Laminating Machines
GBC HeatSeal H110
These are little powerhorses we bought in our first year. They jam easily if you aren't paying attention and decide to put two badges through them, but they can also be taken apart and put back together. They cost about $60 new, but are now around $10-20 around the internet because there are newer models out there. They do not get as hot as some of our other larger laminating machines, but they also have not died on us yet. Once they are really hot and ready to go, they take about two passes on a 10m pouch, and 1-2 on a 7m pouch to laminate well.
Do not use a laminating sleeve in this machine!
Causes of Machine Jamming
- Using a laminating sleeve (sometimes).
- Rushing and inserting a new badge in the machine when the previous one isn't out yet.
- Forgetting that you put a badge in the machine and inserting a new one.
- Not pushing the badge in far enough for the machine to catch it, and then inserting another badge.
Seriously, be careful and pay attention. Jamming a machine will require someone to take the machine apart to fix AND it ruins both badges in the machine. A jammed machine wastes a lot of valuable time.
General Info
This page needs pictures of our machines, costs, etc.
There needs to be a complete procedure for how to take apart and put together the machines, as well as how to laminate. Etc.
Caution
- Be careful with the machines. Be careful not to jam the machine because a jammed machine must be taken apart to be usable again for reg.
- Make sure that the prelaminated edge of the pouch goes in to the machine first. Not putting the correct edge forward could cause the pouch not to laminate correctly, or worse, the pouch to come apart and jam the machine. Similarly, make sure the sleeve fold goes in first when using a pouch.
- BADGES ARE HOT when they come out of the machines. Be careful not to hurt yourself. The burns have never been serious, but they hurt for a few moments so just be careful.
To Sleeve or Not to Sleeve
A laminating sleeve is a little folded over piece of shiny card stock. It protects the machine from glue and ensures that the machine parts aren't touching the lamination materials directly. Some machines need them, some machines do not.
Here's the basics of how to tell if you need a sleeve:
- Large machines – sleeves
- Small machines (GBC HeatSeal H110) – NO sleeves
Any large laminating machines must have a sleeves when laminating the badge. All small machines (GBC HeatSeal H110) must not have a sleeves when laminating. The pouches come with the laminating sleeves and if all of them are damaged or lost, a folded over piece of paper will suffice.
Apache
Apache AL18P Professional Hot/Cold 18" (Actually 17.5" max Laminating Width) Thermal Laminator
- File:Apache Operating Manual.pdf Does not contain service instructions.
It needs to run at 350 degrees F for 10 mil pouches. For the thick card stock badges, run it through, flip it, and run it through again.