Roll Laminating FAQ | Popp Binding & Laminating

Squealing while film is advancing

Bubbles between film and paper

Bubbles can be caused by lack of supply roll tension, the film is not threaded correctly, if the temperature is too low, or if the laminating rollers are open.

Bubbles on the leading edge of the sheet being laminated is characteristic of what happens when the item is pushed into the nip faster than the speed of the laminator. Bubbles can be captured in the same manner when the back of the item is lifted off the feed tray or when the item is pushed too quickly as it is being fed.

Wrinkling of the film

If you see serious wrinkling on both sides of both film and paper, the laminating rollers probably need to be closed and locked. Check you roller opening/closing controls.

The film will wrinkle if there is not enough supply roll tension. Any laminator needs a certain amount of resistance to the unwinding of the supply rolls so that the film lays flat as it goes into the rollers.
Helpful hint:
A. Make sure the film path is correct for both top and bottom webs.
B. Make sure the film is threaded around both the top and bottom idlers.
C. Make sure the machine is up to temperature.

IF the top roll of film looks fine, but the bottom shows alot of bubbles and wrinkles, the bottom
idler is probably NOT threaded. (refer to the threading guide page in your manual)

Why leave an edge on laminated materials?

What to use for trimming laminated documents.

Heat wrinkles

Film curls

If the film curls up or down after it leaves the machine, review your manual for a section on the film tension, and readjust the film tension on the top or bottom. If the tension appears balanced but you notice waves or ripples toward the center of the web film as it comes out the back, the temperature may be too high or the lamination speed may be too fast for that film. These waves in the film are called "heat wrinkles."

UV film

What do you use to clean the rubber rollers on a roll laminator?

What is coverlam film?

Why do you decrease the heat on a roll laminator the thicker the film gets?

What temperature should you run laminating films at?

What is the maximum film roll thickness for a premier 4 roll laminator?

What is the maximum film capacity on a premier 4 roll laminator?

What is the difference between heat shoes and heat rollers on a roll laminator?

Heat shoes are an electrically-heated cylinder-shaped "shoe" with a heating element inside, which the film is pulled across and the rollers apply pressure.

Heated rollers utilize a heating element which is embedded in the center of two nip rollers; the film is heated as it comes around the nip roller.
The rollers apply both heat and pressure to the film. Heated-rollers typically offer a slightly better bond than heat shoes. Heat rollers will often increase the bond strength on digital prints.