper under them, but on my 54" prints I can laminate without paper, as long as I have a small piece in front of the print & have another (or that same piece) ready for the end of the print...

I'd love to see some video's of these various sled techniques...

Pat White · #7 02-08-2010, 10:21 PM

I'll try to take a video or time lapse tomorrow... or at least some pictures!

phototec · #8 02-08-2010, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat White

I'll try to take a video or time lapse tomorrow... or at least some pictures!

Pat, I can't wait to see the photos, the wording o how to do this is confusing to me, however the photos will make it all clear.

WOODBS · #9 02-09-2010, 06:50 AM

i understand the technique i think, but my gbc seems to require hands in front assisting the print as well as back pulling the lammed print out. the rollers make the print bow in areas and trip the safety light.. so i have to press it flat while lamming

PressPrintGraphics · #10 02-09-2010, 09:23 AM

Did the GBC not come with a bar that sits over maybe a couple dowels at the front? My enduralam has that and keeps it flat and also make sure that the print hits the laminate/rollers nice and flat.

The print slides up under it..

Pat White · #11 02-09-2010, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phototec

Pat, I can't wait to see the photos, the wording o how to do this is confusing to me, however the photos will make it all clear.

I'll take some this morning... It's harder to explain than it is to demonstrate!
Please stand by....

Pat White · #12 02-09-2010, 03:48 PM

Okay....as requested, here are the pics. Pretty lousy quality, only had my phone with me. Let me know if you need me to elaborate or explain anything.

1. Tape up release liner to take up reel and drape exposed laminate over top roller, almost touching bottom roller.
2. Insert sled (coroplast/cardboard/scrap vinyl etc.) and shove between rollers. At this point I have the rollers set to 5mm.
3. Once sled is almost all the way through, increase pressure/lower rollers to accept vinyl and place your prints on top of the end of the sled and feed until it hits the laminate.
You should ensure your prints are straight and square to the rollers, as long prints will walk and you will eventually miss your graphics. Your prints should now be feeding through.
4. If laminating multiple jobs, use same technique to start the next piece of vinyl, slightly overlapping on top of the previous print to avoid having exposed laminate.

I hope this makes sense, I'll make sure I have my camera next time and I'll try to make a video.
Pat

T3 · #13 02-09-2010, 05:34 PM

Thanks Pat! Looks like you have the same laminator that I do (GBC Eagle 65), or at least very similar! I'll have to give your method a try. I need to come up with a reliable method to laminate off of my Gerber prior to cutting.

Pat White · #14 02-09-2010, 05:50 PM

No problem Tim! I hope it all makes sense....it does to me because I do it everyday but maybe not to everyone else!

Artgunner · #15 02-10-2010, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat White

No problem Tim! I hope it all makes sense....it does to me because I do it everyday but maybe not to everyone else!

We use your method as well, Pat. We also save the left over lam backing in case we run smaller prints.

Art