A Digital Printing Network

time to purchase laminator

We've been laminating prints by hand(Big Squeegee) for about a year, working out just fine. But just got a job for 120 48"x48" prints on vinyl for 60 trucks. I think it's time to pull the trigger on a laminator. Don't want to spend too much because our core business is apparel. Any suggestions, or a good deal on a used one.

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steven Jackson on February 10, 2010 at 7:30am

Tom,
That is a pretty big order and some large prints! There are many different types and models of laminators on the market right now and I have tried 2 different models. The Diage laminator did well for me when we only had an SP 300 but when I upgraded and got a VP540, I needed a bigger laminator. The more I looked into the larger models, the more I heard horror stories about the Diage and it not getting even pressure across a print for larger widths. I decided to go with the Royal Sovereign and what an amazing difference between the two models! The RS is so much easier to load, run and even setup than the Diage unit! I can go from laminating to mounting in about 2 or 3 minutes and vice versa. Switching laminates and materials is a breeze and with the heat assist, I get better looking products. I see that you might be coming out for the class in March and you will see the RS in action then. I cannot tell you how much I love this machine and what a difference it has made in the shop. It is more expensive of course but well worth the investment. I have attached a file showing the models currently sold by Imprintables and a breakdown of each. I think that at the show in Long Beach they even had a special going on with them. Let me know if you would like any specific information or if you want to come up before the class and get a demo on the unit. It really is a fantastic piece of equipment.

I hope this helps!

~Steven

Attachments:

Royal_Sovereign_laminators.pdf, 310 KB

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tom Taggart on February 10, 2010 at 8:30am

Hey Steve,
Thanks for the response. I am impressed with the Royal Sovereign, but the problem is are we going to get enough use out of it to justify the expense. I heard of a new and improved Daige, and also the Drytac Jet Mounter. Any info on these 2 models? Anyway these 3 are the models we're considering...just trying to make the best and most informed business decision.

thanks again Steve...hopefully I'll see you in March.
-Tom

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steven Jackson on February 10, 2010 at 8:40am

Tom,
I have heard about both of those models but I have not seen either of them in action. The Diage I had was a good model but somewhat difficult to setup and change out, and it did not get good reviews at all for the larger models. Sorry I can't give you more info than that.

Hope to see you in March!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Wendy on February 12, 2010 at 5:48am

We am looking at the Royal Sovereign 55" and am wondering would we want a cold laminator or one with heat assist? What are the applications for each? There is also one that offers the thinner roll depth, do we care if we have a thinner/thicker roll depth? Why or why not?
Thanks!
Wendy

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steven Jackson on February 12, 2010 at 9:32am

I really like the heat assist with mine. It seems to help with the silvering effect and prints seem to look nicer. I am not really sure about the roll depth but I will see what I can find out.