PROBLEM:
Film is not properly adhered or starts to come off sometime after lamination.
SOLUTION:
Unless there is something wrong with the film, this problem comes from film
being run at too low a temperature. Check the heat setting on the laminator. If the film is not
sticking to the item, it is likely that more heat is required.
If you are running thicker films, you may have the problem if you try to go too fast. In this case,
the thicker film may not have enough time on the heat rollers to reach its adhesive melt
temperature. Thicker films may be run at low speeds with no problem.
When laminating posters or other thicker material with 1.5 mil film, the paper itself can absorb
enough of the heat from the film to drop the adhesive below its melt temperature. The film may
start to come off immediately or it may start to fall off after a few days. The solution here is to
run the work at a higher temperature. About 320° to 340 °F will usually do the job.
PROBLEM:
A laminated item comes out with a large “oily” spot on or near the leading edge.
SOLUTION:
It’s not oil that causes this effect, but excess adhesive. When a machine is heated
but allowed to idle for a few minutes or longer, the adhesive from the film over the rollers can
form droplets if material is put in immediately. This excess adhesive saturates an area of paper,
creating what looks like an oily spot. The solution is to just let a few inches of film go through
the laminator before introducing your workpiece.
Anytime you are laminating unfamiliar or costly items; it is a good idea to start with an
expendable sample or test piece. Laminating a test piece first gives you an indication of the
results you’ll get and also takes care of any pooled adhesive.
PROBLEM:
A milky, hazy line about an inch wide appears periodically across the width of the
web immediately after initial warm-up.
SOLUTION:
The rollers may not be adequately heated or, unless there is something wrong
with the film, this problem could be from film being run at too low a temperature. Check the
heat setting on the laminator. If the film is not sticking to the item, it is likely that more heat is
required. See previous sections for details.
PROBLEM:
The laminated material seems to have a pitted surface or irregular surface that
does not match the texture of the paper being coated.
SOLUTION:
This is usually caused by adhesive build-up or dirt on the rubber rollers, but may
be caused by any matter stuck to the rollers, such as a piece of paper. Inspect the rubber rollers
and if they need cleaning refer to the owner's manual.
Cuts or other damage to the rubber rollers, especially the laminating rollers, can also cause
irregularities in the surface of the film. The pull rollers are identical to the laminating rollers and
could be substituted if still in good condition.
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