FINISHING EQUIPMENT Service and repair


Over time and without regular maintenance, laminator rollers become worn or damaged and years of abuse take their toll leading to a less than perfect finish on laminated prints that only a costly repair bill or a new machine can remedy.


When this happens customers can take advantage of our buy back service for older machines or perhaps use it as an opportunity to part exchange existing equipment against newer models.


Through a process of precision engineering, we will then restore these older machines; cleaning and recoating rollers using siliconised heat resistant rubber with the same shore hardness to restore them to the manufacturers original specification. Roller pressure is then precisely calibrated and the machine is treated to a comprehensive service.


Laaco has a rolling stock of refurbished laminators in the warehouse for purchase. For their pedigree and ‘good as new’ status the machines are very competitively priced, usually retailing for less than half the cost of brand new alternatives. In addition, to reassure customers of the capability of the refurbished machines, we offer a ‘try before you buy’ service and a three month parts and labour guarantee.


The refurbishment service has proved popular with leading sign making and exhibition suppliers across the country that are keen to invest in sustainable and cost effective laminating equipment. There are also clear advantages to obtaining a laminating machine identical to the one that their operators have used for the last 20 years - and at a greatly reduced price. For example, no new training is needed and the same high quality results they and their customers have come to expect are delivered every time.


Durable finish


Laminating is an umbrella term that encompasses encapsulation, mounting and also multifunctional sign production machines.


Laminating continues to be an essential aspect of high quality graphic reproduction with most sign makers keen to laminate vinyl to protect the inks and make the finish more durable. The vinyl is then stuck to boards with pressure.


These days it is common practice for companies to purchase their laminator and printer as part of a package but invariably, the focus is given to obtaining the printer with the highest specification the budget will allow in an effort to ensure the best end result, leaving a minimal budget for the laminator. The team at Laaco would tell you that this is false economy because regardless of how faithfully the graphics may be reproduced by the printer, the low budget laminator will limit the quality of the end result. For a similar investment, we can provide and install high quality refurbished laminators and train employees in their operation.


Exhibition graphics


Larger graphics such as those used for events or exhibition stands naturally require larger machines and it is here that these older models really come into their own.


Anything measuring between 1600mm to 2000mm wide will require a machine with a very solid top roller measuring at least 100mm to 130mm in diameter. Anything less will bow, resulting in uneven pressure and unsightly air bubbles.


Whilst potentially delivering a lower initial cost investment, the cheaper models available on today’s market cannot match the performance


of the older machines when dealing with this kind of requirement.


Older models tend to offer a wider choice of customisation due to their high standard of specification. Typically, they will offer a heavy top heated roller with the option to vary heat, pressure and speed according to the required finish. They also generally offer clear open rollers to ensure fast webbing on vinyl and film. Some even offer a useful ‘rewind’ facility at the rear.


The need to quickly turnaround high quality professional signs in a variety of special finishes means exhibition companies usually opt for multi-functional laminators with top and bottom heated rollers as well as pull rollers. Multi-functional machines allow hot encapsulation and crystal/stoplight applications for pop-up stands. Some are bi-directional and have two sets of rollers which can be used in reverse cold applications.


Often companies will purchase two or three machines with specific duties assigned to each one so that time and money is not wasted switching jobs and making adjustments to the machine. When this is the case it makes sense to look at all the possible alternatives - it could be that buying a refurbished machine is potentially the most cost effective solution.


Over the last 25 years, we have established a solid reputation for servicing and repairs on all kinds of laminating machines and our business is based on helping sign makers and exhibition companies safeguard their vital investments with regular maintenance and repairs. So if you are looking for a cost effective solution, it could pay to talk to a company who can help you make the right choice for the future.


llll www.laacolaminates.co.uk


18


SCREEN PROCESS AND DIGITAL IMAGING l July/August 2011


Visit us at www.spdi-online.com


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