Papergraphics picks out the Flexa EasyLite compact laminator as its most popular machine
Lamination Equation
Printing an outdoor application such as a poster or billboard is one matter, but ensuring it has the right protection to ensure its longevity in what can often be challenging conditions amid the elements is another consideration altogether.
Lamination presents sign-makers with an effective method of not only protecting their work, both in interior and exterior environments, but also the opportunity to add an extra bit of sparkle to printed pieces and make them stand out more to passers-by.
With this in mind, SignLink considers the most important attributes to look out for when purchasing new lamination machinery and highlights some of the latest options available to the market.
Making The Right Choice
A name synonymous with this sector, Vivid Laminating Technologies offers a wide range of options to sign-makers and wide-format printers across the UK. Product and sales manager Lewis Evans says putting in place the right equipment is imperative for all types of finishing in sign-making.
“One of the most important things to consider when investing in a new laminator is that it operates and runs properly and doesn’t wreck any of the work that has been printed,” Evans explains.
O Factoid: Vivid Laminating Technologies’ new Easymount Hybrid, a combined flatbed applicator and laminator solution that launched at FESPA 2023, now holds multiple patents O
“Companies need to be looking at a number of core attributes, including how it operates over a 50m roll, given the size of some signage applications. A good quality silicon roller will operate in a way that a 50m roll of vinyl will run without it running off.
“A quality laminator will also not put crease marks on the printed work, which otherwise would lead to the need to re-print the piece. When applying expensive films to protect the printed work, you need to ensure that it applies perfectly evenly all the way through, doesn’t damage any of the work and you need to have confidence in multiple operators being able to use the equipment easily.”
Looking at Vivid’s collection of lamination solutions for sign-makers and wide-format printing businesses, Lewis has little hesitation in pointing to the Easymount range. In particular, Evans highlights the ease of use for these machines as one of their main selling points, saying that the easier a machine is to use, then the more effective it will be for the user.
“The swing-out arms on the Easymount now load the material in seconds,” Evans explains, adding: “Some machines can take five or ten minutes to change the rolls on, and over the course of a year, that is a lot of production time wasted. We make our laminators easy to use and quick to run work on – that is what you need to be looking for when investing in a new piece of kit in this area.”
One of the most popular options within the Vivid Easymount range is the Easymount Air 1600 Single Hot. The machine uses pneumatic air pressure to control the laminating rollers, allowing users to mount and laminate with high accuracy and speed. The solution can run at speeds of up to 10m a minute and can mount up to 30mm, while additional features include variable speed control and a foot pedal for easier control.
The latest machine in Vivid’s Easymount range comes in the form of the Easymount Hybrid, a machine that offers a flatbed applicator and laminator in a single solution. Launched at the 2023 FESPA Global Print Expo earlier this year, the machine has now been patented and the first models are due to start being installed from December.
“Combining the benefits of both applications into one easy-to-use flatbed laminator and saving on the need for two systems, the Easymount Hybrid laminator is a solution that can help customers improve their competitive edge, and save on space and money,” Vivid says.
Vivid Laminating Technologies will begin installing the first models of its new Easymount Hybrid in December
“Electromagnetic locking, allows for easy transitioning from roll laminating to application table. The patented floating rollers save time and keeps edges of substrates in perfect condition.”
Growth Potential
Also well placed to offer guidance and solutions here is Papergraphics, which supplies a range of machinery to the industry. Chris Vaughan, content creation at Papergraphics, says print finishing is an excellent way to increase your bottom line.
“When we introduced our Stickybits laminate range more than 15 years ago, many of our customers doubled, and some even tripled their average retail-selling prices by offering a large-format print finishing service,” Vaughan says.
“High-quality lamination equipment is needed to achieve that growth potential. Reliability, ease of use, and a machine built to last are essential, as once you see the profit in print finishing, we’re certain your lamination equipment will get a lot of use.”
As to what companies should be looking for when investing, Vaughan picked out pressure, precision, and control as the fundamental pillars that underpin “flawless lamination”.
“When considering your options, there are a handful of crucial aspects to consider: bigger nip, carefully crowned rollers, precise alignment, balanced pressure, accurate heat control, and the inclusion of pre-programmed systems,” he says.
Offering advice on the subject, Papergraphics’ technical support team advises on a number of areas. These include that larger-diameter nip rollers – the two front rollers on a machine – play a pivotal role in the lamination process. These ensure that the lamination film is under pressure with the substrate for longer, giving a better adhesion and minimising unwanted silvering.
Meanwhile, correctly crowned rollers with carefully calibrated tension springs guarantee pressure is distributed uniformly across the width of the rollers. This prevents costly issues like stretching, rippling, or creasing.
Papergraphics also advises that well-aligned and perfectly balanced rollers are essential for an uninterrupted roll-to-roll lamination workflow, allowing for high productivity and minimised wastage.
Papergraphics adds that temperature management is paramount. In professional laminators, accurate heat control keeps the temperature consistent throughout the process, which the supplier says is a feature often absent in cheaper alternatives.
In addition, Papergraphics advises looking for pre-programmed systems as they can eliminate the guesswork and help to ensure consistency and quality of output.
As for what Papergraphics has on offer, Vaughan says its most popular machine is the Flexa EasyLite compact laminator. He explains: “It’s a high-quality, well-built, and cost-effective machine, designed for professional large-format lamination, mounting, and encapsulation. We find it easy to use and reliable, so it's perfect for most everyday print finishing needs.
The Flexa EasyLite from Papergraphics can be reconfigured and upgraded to a five-shaft system
“The Flexa EasyLite can also be reconfigured and upgraded to a more versatile five-shaft system as your business grows. It is a stunningly efficient piece of equipment that can load material in seconds, minimise silvering, mount images on panels, and even apply double-sided adhesive films and application tapes.”
As referenced earlier, Papergraphics also supplies Stickybits, which Vaughan says users need to add a profitable print-finishing service to your business. Stickybits is Papergraphics’ brand of print finishing media.
“This range not only offers a wide range of finishes, including exceptionally glossy, matt, satin anti-slip, anti-graffiti and textured crystal, but it’s also compatible with a wide array of ink technologies, including aqueous, eco-solvent, latex, and the notoriously challenging UV-curable inks,” Vaughan explains, adding: “From indoor to outdoor applications, then the Papergraphics Stickybits range has you covered.”
Crucial Component
Another supplier in this market is Your Print Specialists (YPS), which offers a range of print kit. Managing director Georgia Brown says laminating forms an important part of the print process offering durability, visual appeal, and versatility. As such, it is crucial any lamination equipment purchased by a sign-maker or wide-format printer meets the needs of the company and that the output also meets the needs of their customer.
“As print speeds and technology advances, lamination can become a production bottleneck, so having equipment that is efficient is an absolute must,” Brown says, adding: “A company looking to invest in a laminator should choose one that can handle the maximum width of the prints that they typically work with.
As print speeds and technology advances, lamination can become a production bottleneck, so having equipment that is efficient is an absolute must”
“Adjustable settings such as speed, pressure, and heat can help automate the lamination process and reduce turnaround times. A laminator that is easy to use will reduce the learning curve for the operator and improve the usability of the equipment. Ensuring the laminator can handle a variety of substrates and thicknesses increases versatility and can widen the product portfolio.
“An investment in a laminator should align with the company’s workflow, materials, and business goals. Taking the time to evaluate these factors and match them to the equipment in question will help ensure that the investment enhances the sign-maker’s and printer’s capabilities.”
YPS is the exclusive distributor for Moditech EWS Electronic Work Stations within the UK. Billed as being “more than a laminator”, the EWS is marketed as a complete workstation solution for the application and lamination of a range of substrates.
Available from Your Print Specialists, Moditech EWS Electronic Work Stations are fully electric
Fully electronic, the EWS features a table that is height adjustable, which YPS says makes it easy to work on for different staff members with a maximum 25-degree tilt and backlit available, depending on the job in hand. The roller is also electronically controlled, which allows for even and accurate production.
Moditech EWS Electronic Work Stations feature a table that is height adjustable
“This means there is also less potential to damage the prints therefore reducing waste and costs and maximising profitability,” Brown explains, adding: “The design of the EWS offers a great user experience and maximum productivity thanks to its ability to laminate as well as mount. The Moditech EWS is an expertly designed range with a focus on quality, flexibility, and operator wellbeing.
Brown explains that investing in a laminating and application table can be a great way to enter the signage market, with a smaller outlay required when compared to a flatbed printer.
“An increase in efficiency can allow for more work and projects to be undertaken,” Brown says, adding: Beyond preservation, lamination elevates the look, durability, and versatility of the printed material it protects.
“As the print technology and industry evolves, the role of lamination remains steadfast so investing in quality lamination equipment is imperative. It contributes to the overall quality of the services provided, client satisfaction, and business success.”
Brown’s closing comments offer an apt conclusion to this feature; lamination is much more than simply protecting a piece of work, it offers sign-makers and wide-format printers the chance to make printed work really shine. New investment in this area could open up all sorts of markets to you and your business.
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