| ls really only have one main responsibility when it | | | | A good rule of thumb for laminators is to clean them |
| comes to taking care of their laminating machines. | | | | at least two to four times annually, based on usage. |
| Since even the most careful attention will result in | | | | If film is wrapped around the rollers or inserted |
| some adhesive deposits on the rollers where the | | | | backwards, you will have to clean the machine |
| edge of the film is usually positioned, the heat rollers | | | | (following the same procedure) before attempting to |
| must be cleaned from time to time. Fortunately, | | | | laminate anything else. |
| it’s pretty easy to clean the adhesive | | | | You can prevent some laminator problems by being |
| deposits off the rollers. | | | | careful about how you use your machine. You should |
| First of all, never use blades, knives, or other sharp | | | | not laminate metallic or glittered items as the glitter |
| objects to clean the rollers. They are expensive and | | | | gets stuck in the rollers and may make the machine |
| easily compromised if they are damaged by a blade. | | | | inoperable. Additionally, you shouldn’t laminate |
| Because the hardened adhesive can be so difficult to | | | | heavily textured items such as coins, wooden |
| remove, it can be helpful to rotate the rollers very | | | | objects, and the like. Doing so is very likely to break |
| slowly. You will also see much better results cleaning | | | | the laminator. |
| if you do it regularly. Older, harder adhesive is harder | | | | To keep your laminator running smoothly, here are |
| to remove. | | | | some do’s and don’ts to keep in |
| Follow these steps to remove adhesive buildup from | | | | mind: |
| your laminating machine: | | | | Don’t take your laminator apart. If you do, |
| 1. Ensure there is no film in the laminator. Because | | | | you will void the warranty. |
| you have to clean the machine when there is no film | | | | Don’t feed overly thick items into your |
| in it, you may want to make a habit of cleaning the | | | | laminator (it can strip the gears or ruin the motor) |
| machine each time the film is changed. | | | | Don’t attempt single sided lamination without |
| 2. Preheat the laminator until the light is on indicating | | | | protecting the bottom roller of your machine |
| the machine is hot. Be careful not to burn your hands | | | | Don’t attempt to use films that are too thick |
| while cleaning the machine. | | | | for the ratings of your machine |
| 3. Use a 3M Scotch Brite green scrubbing pad to | | | | Don’t stop the machine in the middle of |
| clean the rollers. Do not use metal pads or Brillo pads, | | | | laminating an item (it will leave a mark) |
| as these will damage the rollers. Scrub the rollers | | | | Don’t leave the machine on for prolonged |
| while they move at a very slow speed. Continue | | | | periods when it is not in use. |
| scrubbing until all of the hardened adhesive is gone. | | | | Do allow your machine to fully warm up before you |
| You may need to clean one area at a time if you | | | | begin |
| can’t move the rollers because the heat | | | | Do load your film so that the adhesive is facing away |
| shield is not engaged. It may take a while to finish | | | | from the rollers. |
| cleaning your machine, but your patience will pay off | | | | Do run a test sample for unique documents or paper |
| in scrubbing away the adhesive residue. | | | | stocks. |
| 4. When you are finished cleaning, install new | | | | Do remove laminated materials immediately after |
| laminating rolls and be sure to check to see that the | | | | they are completed. |
| feed table is fully engaged. | | | | Do turn off machine when not in use. |