Laminator Review Please...

[SameDay Signs]

I have read hundreds of threads on laminators before I posted this but I am still curious on a couple laminator brands. I am looking at the UStech/Master 55" MVT an a GFP 463. I can buy a USTECH shipped w 3 yr warranty on it for only $2700 or a 7 month old GFP or $2800. Didn't know thoughts on 1 vs other and looking for input from owners of both specially since I've found little on the GFP's

 

[jfiscus]

The GFPs are awesome, and the new ones have the easy-load swing out rollers. You'll be glad you bought one.

 

[jmcnicoll]

What type of material and jobs will you be laminating?

 

[SameDay Signs]

We do a lot of decals / car letterings / outoorsigns and will be getting more into wraps. We currently install them but outsource printing them because we don't want to big squeegee a wrap

 

[jmcnicoll]

Then you should be able to get by with some of the lower priced laminators. If you get into hot lams you'll need to spend more. You'll want a take up for the finished product, makes it a lot easier to laminate a full roll.

 

[MikeD]

I recently purchased a 30" Royal Sovereign for an application similar to yours. The only downside to the smaller "cold only" laminators is that it seems none of them come with take-ups or longitudinal slitters. I made my own slitter assembly and found a universal take-up on the web. The slitters work great, but the take-up was designed as an add-on for roll-to-roll printers; by the time you put ~120' of vinyl AND laminate on it the motor becomes overwhelmed and stops turning.

Good luck with your new purchase, and please post about your progress; especially in regard to the take-up and slitters.

Miked