Laminator Options?

[jfiscus]

We've been struggling with a "cheapo Chinese laminator" for years now, it's time to upgrade. What features and/or models would you recommend?
Our printer is a GS6000, but we have not had to laminate anything wider than 54" media, so a 54" laminator is what we're looking for.

One of our vendors has given us a quote on a 54" Seal EL for around $5000.

 

[Banners Signs Etc.]

We got an el cheapo AK-600 from the people who sell on ebay... I've used various types of laminators for 10 years and this one is better than the Seal we had at the old place
its 64 inch for 2200 delivered ...the 54 inch model was 100 dollars less....

We've been using it for about a month and love it. There are no bells and whistles, it seems to be built to do its job and nothing more. (there are a few extras such as a bottom material roll holder and a "tension" bar that you can feed your print through on the tray)

We haven't had the first problem with laminating and just a few mess ups with yard signs(that were fixable)

I attribute this to the learning curve on the pressure dials, but once you know how it wants to act you are in the clear.

 

[Circleville Signs]

I love my RS - although I may be switching to a Seal soon - as our workload is increasing and the Seal is better at high speeds and R2R.

 

[jfiscus]

I have a 54" made by that same company, but it's an older model with the roll holders cheaply made (rolls fall off...). It looks like the "AK" line is built better, just worries me with the pressure issues I've had with mine.

Do any laminators have automatic take-up of the laminated product?
(similar to take-up rolls on a printer)

 

[Banners Signs Etc.]

I looked at the other model and they do look cheap in comparison to the AK line. All I can say is this one looks rock solid...took 5 guys to lift it on to its stand. The motor is a little weak but this is just telling you that the rollers are too tight anyway

it has roll locks on it that you turn to lock it in

 

[Circleville Signs]

I have a 54" made by that same company, but it's an older model with the roll holders cheaply made (rolls fall off...). It looks like the "AK" line is built better, just worries me with the pressure issues I've had with mine.

Do any laminators have automatic take-up of the laminated product?
(similar to take-up rolls on a printer)

Seal.

 

[Freese]

I've used RS and Seal and the Seal 54" is by far the easiest for me, IMO.

 

[Mega Format]

Laminator

We have GBC titan 165 It's great 7 yrs no problems.

 

[scuba_steve2699]

+1 for the RS - love ours.

 

[ChicagoGraphics]

+1 for the GBC titan 165, had it for 6 years and never a problem with it.

 

[SightLine]

Another +1 for the GBC Titan 165..... also going about 7 years with ours.