UK - Autobond has launched a new version of its Compact range of laminators that incorporates an additional unit capable of producing an overall pattern embossed into the film immediately after it has been adhered to the stock. The new B1 Compact TPE laminating/embossing system can be used to apply thermal film on one or two sides of the stock in a single pass, with an embossed pattern on the top side.

“The user has the option to have their own patterns created so they can have, for example, a leather or linen grain effect, or a personalised design containing perhaps a logo or name,” says managing director John Gilmore. “It takes only about forty minutes to change the embossing roller when you need a different pattern. The operator can go back to normal lamination at the touch of a button, which disengages the embossing rollers and allows the normal lamination web to pass through to the sheeter.

  “I think the biggest market for the new machine will be in the production of scientific books and journals, which often have a linen effect on the outside cover. Traditionally, printers handling this sort of work buy laminated film that is already embossed, but this is actually quite expensive or they may use an embossed stock, which is expensive and not so easy to print on. The embossing process does not slow down the laminator at all and so customers can produce work at up to 60 metres per minute, which on a B1 model equates to 5,000 sheets an hour.”  The new Compact TPE offers all the benefits of the Compact series of laminators, which have proved to be a phenomenal success for Autobond since their launch at Ipex 2002. All the models incorporate Heidelberg feedheads for high speed continuous feeding and 30 mm thick steel side plates to ensure a robust frame. A pneumatic air clutch provides constant web tension, whilst registration is helped by the fact that the laminators use the same 10 mm grip edge on the sheet that the printer uses on the offset press.The Compact laminators offer a small footprint and can handle a wide range of stock in weights from 90 to 650 gsm. All of the models can be used with stock as small as A4. The embossing roller, which has a diameter of 240 mm, delivers up to 12 tonnes of pressure during operation.