5
Loading Film
Step 1:
The laminator should be preheated before loading the laminating film. To heat the machine
see page
6 “Setting Roller Temperature”.
Step 2:
When the laminator is heating, the rollers MUST be turning at all times in order to heat the rubber
rollers evenly and to reduce the risk of “heat spots” on the rollers. To turn the rollers, turn the drive
switch to the forward position and rotate the speed control knob until the rollers are moving slowly.
Heat for approximately 15 minutes.
NOTE:
Do not apply excessive force to the ends of the mandrel (i.e. with a hammer). Excessive force
will cause damage. Also, be sure to center the film rolls on the supply mandrels. If the film rolls are
not aligned, hot adhesive will be deposited on the heated rubber rollers, necessitating a cleaning
operation. Poly-Off Cleaning Kit, see page 12.
Choose your laminating film. For encapsulating, both types of film should be of the same size, type
and thickness.
To load your film rolls, first un-hook the bottom supply mandrel from both sides and insert the mandrel
into the roll of film. Then, place the lower mandrel back on the laminator. Next, un-hook the top supply
mandrel from both sides and insert the mandrel into the second roll of film. Then, place the top
mandrel back on the laminator.
NOTE:
When loading your laminating film, check for film splices. These rolls will be clearly marked.
Splices are not common but are unavoidable. If you find a splice, place that film roll on the top
position so the splice can be monitored carefully. When the splice is ready to come through the
laminator, turn the drive off, and rotate the roll of film by hand so that the film is very loose. Turn the
drive switch on and allow the splice to run through the laminator. If necessary, keep turning the roll of
film to keep the slack until the splice is out.
Step 3:
Thread the top roll of film under the idler roller. Pull the film down so that the film’s lead edge is below
the lower roller. Next, thread the bottom roll of film under the lower idler bar pulling the film upward
until it is even with the top roller shoe and is parallel side to side with the top roll of film. “Tack” it to
the top film edge, this creates a film “Web”.
NOTE:
Use caution when threading your film around the rollers.
Step 4:
Loosen the tension on both rolls of laminating film. Turn on the “Drive” switch. While using the
threading board, push the film web into the laminating rolls. This process will push the web into the
pull rolls and exit. Be sure to take extra care to ensure that the film exits between the rear rollers.
Your laminator is now loaded. Remove the threading board and save for your next use.
NOTE:
Slowly run the laminator while threading to help maintain control.
NOTE:
Create your own threading board from a piece of 12”x40” poster board.
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