Investing in wide format can be expensive, and it's important to make sure you get the right product to suit your application.

Ask yourself our TOP 10 key questions and be confident in choosing the right system!

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What would you like to look at?

• Wide Format Laminating - The key TOP TEN questions you need to ask yourself
• Troubleshooting Tips
• Buying a Wide Format Laminator - The award winning Easymount Range
• Which laminating film and finish to choose?
• Repairs and Service information

Question 1

What am I trying to achieve?

Different applications require different solutions.  Think about what you need the system to do...

• Posters, Graphics and Signs?
• Mounting Prints to Board?
• Pop up Displays?
• Applying vinyls, tapes and adhesive films?
• Outdoor signage?

Once you know in your mind exactly what you need to achieve, you can start to look at systems that will cover all your needs. 

Decision made?  Then go to question 2. 

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Question 2

Laminate, Mount, Encapsulate?

You may need to do just one application, however some systems offer money saving multi-functional capabilities ...

Encapsulating involves a heat activated thermal film being applied on both sides of the print.  The finished result is trimmed to leave a clear border around the edge of the print, therefore encapsulated.  Film is available in gloss and matt finishes in a range of thickness including 38, 75, 125 and 250 micron rolls.

Lamination is usually applied on 1 side only with a pressure sensitive over laminate film.  Good quality pressure sensitive over laminate film is usually 80 micron in thickness.

Mounting fixes a print to a substrate/board using an adhesive.  This can be permanent or semi-permanent.

Now move onto question 3... 

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Question 3

How wide do I need to go?

There are various options on size, here are the most popular options on the market...

• 635mm (25") 
• 1100mm (43")
• 1180mm (46")
• 1200mm (47")
• 1400mm (55")  
• 1600mm (62")

Think about the maximum size you will need to go up to.  It is also worth ensuring the model you choose provides an inch or so gap either side of your maximum print size.

Width decided?  Go to question 4. 

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Question 4

Do I need heat?

There are a range of systems on the market offering, cold, hot or double hot solutions.  The Easymount range covers all 3 options.

Cold systems are cheaper than hot models and can offer a very cost effective upgrade if you are still applying vinyls, tapes, and adhesives by hand.  Cold laminators use pressure sensitive film.

Single Hot systems will give a high quality finish if you have graphics and signs to laminate.  Applying heat will also reduce any chances of silvering on the print.

Double Hot systems will laminate, mount and encapsulate so are highly flexible if you require multifunctional usage. 

Need more advice?  Email: wideformat@vivid-online.com or learn more by moving on...

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Question 5

Is roller size important?

At Vivid we feel roller size is very important because larger rollers give a good even pressure and longer dwell time giving crease free lamination.  The heat and pressure process is also activated quicker with larger rollers.

The Easymount range has larger diameter rollers than similar models on the market.

Next question 6... 

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Question 6

What will my output be?

It is important to consider the volume you will be doing to ensure you get a good return on your investment.

! Work out how many prints you will be finishing on a daily/weekly basis to give you an idea of the profit you can make.

If you are looking at producing large volumes, then you may want to ask about time saving features such as speed control and foot pedal operation. 

Ready?  Next question... 

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Question 7

Do I need to have any training?

Getting to grips with something new is always a challenge.  Always look out for easy to use features before you buy, these can include;

• Swing out feed tray for easy loading
• Extra mandrel holders for film
• Simple control panel
• Foot pedal operation

At Vivid we include training and installation with every laminator we sell.  However as the name suggests our Easymount™ range is designed for even a novice to use.

Training with a group or team of people can also be carried out by an experienced Easymount Representative.

Our service engineers are also just a phone call away for any 'teething problems' you may experience.

! Consider that buying on-line at a 'bargain' price may sometimes be false economy as the price may not include the training and full installation you will need.

Concerned about H&S?  Go to question 8

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Question 8

Do I need to meet any Health & Safety guidelines?

Always ensure any product you buy has an official CE mark (which is a legal requirement).  Also look out for these important safety features (The Easymount range has all of the listed features);

• Magic eye
• Emergency stop buttons (preferably one each side of the laminator)
• Protective safety shield

! It is also important to update your Health & Safety policy and/or Risk Assessment to include rules and precautions for employees to follow when operating the laminator.

! Only allow trained operators to use the laminator to reduce risk of incorrect use or accidental damage.  Put a notice next to your laminator to clearly state this to employees, especially if you have new starters. 

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Question 9

Will I have enough space?

As with any new purchase of a large item, space is usually an issue for most people.

Remember you don't just need the system to fit, you need to allow a working area around it to give enough space to feed your prints in and for them to exit without being creased or crushed against anything.

!  Vivid recommend at least a 1 metre working area around the system to ensure safe operation.   

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Question 10

What if something goes wrong?

Occasionally problems do happen, so it's good to know that if they do you have backup. 

! Always check to make sure the laminator you are looking to buy comes with a full warranty on parts and labour for at least 12 months (The Easymount range includes this on all models).

It may also be worth looking into an extended warranty or service agreement, these can save time in the long run and ensure your laminator stays in excellent working condition.

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That's the TOP 10 key questions answered.  Next you can choose to contact us with your wide format requirements, or you can view our Easymount wide format range for yourself.

Troubleshooting Tips

Already have a laminator and need more advice?  View our troubleshooting guide below;

What is the difference between heated and cold rollers and what does the term ‘silvering’ mean?

Some Pressure Sensitive Films if applied cold can leave a slight “silvering” effect on the print.  If approx 40c heat is applied on the rollers when this film is applied the silvering disappears.

This is due to the fact the glue on the film is softened and warmed when applied and speeds up the polymerisation process.  Over time the silvering when applied cold does slightly reduce but does not totally disappear.

Not all films need heat and vinyls and vehicle wrap film work better when laminated cold.  Most sign makers therefore feel that a cold machine will be fine because the silvering effect is minimal.  Photographers and Exhibition graphic suppliers are more critical and therefore require a heated top roller for a perfect finish.

Our Easymount range of cold systems have rubber rollers and the heated roller machines have a silicon rubber roller. 

How do I successfully laminate an inkjet print that has a high ink coverage?

Laminating a high ink coverage print can be tricky as standard heat activated polyester films with a co-polymer adhesive tend to stick to the ink and not the paper. The laminate can then lift off darker colour areas of the print and the problem becomes more obvious when the darker areas extend to the edge of the print with no white border for the adhesive to bond to.

Another problem that may occur with laminating high ink coverage is that the ink can separate from the paper at a high heat 100-120C and air bubbles can appear.

A solution to this can be to change the inkjet paper and apply a heat-activated polyester laminate (please ask for details). The paper should be more accepting to the ink and provide a better bonding surface for co-polymer adhesives.

! Also remember that prints must be completely dry before laminating and highly saturated prints will take longer to dry.  

What is the best way to send a laminated print?

It is best to roll the print into a sturdy card tube, rolled with the image facing the outside to keep the laminate from getting air bubbles and cracks on the image side.

Can I laminate small documents (A5, A4 size) on my wide format laminator and if yes, how?

It is possible to laminate smaller documents on wide format system, although a smaller roll fed or pouch machine would be more suitable.  If you want to apply a single side laminate, take a look at our new Matrix Duo. 

If you are encapsulating, then you can run your documents through the laminator and simply trim them to size when finished.  However if laminating on one side only, you will need to use a silicon release paper to ensure the adhesive film on the 'free' side does not stick to the roller. 

How can I avoid laminator film wrap up?

Always ensure that you have clearance behind the laminating machine before you start laminating, as with many things preparation is the key so it is best to make sure you have enough working space available and avoid backing your laminator up against a wall. Try and let 2/3” of film to appear out of the back of the laminator as you start to laminate. 

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My lamination is bubbly/rippling – what has caused this?

Bubbling is usually caused by the heat setting on the machine being set too high so if your machine has heat control (which most do) then lower the temperature.

! It is a good idea to always run a test print through the laminator first if you are unsure. 

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My lamination is cloudy – what has caused this?

This is usually the result of insufficient heat so if your machine has heat control, try and increase the temperature. Also, check the specifications of your machine and that you are not using a film that is too thick. 

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And finally....if in doubt....
Always ask!  We are here to help - wideformat@vivid-online.com  

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Introducing the Easymount range of wide format laminators.  Winner of the Image
Reports 'Laminator of the Year'

Buying a Wide Format Laminator

We have designed and manufactured the Easymount range of systems to suit every application and budget. Our Easymount range starts at 720mm up to 1880mm wide and from as little as £995. Lease purchase options are available on the whole range. Whether you just need a mounting system or a machine that will encapsulate, mount and laminate, we have the system in our range. All Easymount laminators are built to last and offer unprecedented value for money in the market place today.

View our range below ... 

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