SignMaker 25 & 44

INSTALLATION & OPERATION MANUAL

REV: -

REV DATE: 10-4-04

©2004 GENERAL BINDING CORPORATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Do not duplicate without written permission.

T ABLE OF C ONTENTS

General Electrical

3.0 Specifications 4.0 Pre-Installation and Installation 5.0 Feature Guide

1. POWER SWITCH:
2. FAN SWITCH:
3. CONTROL PANEL:
4. FEED TABLE:
5. SAFETY SHIELD:
6. TABLE INTERLOCK LATCH:
7. FEED GUIDE:

H.UPPER HEAT ROLLER: I. IDLER BAR: J. PULL ROLLERS: K. CIRCUIT BREAKER: L. FILM SHAFT: M. LOCKING CORE ADAPTORS: N. FILM WEB: O. NIP POINT: P. ROLLER PRESSURE HANDLE: Q. TAKE UP ASSEMBLY: R. FILM TENSION ADJUSTMENT:

Safety Shield Removal Film Loading and Threading Method Using Film Threading Card Method For Tacking New Film to Existing Film Mounting Mounting and Overlamination Decaling; PSA or Thermal film - Two Passes Mounting Only AccuShield™ Film Running Foil Film Alignment Film Tension Adjustment Clearing a Film Jam (Wrap-up)

Caring For The GBC SignMaker Series Laminator Trouble Shooting Guide Lamination Guide

DISCLAIMER

The information in this publication is provided for reference and is believed to be accurate and complete. GBC is not liable for errors in this publication or for incidental or consequential damage in connection with the furnishing or use of the information in this publication, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of fitness or merchantability for any particular use.

GBC reserves the right to make changes to this publication and to the products described in it without notice. All specifications and information concerning products are subject to change without notice.

Reference in this publication to information or products protected by copyright or patent does not convey any license under the rights of GBC or others. GBC assumes no liability arising from infringements of patents or any other rights of third parties.

This publication is copyrighted © 2004 by GBC. All rights reserved. The information contained in this publication is proprietary and may not be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or transferred, in whole or in part, in any form without the prior and express written permission of GBC.

WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT THE SignMaker SERIES

1.0 S AFETY

LAMINATOR TO AN ELECTRICAL SUPPLY OR ATTEMPT TO

YOUR SAFETY AS WELL AS THE SAFETY OF OTHERS IS IMPORTANT

TO GBC. IN THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND ON THE PRODUCT,

YOU WILL FIND IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGES REGARDING

THE PRODUCT. READ THESE MESSAGES CAREFULLY. READ

OPERATE THE LAMINATOR UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETELY

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS. MAINTAIN THESE INSTRUC-

TIONS IN A CONVENIENT LOCATION FOR FUTURE REFER-

ENCE.

ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: TO GUARD AGAINST INJURY, THE FOLLOWING

FOR LATER USE.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS MUST BE OBSERVED IN THE

THE SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL PRECEDES EACH SAFETY

INSTALLATION AND USE OF THE LAMINATOR.

MESSAGE IN THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL. THE SYMBOL

INDICATES A POTENTIAL PERSONAL SAFETY HAZARD TO

YOU OR OTHERS, AS WELL AS PRODUCT OR PROPERTY

DAMAGE.

THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS ARE FOUND ON THE SignMaker:

! ADVERTENCIA

! ATTENTION

Riesgo de choque eléctrico No abra: Adentro no hay piezas reparables por el usuario. Mantenimiento solamente por personal calificado

Risque de secousse électrique. Ne pas ouvrir. Pas de pièces réparables par l'utilisateur. Entretien seulement par personnel qualifié.

WARNING

Electrical shock hazard. Do not open. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

General

Keep hands, long hair, loose clothing, and articles such as necklaces or

ties away from the front of the heat and pull rollers to avoid entanglement

The heat rollers can reach temperatures over 300° F. Avoid contact with

the heat rollers during operation or shortly after power has been removed

Do not use the laminator for other than its intended purpose.

Do not place the laminator on an unstable cart, stand or table. An unstable

THIS SAFETY MESSAGE MEANS THAT YOU COULD BE SERIOUSLY

surface may cause the laminator to fall resulting in serious bodily injury.

HURT OR KILLED IF YOU OPEN THE PRODUCT AND EXPOSE YOUR-

Avoid quick stops, excessive force and uneven floor surfaces when moving

SELF TO HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE.

the laminator on a cart or stand.

Do not defeat or remove electrical and mechanical safety equipment such

ADVERTENCIA

RODILLOS

CALIENTES. PUNTO DE PINCHAMIENTO. Mantener manos y ropa a distancia.

ATTENTION

ROULEAUX

CHAUDS. POINT DE PINCEMENT. Tenir mains et vêtements à l'écart.

CAUTION

as interlocks, shields and guards.

HOT ROLLS.

Do not insert objects unsuitable for lamination or expose the equipment

PINCH POINT.

Keep hands and clothing away.

Turn off machine when not in use for an extended period of time.

YOUR FINGERS AND HANDS COULD BE TRAPPED AND CRUSHED IN

Electrical

THE HOT ROLLERS. CLOTHING, JEWELRY AND LONG HAIR COULD

The laminator should be connected only to a source of power as indicated

BE CAUGHT IN THE ROLLERS AND PULL YOU INTO THEM.

in these instructions and on the serial plate located on the rear of the

THIS SAFETY MESSAGE MEANS THAT YOU COULD BE BURNED AND

laminator. Contact an electrician should the attachment plug provided

with the laminator not match the receptacles at your location.

CAUTION: The receptacle must be located near the equipment

Disconnect the attachment plug from the receptacle to which it is

connected and keep the power supply cord in your possession while

Do not operate the laminator with a damaged power supply cord or attach-

ment plug, upon occurrence of a malfunction, or after the laminator has

been damaged. Contact GBC’s Technical Service Department or your

Page 1-1

WARNING: Do not attempt to service or repair the laminator.

Disconnect the plug from the receptacle and contact GBC’s Technical

Department or your dealer/distributor when one or more of the following

The power supply cord or attachment plug is damaged.

Liquid has been spilled into the laminator.

The laminator is malfunctioning after being mishandled.

The laminator does not operate as described in these instructions.

Page 1-2

2.0 W ARRANTY WARRANTY

Limited 90-Day Warranty

GBC warrants to the original purchaser for a period of ninety days on labor and one year on parts after installation that this laminator is free from defects in workmanship and material under normal use and service. GBC’s obligation under this limited warranty is limited to replacement or repair, at GBC’s option, of any part found defective by GBC without charge for material or labor.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL

OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED. ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR PROM- ISES INCONSISTENT WITH, OR IN ADDITION TO, THIS LIMITED WARRANTY ARE UNAUTHORIZED AND SHALL NOT BE BINDING UPON GBC. IN NO EVENT SHALL GBC BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER OR NOT FORESEEABLE.

The information in this publication is provided for reference and is believed to be accurate and complete. GBC is not liable for errors in this publication or for incidental or consequential damage in connection with the furnishing or use of the information in this publication, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of fitness or merchantability for any particular use. GBC reserves the right to make changes to this publication and to the products described in it without notice. All specifications and information concerning products are subject to change without notice. Reference in this publication to information or products protected by copyright or patent does not convey any license under the rights of GBC or others. GBC assumes no liability arising from infringements of patents or any other rights of third parties. This publication is copyrighted © 2004 by GBC. All rights reserved. The information contained in this publication is proprietary and may not be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or transferred, in whole or in part, in any form without the prior and express written permission of GBC.

This limited warranty shall be void if the laminator has been misused; mishandled; damaged by negligence, by accident, during shipment, or due to exposure to extreme conditions; repaired, altered, moved, or installed by anyone other than GBC or its authorized agents; or if incompatible film was used. GBC’s obligation under this limited warranty does not include routine maintenance, cleaning, adjustment, normal cosmetic or mechanical wear, or freight charges.

Without limiting the generality of the previous paragraph, GBC’s obligation under this limited warranty does not include:

1. Damage to the rollers caused by knives, razors, or other sharp tools; by any foreign objects falling into the working area of the laminator; or by cleaning the laminator with solutions or materials that harm its surfaces;
2. Damage caused by adhesives; nor
3. Damage caused by lifting, tilting or attempting to position the laminator other than rolling it on its castors across even surfaces.

FOR EUROPEAN UNION RESIDENTS ONLY: This guarantee does not affect the legal rights which consumers have under applicable national legislation governing the sale of consumer goods.

4.0 P RE -I NSTALLATION AND I NSTALLATION

Perform only the routine maintenance procedures referred to in these

WARNING: Do not attempt to service or repair the laminator.

Disconnect the plug from the receptacle and contact GBC’s Technical

Department or your dealer/distributor when one or more of the following

The power supply cord or attachment plug is damaged.

Liquid has been spilled into the laminator.

The laminator is malfunctioning after being mishandled.

The laminator does not operate as described in these instructions.

1. Shipping damage should be brought to the immediate attention

of the delivering carrier.

2. Place the SignMaker on a stable flat surface capable of supporting

the weight of the machine and any materials. The surface should

be at least 30 inches high to assure comfortable positioning during

operation. All four rubber support feet should be positioned completely

on the supporting surface. The supporting surface may also be large

enough to hold the material to be laminated.

3. The laminator should be located so that exiting film drops freely to

the floor. Accumulation of laminate immediately behind the laminator

as it exits the equipment may cause the film to wrap around the pull

rollers, resulting in a “jammed” condition.

4. Avoid locating the laminator near sources of heat or cold. Avoid locating

the laminator in the direct path of forced, heated or cooled air.

5. Connect the attachment plug provided with the laminator to a suitably

grounded outlet only. Avoid connecting other equipment to the

same branch circuit to which the laminator is connected, as this

may result in nuisance tripping of circuit breakers or blowing

Page 4-1

5.0 F EATURE G UIDE

1. POWER SWITCH:

Located at the back of the machine, the power switch applies power

to the laminator. The "LED" display panel will illuminate when position

marked “l” is pushed. The off position, marked “O”, removes power from

2. FAN SWITCH:

The fan switch is located in the back of the machine. Power is applied

to the fans when the switch is set to the “ I ” position and the “RUN”

switch is pressed. The off position marked “O” removes power from

3. CONTROL PANEL:

Display:

"READY": Indicates when the laminator has sufficient heat. It flashes if

heat is out of range.

"SPEED": Indicates the speed setting of the motor.

"TEMPERATURE": Displays the programmed temperature setting in

either Fahrenheit or Celsius.

Functions:

"HOT": When pressed, automatically sets the temperature to 230 ºF

"COLD": When pressed, removes power to the heaters for cold

"RUN": Activates rollers for normal operation.

"STOP": When pressed, stops the rotation of the rollers.

"REV": Reverses roller movement to clear jams and wrap-ups.

"MEAS": Used to read the current temperature of the rollers.

"TEMP" (

): Overrides the preset temperature, increasing to the

"TEMP" (

): Overrides the preset temperature, decreasing to the

"SPEED" (

): When pressed, increases speed to the desired

"SPEED" (

): When pressed, decreasing speed to the desired

Page 5-1

4. FEED TABLE:

The Feed Table, Fig 3, is used to position items for lamination. The lami-

nator will operate only when the Feed Table and Feed Table Latch

5. SAFETY SHIELD:

Prevents entanglement, entrapment and inadvertent contact with the

heat rollers. The laminator will operate only when the Safety Shield is

located in the fully locked position. Power to the motor is removed

when the shield is removed.

6. TABLE INTERLOCK LATCH:

Used to lock the Feed Table into position and activate an interlock switch.

The interlock latch is located on the left underside of the Feed Table, (Fig

3). The table cannot be removed without retracting the latch to the

right while lifting the table upwards and away from the laminator.

The laminator will not operate when the table is removed and/or the

interlock latch is retracted.

7. FEED GUIDE:

The Feed Guide, Fig 3, permits alignment of the item(s) to be laminated.

To position the adjustable guide, loosen the knob on the top of the guide,

slide it to the desired position and tighten the knob to secure the Feed

Guide in place. The Feed Guide is used to keep longer items straight.

The Feed Guide may also be used to feed smaller items side by side by

positioning the guide towards the center of the Feed Table and placing

smaller items against each side of the Feed Guide as they are being

introduced into the nip point of the heat rollers.

H.UPPER HEAT ROLLER:

Silicone rubber coated steel tubes heat the laminating film and compress

the heated film to the items being laminated. Heat is provided by an

internal heating element in the top main roll. The main rollers are motor

driven for ease of loading new film (Fig 4).

I. IDLER BAR:

The idler bars, located near each supply roll, are used to direct the film

to the main rollers. The bottom Idler Bar is movable to ease film loading

J. PULL ROLLERS:

The pull rollers, located at the back of the laminator, are motor driven.

They simultaneously pull the film and improve the quality of the laminated

K. CIRCUIT BREAKER:

Electrical safety device, located on the back of the laminator near the

power cord, can be reset by the operator if tripped (Fig 5).

WARNING: If the breaker trips a second time after being reset,

contact your local GBC Technical Representative or dealer/distributor

L. FILM SHAFT:

The film shaft holds the film supply on the machine, (Fig 6).

M. LOCKING CORE ADAPTORS:

Hold and lock the rolls of film on the shafts to prevent side to side shifting,

N. FILM WEB:

( Not Shown )

Laminating film loaded into the machine.

Page 5-3

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

6.0 O PERATION

1. Turn the laminator on (I) at the main power switch located at the back

of the machine (Fig 10).

CAUTION: Make sure the safety shield and feed tray are in their

3. The laminator will automatically default to the "COLD" setting which

is used for PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive) film. For thermal film

press "HOT", when pressed, automatically sets the temperature to

4. Do not begin laminating until the "READY" LED illuminates. The

normal warm-up time is approximately 10 minutes.

5. Position the roller gap handle to correspond to the gauge of film
6. Position the item(s) to be laminated on the Feed Table.

Press "RUN". The rollers will begin to turn. Wait for the heat line to

disappear, then push the item(s) into the nip point of the heat rollers.

Additional items can be laminated without stopping and starting the

8. Should a jam occur (wrap-up), press "STOP". Refer to the section

CLEARING A FILM JAM for specific instructions.

9. Stop the laminator when all of the items have completely exited the

rear of the machine.

10. Allow the laminator to remain powered if it is anticipated that it will be

used within a short period of time.

Page 6-1

Safety Shield Removal

1. Lift the shield off.
2. To install reverse the step from above.

FEED TABLE REMOVAL

Refer to Fig 11 and follow the procedures to remove the feed table:

1. Slide the Feed Table latch to the right.
2. Lift the table upwards and away from the laminator.

Reverse this process to re-install the shield.

Film Loading and Threading

Refer to the film threading diagram for the application you are running for

an illustration of properly threading film.

The SignMaker 25 uses Poly-In film. Poly-In means the adhesive side

of the film is on the inside of the web (Fig 12). The SignMaker 44 uses

Poly-Out Thermal films and Poly-In PSA films. The shiny side of clear

film must contact the heat rollers. The dull side of the film contains the

POLY-IN

adhesive. Use extreme caution when loading delustered (matte) film as

both sides appear dull.

y-in Pol

The top and bottom rolls of laminating film must be of the same width and

be present simultaneously. A small amount of adhesive will “squeeze out”

during lamination. Hardened adhesive deposits can damage the main

ive hes

Ad rface

su

rollers. To avoid any damage, rotate the rollers at slowest speed if the

"READY" LED is not illuminated. Refer to the section entitled CARING

FOR THE SignMaker SERIES LAMINATOR for instructions regarding

removal of the accumulated adhesive.

Adhesive will deposit on the rollers if:

Only one roll is used.

Different widths of rolls are loaded together.

Either roll is loaded adhesive side against a heat roller.

One or both rolls of film are allowed to run completely off its core.

POLY-OUT

Always change the top and bottom supply rolls at the same time. Near the

end of each roll of GBC laminating film is a label stating “Warning-End of

Roll”. The appearance of this label on either the top or bottom roll requires

Pol

that new rolls of film be installed as soon as the item presently being

laminated completely exits the rear of the laminator. Do not introduce any

additional items into the laminator when the warning label is visible.

ive hes

Ad rface

su

Page 6-2

Method Using Film Threading Card

The following procedure uses the film threading card provided with

new rolls of GBC film. A threading board is a scrap piece of cardboard

or poster board that is used to help guide the film (Fig 13).

1. Turn the main power switch on (I). Remove feed table.
2. Cut remaining top and bottom film webs between supply rolls and

heat rollers. Be careful not to cut the heat rollers.

3. Remove the safety shield and pull the top piece of film down.
4. Do not allow remaining film to pass through the laminator if there is any

exposed liquefied or tacky adhesive. Liquefied or tacky adhesive

will deposit on the heat rollers if the following procedure is not

observed. Grab hold of the web, (top and bottom film), and install feed

table under the web. Replace the safety shield and press "SPEED"

to indicate 3 or less on the display panel. Hold down "RUN" and

"REVERSE" together and guide the web out the front of the laminator.

Make certain no exposed adhesive contacts the heat rollers and the

film completely exits the laminator - or raise the rollers and pull the

film out the back of the machine swiftly.

5. Press "STOP" after the web has cleared the heat rollers.
6. Remove the safety shield.

Remove the feed table.

8. Lower the bottom idler bar, (Fig 14).
9. Remove the bottom film shaft by sliding the shaft to the right until the

left end of the shaft clears the hex shaped brake hub. Loosen locking

screw on left retaining collar of film supply shaft, and slide collar off.

Pull shaft partially out of film tube, then push back in to knock out left

core adapter. Pull shaft all the way out and rotate tube 180 degrees.

Use shaft to knock out remaining core adapter.

10. Slide one core adapter into right side of new roll of film ensuring that

the film will unroll from the bottom on Poly-In film and from the top for

Poly-Out film. 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 retaining collar. Tighten locking screw.

11. Unroll 2 ft. (61 cm) of film. Push the leading edge under and around

bottom film guide. Slide film guide back into place and drape film over

the front support for the feed table, (Fig 15).

12. Remove top film supply roll from laminator. Repeat steps 9 and 10

from above ensuring the film will unroll from the bottom, for poly-in

film,and from the top for poly-out film, after the film supply shaft is

placed back on the laminator.

Page 6-3

13. Unroll 2 ft. (61 cm) of film. Drape the film over the top idler bar for

poly-in film and under the bar for poly-out film, (Fig 16).

14. Apply the bottom film to the top film so that they adhere together.

Reinstall the feed table.

15. Slide the threading card between the feed tray and the film web

lying on the tray, and gently push the threading card into the nip area

of the main rollers (Fig 17).

16. Replace the safety shield then push "RUN". Watch the leading edge

of the threading card to ensure that it enters the nip area of the heat

rollers and is being pulled into the laminator. The card will guide the

web of both film rolls into the heat rollers. Push "STOP" once the

threading card has exited the rear of the laminator.

17. Check film alignment. See section entitled FILM ALIGNMENT

PROCEDURE for instructions if installed film needs alignment.

CAUTION: THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED

WHILE THE LAMINATOR IS HOT. USE EXTREME CAUTION.

AVOID CONTACT WITH THE HEAT ROLLER.

Page 6-4

Method For Tacking New Film to Existing

Film

POLY-IN

The following describes a method for loading film whereby the existing

film present on the main rollers may be used in place of the threading card

to draw the new film through the laminator. The adhesive of the existing

film must be tacky or liquefied. Leading edges of the new film will be

overlapped onto the tacky adhesive of the old film. The existing film and

the new film will be pulled through the laminator together.

i v e h e s

Adrface

s u

1. Preheat the laminator. Remove the feed tray.
2. Cut remaining top and bottom film webs between the supply rolls and
3. Remove the safety shield.
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 per the section entitled CARING

POLY-OUT

FOR THE GBC SignMaker SERIES LAMINATOR.

5. Remove bottom film supply roll from laminator then lower the bottom
6. To load new film on film supply shafts repeat steps 9 and 10 in

subsection Method Using Film Threading Card.

i v e h e s

Adrface

s u

Unroll enough film from the bottom roll of film to slide under the bottom

idler bar and tack to the existing film. Slide the bottom idler bar back

into place and replace supply roll shaft.

8. Replace the top supply roll shaft and unroll enough film to tack to the

existing top roll of film.

9. Install the feed table and safety shield.
10. Set the speed for the the slowest speed setting and press "RUN".
11. Observe the film being pulled through the laminator to assure that the

remaining existing film and the new film are advancing concurrently.

Any separation between the films will require stopping the motor

immediately and the situation corrected.

12. Press "STOP" once the newly threaded film is completely exiting the

Page 6-5

Mounting

Tips For Threading Pressure Sensitive Film

1. Use kraft paper for one-sided lamination whenever the items to be

laminated are narrower than the film you are using or you can not

consistently feed the items without a gap.

2. Thread the film completely through the machine before you cut the

release liner and connect it to the take up roller.

Pre Treating Mounting Boards

You may wish to pre coat mounting boards ahead of time with pressure

1. Load the laminator as shown in Fig 19.
2. Adjust the Roller Pressure Handle to the proper mounting setting. No
3. Start a leader board into the rollers. Stop the motor before it clears

the rollers. Butt the leading edge of the next board against the trailing

edge of the leader board and press "RUN". Continue feeding one

board after another keeping pressure on them to prevent gaps from

Page 6-6

Decaling; PSA or Thermal film - Two Passes

This two pass operation requires the use of pressure sensitive laminating

film on the bottom supply shaft and ether pressure sensitive or thermal

laminating film on the top supply shaft.

1. Load the laminator as shown in Fig 21. NOTE: Thermal laminating

film does not have a release liner. Also, whether you are using Poly-in

2. Adjust the Roller Pressure handle to the proper laminating setting.
3. Place the item to be laminated on the feed table, then press "RUN".
4. Guide the item into the heat rollers.
5. Once the item has cleared the back of the machine, press "STOP".

Remove the web and trim out the encapsulated product.

Refer to Fig 22 for the second pass process. Unweb laminator first.

1. Adjust the roller pressure handle to the proper Mounting setting and

set the motor speed to 3.

2. Peel back the leading edge of the release liner of the laminated item
3. Place the item on the mount board. Tack the exposed adhesive edge

of the item, from the center out, to the leading edge of the board.

4. Butt the leading edge of the board up against the heat rollers.
5. Drape the encapsulated item over the heat shield. Do not allow the

print to flop backwards.

6. Press "RUN" and immediately grasp the release liner for separation

as the board is pulled into the rollers. Do not allow the release liner

to be pull into the rollers.

After the board has cleared the rollers press "STOP".

Page 6-7

Mounting Only

This process requires a PSA pre treated board only. Refer to Overlami-

nation and Mounting, (Fig 23).

AccuShield™ Film

Figure 24 shows the webbing and typical configuration for AccuShield™

applications. Note that the separator bar is used for this application to

insure that proper separation is achieved.

Running Foil

Please consult you local GBC sales representative or your dealer/distributor

before attempting to run foil through the laminator

Page 6-8

Film Alignment

The film or supply shafts are shown in Fig 25. Loosen the locking screws

to align the film.

Film Tension Adjustment

Proper film tension, known as brake tension, is the minimum amount

required to eliminate wrinkles in the finished item. The film tension is set

at the factory. Tension adjustments are not necessary if you are using 1.5

or 3 mil GBC film unless the lamination is curling up or down. Generally, 5

and 10 mil film require more tension; and, as the film roll becomes smaller,

tension increases, requiring more adjustments. Film tension should be

checked occasionally to assure that the adjustment is correct.

The film should be taut. A properly adjusted roll of film should not require

excessive force to turn by hand. Film tension should be enough to introduce

a minor amount of drag as the film unrolls. Insufficient tension causes

wrinkles, while too much tension causes stretching (necking). Uneven

tension between the top and bottom rolls create curl. Too much upper

tension creates upward curl. Too much lower tension bottom causes

1. The machine is equipped with external tension knobs located on the

left side, (Fig 26). Turning the knobs clockwise increases the tension

while counterclockwise decrease the tension.

2. Laminate some test samples to check for proper tension. Further

Clearing a Film Jam (Wrap-up)

Film jams (wrap-ups) may occur if the film is loaded backwards or if the

area at which film exits the equipment is blocked. The film, when jammed,

wraps around heat or pull rollers. To clear a jam it is necessary to rotate

the rollers in the reverse direction. When pressed, the "REVERSE" button

on the control panel will cause the rollers to reverse. To clear a jam:

1. Immediately stop the laminator by pressing "STOP".
2. Set the speed indicator to 2.
3. Remove the safety shield and feed tray.
4. Cut the top and bottom film webs.
5. Grasp the loose ends of the web, pull straight and install the feed tray

so the web is on top of the tray. Replace the safety shield. Press and

hold down the "RUN" and "REVERSE" buttons together; guide the

film out of the heat rollers.

6. Once the jam has cleared the heat rollers, press the "STOP"

Thread the film per section FILM LOADING & THREADING.

Page 6-9

SPEED/TEMPERATURE GUIDE AND THE ART OF LAMINATION

Do not attempt to laminate abrasive or metal objects such as

staples, paper clips and glitter, as they may damage the heat or

Do not force items into the nip area of the heat rollers. An item that

is not easily drawn into the laminator by the heat rollers is probably

too thick to laminate.

Wrinkles may result if an attempt is made to reposition an item once

it has been grasped by the heat rollers.

Do not stop the laminator before an item has completely exited the

pull rollers. Even a momentary stop will cause a mark (heat line)

on the laminated item.

Good, consistent lamination is a result of combining proper heat, tension

and dwell time. Dwell time is controlled by the speed of the motor and is

defined as the amount of time the material to be laminated is compressed

between the heat rollers. When one of the film gauge buttons is selected

the laminator automatically sets the speed and temperature for that film

and 20 lb. paper (copier paper).

As a general rule, thicker items and film need to run at slower speeds

because they extract more heat from the rollers at a quicker rate. Setting

the speed control at slower settings gives the laminator longer dwell time

thus allowing proper lamination of thick items. Thinner items, such as

standard copier paper (20 lb. bond) and tissue paper, extract less heat

from the rollers and can be run at faster speeds.

Operation of the laminator for more than thirty minutes at a time may

necessitate a lower speed setting. It is recommended that, during periods

of long runs, the items being laminated are alternated between thick and

thin. Do not combine thick and thin items at the same time, as this will

result in a poor edge seal around the thinner material. If you are unsure

that the laminator is set at the proper speed for the item to be laminated,

run a test piece (scrap) of the same or similar material through the

laminator. This procedure is recommended because rotating the heat

roller prior to lamination will more evenly distribute the heat. Make speed

The SignMaker Series Lamination guide provides general guidelines

for suggested heat and speed settings to use with certain material and

laminating film combinations. A guide is located on the left side cover

of the unit and in this manual. This is only a general reference guide.

Different settings may be suitable as the warm up time, lamination time

Page 6-10

7.0 O PERATOR M AINTENANCE

Caring For The GBC Signmaker Series Laminator

GBC offers Cleaning kits as well as Extended Maintenance Agreements.

Contact your local GBC Service Representative or your dealer/distributor

The only maintenance required by the operator is to periodically clean

the main rollers. The following procedure will help keep the main rollers

free of adhesive that has been deposited along the edge of the lami-

nating film. Proper alignment of the rolls of film reduces the amount of

Do not attempt to laminate adhesives marked “Flammable”.

Do not laminate glitter and/or metallic items. Damage to the rollers may

Cleaning The Heat Rollers

CAUTION: THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED WHILE

THE LAMINATOR IS HOT. USE EXTREME CAUTION.

WARNING: Do not apply any cleaning fluids or solvents to the rollers.

Some solvents and fluids could ignite on heated rollers.

Never clean rollers with sharp or pointed objects.

Hardened adhesive deposits on the rollers can cause damage to the

rollers. Rotate the rollers at the lowest speed setting on the control

1. Remove the film from the laminator following the procedure outlined in

steps 1 through 7 of the section FILM LOADING AND THREADING,

Method Using Film Treading Card.

2. Preheat the laminator until the "READY" LED illuminates.
3. Rub the top and bottom heat rollers with a 3M™ Scotch-Brite™ pad.

DO NOT USE METAL SCOURING PADS!

4. Install the feed table and safety shield.
5. Press "RUN" to rotate the heat rollers to an unclean portion. Press

"STOP". Continue this process until the complete surface of both

6. Follow the procedure in section FILM LOADING AND THREADING,

Method Using Film Threading Card to reload the laminator.

• NOTE: Do not use metal scouring pads to clean the rollers. TROUBLE-

SHOOTING GUIDE

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Trouble Shooting Guide

SYMPTOM

POSSIBLE CAUSE

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Laminator not connected to electrical supply.

Insert attachment plug into receptacle.

Safety shield in upright position.

Feed tray interlock pin not in place.

Slide interlock lever all the way into the left side frame.

Tension between the top and bottom film roll is

Adjust tension per section FILM TENSION ADJUSTMENT.

"POWER" lamp does not illu-

minate when "ON/OFF" switch

is in the "ON" position.

Heat rollers do not turn.

Tension on top or bottom roll of film is too loose.

Adjust tension per section FILM TENSION ADJUSTMENT.

Speed setting too slow.

Slightly speed up laminator.

Bottom film roll may be improperly loaded

Make sure bottom roll of film is around idler bar.

Adhesive deposited on heat

Top and bottom film webs not aligned.

Align film webs per section FILM ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE.

Adhesive (matte) side of laminate film may be against the

heat rollers. Load film per procedure outlined in section FILM

LOADED & THREADING.

Speed setting too fast for type of material being

Lower speed setting by pressing SLOW button to slower

"READY" LED lamp must be illuminated.

Adhesive side of film must be facing away from the heat

rollers. Bottom roll of film not threaded behind the idle bar.

Heat rollers require cleaning.

Clean heat rollers per procedure in section CARING FOR

THE GBC SignMaker SERIES LAMINATOR.

Laminated item unsuitable for adhesion.

Item may be dirty or may have non-porous surface that is

extremely difficult to laminate.

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