Datasheet

Lamination Overview
Xerox Wide Format Supplies Applications Guide
Version 2.0; April 2005
85
Lamination Production Notes
This information is intended to be a starting point. Each laminator has its own characteristics that may vary
depending upon ambient conditions, laminator adjustments, age and condition of the laminator, etc. Temperature,
pressure, speed and tension adjustments may need to be made to optimize laminate adhesion to the base material
and to obtain flat, wrinkle-free prints.
• IMPORTANT: Avoid using low melt laminates where possible. Hot melt adhesives generally give greater
adhesion. Use pressure laminates where print media requires. De-lamination could occur if heat and pressure
settings are not correct for the media.
• Uneven waves or wrinkles can indicate a mis-aligned roller. Do not attempt to adjust a laminator roller
without proper instructions from the manufacturer.
• Silvering can occur if heat or pressure is too low, or speed is too high. This can also happen if there is too
much moisture in the media prior to lamination. Heating, or pre-drying, before laminating the prints might
help correct this problem.
• Keep the laminator supplies, media, and all work areas clean. Any debris trapped under laminates
cannot be removed.
• Static charges build on laminator and supply rolls. This might attract dust. A static elimination
device may help.
• Refer to the Supplies Data Sheets section of this book to obtain instructions regarding lamination requirements
for specific media.Use temperature tape to verify NIP temperature before laminating prints, especially prior to
beginning multiple quantities or oversized projects. Some laminators may have to be set higher in order for the
NIP to reach optimal temperature.
Production
Notes
• Make certain that high saturation areas of the print have completely dried before laminating.
• Grommets may be added to laminated or vinyl prints to aid in display. To avoid tearing, strengthen the print prior to setting the
grommets by adding a 2" triangle of heavy laminate between the grommet and the back of the print.
• Encapsulate prints intended for outdoor applications.
Cautions • Most problems with lamination are caused by uneven tension in the laminator web.
• If laminated prints curl up, the top laminate tension is too high. Likewise, if the print curls downward, the bottom laminate
tension is too high.
• “Boat waking” can occur when the nip pressure is too high or too low or pull tensions are too low.
• Improper cooling after lamination can result in wavy finishes or other defects.
• Uneven waves or wrinkles can indicate a misaligned roller. Do not attempt to adjust a laminator roller without proper
instructions from the manufacturer.
• “Silvering” can occur if heat or pressure is too low, or speed is too high. This can also happen if there is too much
moisture in the media prior to lamination. Heating, or pre-drying, before laminating the prints might ease this problem.
• Keep the laminator supplies, media, and all work areas clean. Any debris trapped under laminates cannot be removed.
• Static charges build on laminator and supply rolls. This might attract dust. A static elimination device may help.