MyBinding Knowledge Base
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:
- Preheat the laminator and remove the feed tray.
- Cut the remaining top and bottom film webs between the supply rolls and heat rollers.
- Raise the safety shield to the upright position.
- 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.
- Remove the bottom film supply roll from the laminator and lower the bottom film guide.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Replace the top supply roll and unroll enough film to tack to the existing roll of film.
- Install the feed table and lower the safety shield.
- Run the laminator on the slowest speed setting to begin pulling the laminate through the rollers.
- 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.
- 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.
< Over the years, a number of customers have asked me whether they can use twin loop wire with their plastic comb binding machine. These customers often don’t want to have to buy a brand new machine but like the look and feel of twin loop wire binding. However, the answer to their question isn’t as simple as it seems. You see, they actually do make twin loop wire that is designed to work with the plastic comb binding hole pattern. With that said, if you want to use these wires you are going to need a way to close the wires. What is Spiral-O Wire? Let me explain a little bit more…There is a product that we carry called Spiral-O Wire. This wire has 19 loops and is designed to work with the hole pattern from a plastic comb binding machine. Spiral-O Wire is sometimes called Wire Combs or Ibico Wire and was originally designed for use with some of the older Ibico binding machines. A number of the older Ibico plastic comb binding machines also included a twin loop wire closer on the front of them to allow users to use both plastic combs and wire. This 19 loop wire was designed for this purpose. What Equipment is Needed? As the Ibico brand has been phased out by GBC and all of the older Ibico plastic binding machines have been replaced with new models, they no longer have the twin loop wire closer on the front of them. This presents a problem in trying to use these spiral-o wires since you can’t use the wires without a way to close them. One of the only options left is to purchase a Twin Loop wire closer. However, since twin loop wire closers are not incredibly cheap this option usually only appeals to users who have larger electric plastic comb binding machines. Otherwise, it is often advisable to simply buy a low end 3:1 pitch twin loop wire binding machine (the supplies are cheaper). This being said, if you have one of the older Ibico binding machines that has a wire closer included you are in luck. The Spiral-O binding supplies that we carry will work perfectly with your machine and you will be able to use both plastic combs and wire depending on your needs. These Spiral-O binding supplies are available in Black, Silver, White, Blue and Red and in sizes up to 1″ in diameter. If you aren’t sure what type of wire binding supplies that you need to work with your machine simply give us a call. Our trained sales representatives will be glad to help you find the correct supplies for use with your machine.(Read More)
