Product Description
Wide format laminators are commonly found in many offices, such as schools and professional print shops. But when you’re buying such a high cost item, you want to be sure it’s going to work well for your needs. GBC is known for great office products and their 56FM Thermal/PSA Laminator is no exception. Able to provide both cold and hot lamination, this device accommodates a wide variety of materials up to 55 inches wide while still being easy to use and functional.
Product Details
- Thermal Film supply shaft position.
- Top idler bar.
- Heat pressure rollers.
- Safety shield.
- Foot switch.
- Bottom Film supply shaft.
- Feed table.
- Control panel.
- Roller pressure handle.
- PSA Film supply shaft.
- Release liner take-up.
Specifications
- Variable: 1 to 9 fpm (0.3 to 4 mpm)
- Fixed - Safety shield removed: 3 fpm (0.9 mpm)
- Width: 69 in (170 cm)
- Height: 54 in (140 cm)
- Depth: 30 in (76.4 cm)
- Weight: 300 lbs. (136 kg)
- Voltage: 220 V 60
- Current: Hz18 Amps
- Power: 4000 W
- U.S. Receptacle: NEMA 6-30R
Staff Review
GBC 56FM 55″ Thermal/PSA Laminator Review
Wide format laminators are commonly found in many offices, such as schools and professional print shops. But when you’re buying such a high cost item, you want to be sure it’s going to work well for your needs. GBC is known for great office products and their 56FM Thermal/PSA Laminator is no exception. Able to provide both cold and hot lamination, this device accommodates a wide variety of materials up to 55 inches wide while still being easy to use and functional. Here is a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of the GBC 56FM Thermal/PSA Laminator.
Strengths:
- A user-friendly digital control panel runs the entire unit. It offers simple operation and stores up to nine frequently used jobs for instant recall, saving you from re-programming every time. The motor reverse function provides easy removal of jams and misfeeds by sending the items back out to the user. A convenient stand is included as well as a foot pedal for hands free operation.
- This device offers both hot and cold lamination for versatile use. The heated roll design as well as removable chill roller help to ensure professional quality lamination, every time. An infrared temperature control offers variable control for the optimum temperature needed for each item.
- The 56FM is capable of handling materials up to 55 inches wide. This is ideal for banners, posters, retail displays, maps, blueprints, and more. Rolls need to have a three inch core thickness. Items can be processed at varying speeds up to 10 feet per minute.
- Manual roller gap adjustment can be moved into seven different positions to accommodate a wide variety of materials. The half inch thickness accepted by this machine can handle all sorts of items, from thin film to mounting boards. This makes it exceptionally versatile and great for producing all sorts of visual aids and other products. The silicone rollers are easy to clean and further guarantee professional results.
- GBC guarantees this product with a one year warranty on parts and 90 day coverage on labor.
Weaknesses:
- This machine weighs around 800 pounds. While this is expected from a large piece of machinery, it will still be very heavy to move. There are wheels on the bottom for added mobility for when you do need to relocate it.
- It’s not only heavy but extremely large as well. It stands four and a half feet tall and is almost six feet wide. These dimensions are needed to accommodate the width but also take up a lot of floor space. Before you buy, be sure you have the need and the room for this large of a machine.
Clearly from the many strengths, the GBC 56FM is an excellent laminator for professional use. It would work well in a professional print shop, cop shop, studio, office and any other place needing a cost-effective, wide format laminator. With convenient and efficient features, this is one machine to check out for yourself. We would definitely recommend this versatile device for your next office laminator.
