How do I load Laminating Film without a Threading Card?

If you are looking to load new laminating film onto your laminator and still have a little bit of film left, there is a way to use the remaining film to help you load new laminate onto your machine. This article describes how to use the existing film that is already loaded on your roll laminator in place of a laminating film threading card. This procedure requires your laminator to be hot and that the existing laminate be tacky or liquefied (be careful not to burn yourself on the heat rollers). Follow these instructions for replacing your film:

1. Preheat the laminator and remove the feed tray.
2. Cut the remaining top and bottom film webs between the supply rolls and heat rollers.
3. Raise the safety shield to the upright position.
4. Do not allow the adhesive side of the film to contact the heat or pull rollers. Liquefied or tacky adhesive deposited on heat rollers will require the rollers to be cleaned.
5. Remove the bottom film supply roll from the laminator and lower the bottom film guide.
6. Remove the bottom roll of laminating film by sliding the right to release it from the hex shaped brake hub. Loosen the locking screw on the left retaining collar of the film supply shaft and slide the collar off. Pull the shaft partially out of the film tube and then push it back in to knock out the left core. Pull out the shaft all the way out of the tube and remove the remaining core adapter.
7. Slide one core adapter into the right side of the new roll of film ensuring that the film will unroll properly (from the bottom). Slide the film shaft into the core adapter and tube from the right side. Place the other core adapter on the shaft protruding from the left side then replace the retaining collar. Tighten the locking screw.
8. Unroll enough film from the bottom roll of the film to slide under the bottom idler bar and tack to the existing film. Slide the bottom idler back into place and replace the supply roll shaft.
9. Replace the top supply roll and unroll enough film to tack to the existing roll of film.
10. Install the feed table and lower the safety shield.
11. Run the laminator on the slowest speed setting to begin pulling the laminate through the rollers.
12. Observe the film being pulled through the laminator to assure that the remaining existing film and the new film are advancing correctly. Any separation between the films will require stopping the motor immediately and correcting the situation.
13. Stop the laminator after the newly threaded film has completely exited the laminator.

This method for loading laminating film onto your laminator is an excellent choice if you don’t have a laminating threading card or want to save some time. It does however take some practice and can be a little bit tough to get the hang of. Try it a few times on your laminator and you should be able to master this technique and save yourself some time when changing laminating film in the future.