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rollers also keeps the vinyl adhesive off the substrate until it reaches the rollers,
insuring a bubble-free application.
3 . C O L D M O U N T IN G :
The SIGNMASTER 44 can be used to apply adhesive to mounting boards such
as foam core. Substrates can also be purchased pre-coated with pressure-
sensitive adhesive and a release liner. Cold adhesives adhere better and are
more reliable than dry mount (hot) adhesives when it comes to the various
plastics, coated papers, and coated mounting boards often used in digital
imaging.
Most rolls of adhesive have a single release liner. When threading the laminator
the release liner should be facing the top roller. When laminating only one side,
you must
N O T
allow exposed adhesive to go into the machine. Make sure the
material being coated is at lease as wide as the roll of film. Overlap the pieces or
use scrap paper underneath them in order to prevent the adhesive from coming
in contact with the rollers.
Thread the machine by putting a large piece of scrap paper or cardboard through
the open rollers. Stick the adhesive to this threading card, close the rollers, and
begin to laminate. Keep feeding scrap paper so that the adhesive does not start
a wraparound on the rollers.
Adjust the unwind tension to remove any wrinkles from the material. Do not use
any more tension than needed or you may stretch the material.
Begin to feed the mounting boards, butting each up against the one ahead. Cut
the boards apart with a utility knife at the back end. Once your boards are
coated, or if you buy them pre-coated, you are ready to mount any graphic.
There are many methods for sizing and trimming, but most operators pick a
board slightly bigger than the graphic and trim board and graphic together after
mounting.
Peel back about two inches of the release liner on one end of the board. Create
a “hinge” by using this exposed adhesive to position the graphic on the board.
Slide the positioned end of the board into the laminator, holding the graphic up
with one hand. Pull off the release liner before it goes into the nip. Pick up the
mounted item at the back of the machine. Trim away the unwanted portions of
the graphic and the board at the same time.
