entry-level automatic feeder cut-sheet laminators

Discussion in 'Gloss Coatings' started by Jeff, Feb 8, 2008.

  1. Jeff

    Jeff Senior Member

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    This past summer and fall I was looking at gloss uv coaters as a way to get a perfectly consistent high-gloss finish on our digital toner-based laser prints. It will be a while though as the cost of new gloss uv setups is fairly high for us. Another issue is that applying a uv coating requires a coated stock whereas we run all uncoated in our canons at present.

    Today I saw in the current American Printer magazine two machines featured -- sheetfed laminators with integrated guillotine cutters. I wonder if these (or similar) would be an interesting way to go.

    The first was a D&K Group "Double Kote Digital" which looked pretty interesting, though the guillotine accuracy is quoted as "+/- 1/16" " which seems like it would be frustrating in many circumstances introducing so much play into anything that didn't have plenty of room to flow around the bend and plenty in from the edges. The second was a GBC "Delta" one-sided laminator with feeder - a similar setup and I recognize the GBC name. They both seem to require only around 30 sq. ft. of floor space.


    I've always though of laminators as the old roll manual-cut machines that leave the clear edge around everything, so I didn't even consider this. Maybe though one of these sheetfed/auto-cut laminators is the ideal solution for perfect gloss coating digital output and would be easier than a UV gloss coater, and also allow really easy short runs, etc.

    I wonder how durable such laminated output is?
    Does it fold well if used to gloss coat covers or brochures?
    Seems like maintenance costs would be very very low, but I imagine material costs would be quite high for the film lamination rolls on a per print basis... maybe not outrageous though.
    Cutting accuracy seems like an issue, but maybe it would be acceptable with lots of care...
     
  2. revbryant

    revbryant Member

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    Folding and Cutting is easily accomplished.

    I would be more than happy to provide you with an ROI and product info on any of our products.

    Regards,

    Eric Bryant

    GBC Laminations Specialist-Michigan,Ohio, & Western Pa.

    Cell:216-509-5540
     
  3. Jeff

    Jeff Senior Member

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    Sorry for my late reply Eric - thanks very much. Can you give a very ballpark price for your entry-level machine for 12 x 18 sheets with feeder?
     
  4. revbryant

    revbryant Member

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    entry level laminator

    If you are looking for a system with a feeder then our 5031 is the system. I would not call it entry level in the sense that it is a matched component system with Feeder, Laminator, and Cutter. Feeds 4-35 fpm cuts Min. 6"x10" Max 31" x 48" It is a modular system so you can just purchase a laminator and feeder if you like. send me an email eric.bryant@gbc.com if any of this sounds like what you seek.

    If you are just looking for a laminator that can handle short runs of sheets with the versatility to handle the full breadth of applications then our catena 65 is the ticket.
    Catena starts at $2800
    5031 system is much more sophisticated but less expensive than the competitions.
     
  5. Jeff

    Jeff Senior Member

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    Thanks again for the info. If I could do it with a cantena I would already have one at that price range :) but without a feeder/cutter I don't think I would have the patience to use a Cantena for the jobs I'm thinking of, and I don't know how I would ever accurately cut the output without a smart & accurate cutter built in. I'm thinking of using it for covers where out run length would be 1000 to 1500 12x18's, but only once a monthy with this run length, and then just miscellaneous jobs in addition. We probably would not have the ROI to justify the machine we need at this point so I didn't want to waste your time until I at least had a very ballpark # to think about for the "entry level" cost of a machine that could feed and trim the output.

    I'm also wondering if for our use would even work -- if the trim is only within 1/16", it might be very difficult for us to bookletize without too much shift occuring in the line between front and back cover for example...
     
  6. revbryant

    revbryant Member

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    I will be up in Michigan tues and wed this week if you would like to talk in person. For bookcovers we recomend the 620. ROI for that can accomodate many factors. We have financing options available and at worst I can put you in touch with someone that has just purchased one of these up in Michigan and is probably looking to fill some machine time. It is up to you. My advice comes at no charge and my business is successful when I am informing potential customers on ways to finish their products. 216-509-5540 is my number if you have 15 minutes to look at a brochure and a video of the 620 in operation.
     

  7. revbryant

    revbryant Member

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    620 footprint is about 4'x9' and the machine is on wheels. retails for approx 25K but I do have some good deals going on this month.