How To Set Up And Operate A Roll Laminator
During the past few weeks at ABC Office, we have held free roll laminator training sessions. The purpose is to help train local schoolteachers and other employees how to properly set up and operate a roll laminator machine. The goal was to help educators get the best performance out of their school’s laminator and ensure that everyone knows the safe and proper way to operate a roll laminator. We also wanted to demonstrate how to use the least amount of lamination film to save money.
Most schools will only permit a few employees to operate their laminator since the process can be somewhat complex. After meeting with our recent workshop attendees, we decided it would be helpful to create a brief summary of the roll laminator set up and operation process. This should help even more school staff learn how to use a roll laminator so that that responsibility does not belong to just one employee. The following will show you how to load and operate a school type laminator in just minutes.
This is the Tahsin / Tamerica TCC2700 27-Inch Thermal Roll Laminator, the machine we used during the laminator training session. We chose this model because it has most of the features that are found on a typical school laminator. We also wanted to show the attendees a model that can process a wide range of lamination film, from 1.5 to 10 mils in thickness. Most school laminators are limited to a range of 1.5 to 3 mil lamination film, but there are some school projects that require a stiffer and more durable lamination film.
Before you turn on the laminator, be sure to disengage, or separate, the top and bottom silicone heat rollers (if this feature is included with your laminator). On the model TCC270 laminator, this is done by pulling the side handle/lever into the “Up” position. This will give you ample space to feed the film through from the top and bottom lamination rolls.
Next, install the top and bottom lamination rolls onto the laminator. You can do this by inserting the top and bottom mandrels into the lamination film cardboard core. With the model TCC270 laminator, the top mandrel is inserted by twisting the metal bar clock-wise. This prevents the metal film prong/stopper from stopping the film installation process.
The prong/stopper ensures there is no slippage during the lamination process. You should next install the bottom lamination roll the same way as the top, except you twist the mandrel in a counter-clockwise direction.
Now, thread the top and bottom lamination rolls. Carefully follow the threading diagram provided with your laminator. The product manual will have a diagram and most laminators, such as the model TCC270, have a diagram printed on the side of the machine. If you have threaded the film correctly, the glue side of the film will be facing towards you.
Next, tape the top and bottom lamination rolls together in front of the gap of the top and bottom laminator rollers. You will want to use a fairly stiff and wide piece of paper to feed the lamination film trough the rollers.
Now, put the laminator’s side handle/lever in the “Down” position to close the gap between the top and bottom rollers.
Push the side operation switch to “Run.” Next, turn on the machine. Select “Heat” and adjust the speed to “3.”
The rollers should begin rolling and your test sheet of paper should feed trough with the film, exiting from the back side of the laminator.
Set the laminator speed to zero and adjust the temperature for the type of film you are using (1.5, 3, 5, 7 or 10 mil films require different temperature settings).
Replace the paper feed tray in the front of the laminator and pull down the plastic safety heat shield. You may now operate your laminator after is reaches the desired temperature.
Be sure to contact ABC Office at 1-800-658-8788 for all of your roll laminator questions, supplies and needs!
Keith Barlow
Keith is a third generation office equipment expert. ABC Office was started by his grandfather back in 1980 and he is proud to be caring on the values that made ABC Office what it is today… unsurpassed selection, detailed information, low prices, and courteous support.
Tags: install roll laminator film, laminator training, roll laminator training, school laminator, school laminator training, set up roll laminator, Tahsin / Tamerica TCC2700