A Digital Printing Network

Laminator

I've had a laminator on my wishlist at work since day one. Today Santa came early and I was told to start doing research on which one we should get. I know nothing about these.

If one of you fine gents or ladies would spend some time explaining the things I should be looking for that would be hawt!

I have an SP540-V so we'll need a 54"+ lam. I don't know if we need heat assist or not, what's the difference? Brands? Suggestions? What do you have and why do you like it? Obviously I won't be able to afford a bagillion dollar laminator however I am trying to keep in the range from $.01 to $7,000ish.

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Mike F on October 21, 2011 at 2:39pm

I'd recommend a Royal Sovereign. I wouldn't bother with a hot laminator either. We've got the RSH-1651 and I love it, but we have yet to use it hot in the 6+ months we've had it. Can't comment on the heat assist since ours is only cold/hot with no in-between.

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Permalink Reply by SMR Digital Creations on October 21, 2011 at 3:37pm

I've also been looking at the Diage lams. They both look great. Mostly I'll be doing signs and vehicle wraps.

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Permalink Reply by Mike F on October 21, 2011 at 5:16pm

Whatever you do, stay away from Daige, heard nothing but bad things about them. Do yourself a favor and spring for a Royal Sovereign or a Seal.

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Permalink Reply by SMR Digital Creations on October 22, 2011 at 10:50am

Hrm, that's no good :\ The Daige is definitely affordable for our little shop but there's no point in getting something that isn't a quality machine. Thanks for the heads up.

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Permalink Reply by Steven Jackson - Admin on October 22, 2011 at 12:23pm

I would second the Royal Sovereign. The heat assist will make working with prints that have not fully outgassed easier and makes the print look smoother when laminated.

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Permalink Reply by Dennis Dunning on October 25, 2011 at 6:38am

We have the same machine as Steven, like the way it performs, and have no issues with it.

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Permalink Reply by chip on October 21, 2011 at 8:29pm

Hi,

I have worked in signage for 20 years and in my experience heat assist laminators aren't nessicary for that type of work but if you are doing really high quality indoor work that is going to be viewed really close up then you will need the heat, unless your doing that, i wouldnt bother with the heat assist i dont think it's worth the extra cost.

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Permalink Reply by SMR Digital Creations on October 22, 2011 at 12:30pm

Thanks all, this has been a brilliant, informative conversation!

As a reward I'll link you to this graphic design blog I often read. This, of course, is one of my favorite, and most informative, articles.

http://www.27bslash6.com/overdue.html