Laminate liner shifting

[MHester]

Everytime I load my laminator with new laminate and start working some jobs, after about 10 rotations, the roller that takes up the liner shifts. What I mean is that the liner, as it rolls onto the core, it starts to telescope. It happens nearly every time now and I don't understand why this is happening. I end up cutting the laminate off after a couple jobs and have to re-web the laminate and start over, totally a pain in the butt. I 'm using a GFP 355TH laminator, pretty much load my vinyl project in straight every time, straight cut edges. when I web up my laminate, I always make sure it's threaded straight as well. Any help, advice, or smart remarks are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[unclebun]

Misalignment is the answer. The hard part is figuring out what's misaligned. A cone-shaped takeup reel would also cause it, but I'm not sure how you'd do that.

 

[DL Signs]

Usually 3 scenarios. Rollers have more tension on one side, a roller is coned, or the machine isn't level. Did you move the laminator at all recently? If so check that it's level, trust me, it makes a huge difference. Otherwise check the roller alignment, make sure the rollers are even with each other, if one side grabs harder it spirals. There are plenty of threads in here dealing with checking that. Worst case scenario is you have a coned or warped roller, that would require new rollers.

Most laminators you can adjust, usually have to do some dissasembly

 

[JBurton]

I have an answer too! First question, how many spots are you taping down to the takeup reel?
I used to always tape up two spots, but found it want to scope often. I realized I must be pulling harder on one side or the other when I was taping backer to the core. I switched to one piece of tape, put some marks to align center up, and started using banner tape. When pulling the liner for the stick onto the core, position the tape toward the top or back, so that the liner has a chance to hit the core first, so you can pull a more even tension on the liner before lowering it onto the tape. To start a new piece without unloading the takeup, just wrap masking tape around the old material a couple of wraps, then stick the double stick banner tape to the masking tape.
I have a GFP 563TH, forgot to say.

 

[MHester]

Thanks everyone for your help. I'll have to investigate the liner take up reel level and see if it's truly level. Lots of great ideas you guys gave me so far. Yes, my floor is level, yes, I've tried 1 piece of tape to 2 pieces, 3 pieces, and even a full length tape to put the liner on. I've checked my pinch rollers, and they're level with no flat spots. But I haven't investigated the take up reel and see if it's level...if that's even possible to check....