imaluma
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
I've only done laminating in a large vacuum press. If I wanted to give it a go with this small (ish) mechanical press what should I expect? Would I expect doing the lamination in sections to cause any problems?
Opinions Wanted Lamination with small machanical press
- Thread starter imaluma
- Start date
Jeff Rodier
SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
Using the foam overlay will prevent any type of bite marks. Just a warning, do not use Expressions laminate on anything printed using Epson ink.
Rick Bergeron - CPF
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
In addition to the foam overlay, DryTac brand laminants function at a lower temperature than many others which also helps prevent crushing when laminating in bites.
DesignsInk
CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Foam overlay and release board--either commercial or in-house--is required along with proper 45 degree adjustment for your press to prevent dents and for smooth lamination.
Chris Paschke
imaluma
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
I don't get dents when drymounting, but our press seems pretty whacked. Someone once upon a time added several layers of filler to the bottom and some of the nuts holding the hinges are missing. I doubt if it is properly adjusted. If my drymounts come out clean could I still have trouble with lamination?
DesignsInk
CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
In a word...yes. But it's not the lamination as much as bonding anything. If bolts are missing you need to replace them. It must be adjusted properly for correct pressure on whatever thickness of your substrate. TTPM (time, temperature, pressure moisture) these are the four elements of mounting. Without proper adjustment of the handle at 45 degrees to the table with all layers in the press prior to locking you will never get the correct pressure for proper bond. If things are sticking, then goo for you, but this may have given you a sense of security that isn't really there. The added shims should be under the hardboard panel under the foam pad, and they should only be used temporarily when readjusting the inner thickness for one occasional thinner mount.
There are articles on my library page and all the info you need for adjusting in my books, or through your manufacturer's operations manual...often available online if you do not have one.
Chris Paschke
I used to do a lot of laminating using a hard-bed press. Still use it now and then for big stuff. I did used to cook each corner for about 20 minutes. A long-winded exercise, but still have some of the prints I did 25 years since and they are still bonded fast.
To avoid bite marks I used an thin ally sheet on top - bigger than the platten, which was supposed to disperse the heat around the edges so you don't get an abrupt change from hot to cold. I think what you describe is what I would call a soft-bed press. Never used one, but I would assume the principle is the same......
To avoid bite marks I used an thin ally sheet on top - bigger than the platten, which was supposed to disperse the heat around the edges so you don't get an abrupt change from hot to cold. I think what you describe is what I would call a soft-bed press. Never used one, but I would assume the principle is the same......