-
Problems using laminator to apply app tape
Hi
We have been having major problems recently using our laminator to apply application tape to large print and cut graphics. It is something we’ve done plenty of times before with only the odd problem, but now we seem to get creases which run the length of the print, and get worse as the job goes through.
We are using 1524mm Medium tack Conform app tape. We have only ever used 1370mm and had the same problem from time to time, but now it happens all the time.
It can happen on any job, but it’s worst on laminated print and cut stuff. It’s worse when the decals are running at right angles to the rollers, but the same thing will happen even if they are parallel.
We load the app tape using a 1550mm wide strip of Correx and then pull it tight before clamping the top roller down. The tension on the tape is pretty low to avoid stretching it but it makes no difference if we tighten it up.
I did read another thread on the same issue but the original poster didn’t seem to resolve the problem.
Does anyone have experience of this problem, or can offer any solutions?
Thanks
John
BTW the laminator is a 1600mm GBC Arctic Titan. It applies laminate fine.
-
3 Replies
-
Any ideas anyone? We’re going a bit mad here…
John
-
Hi John
I have found it helps to leave a border of vinyl on the edge of the digital prints you are taping up. Only needs to be 20mm but it helps if you have the same gauge thickness on the edges as well as the weeded centre.
Kev
-
Hi John
This can be a common problem when using laminators to apply app tape. As you stated its worse on print and cut jobs I would guess this is down to varying tensions and thickness of products combined with your liner paper.
Things that may help
Make sure your print film has a PE Liner rather than standard paper – This should give you more stability and will be effected less by moisture, humidty and temperature changes …. something that will stop your liner laying flat.Always use the same quality/match of laminate to the base film i.e. Cast/Cast or Polymeric/Polymeric etc never mix qualities as this can also give you different levels of stretch during the lamination process.
On Print and Cut jobs always apply app tape asap after weeding as the more time the liner is exposed after weeding will create rippling due to the released tensions.
Finally you may find this process easier with a flatbed laminator as you have much greater control (and can spot the creases before they become an issue) than roll to roll laminators ….. As you state once a roll to roll laminator starts creasing it just keeps going.
Hope this helps you solve your issues
Stuart
Log in to reply.
