Mimaki Europe announces LA Series wide format, heat-assisted laminators and film. Part of complete, harmonised system for printing & finishing, minimises silvering when laminating UV-curable inks

Mimaki announced the LA Series of wide format, heat-assisted laminators and laminating film. The new laminating film uses a unique glue minimises the silvering effect that can often happen when products printed using UV-curable inks are laminated. The LA-160W model laminator will be on display at the Bompan booth (Pavilion no.8, booth E23/E27/G20), during Viscom Italia. The show takes place from October 12th until October 14th.

“Mimaki continues to bring innovative solutions to market that make it faster, easier and more cost-effective for sign & display graphics and other businesses produce outstanding full-colour signs and display graphics,” said Ronald Van den Broek of Mimaki Europe. “This laminating solution is another example of that innovation, and when paired with Mimaki’s new UCJV series of print-and-cut solutions, provides a turnkey offering that will help companies drive more profit to their bottom lines.”

Key features of LA Series

• Heat-assist provides superior finishing: LA Series laminators are heat-assisted devices with a maximum temperature of 60˚C. This heat assistance improves overlaminate film adhesion, particularly to surfaces printed with UV-curable inks, and reduces the potential for the silvering effect created by pressure sensitive overlaminates. Due to instant curing, UV inks tend to have a slightly uneven surface which can trap air bubbles during the laminating process, causing silvery specs that can take away from the appearance of the product.
• Fast throughput speeds: Laminating speeds of up to 295 linear inches per minute – or nearly five inches per second – means that the finishing can keep up with production and reduce bottlenecks.
• Simple and reliable operation: This easy-to-use laminator includes all functions on one operation panel, with easy access to the pressure handle and foot pedal. Additionally, a take-up reel makes it easy for one person to control the entire process.
• Mimaki Vision Laminate:Designed specifically for use with UV-curable inks and LA Series laminators. Mimaki Vision Laminate 310 (Gloss) film offers fine finishing with a glossy feel while maintaining the colour brightness of the print. This high quality, heat assisted overlaminate is also a cost-effective alternative to cold laminating films.

Complete system from Mimaki

LA Series laminators with Mimaki Vision Laminate film are the ideal companions to a UCJV Series UV-LED cut-and-print device. Because UCJV prints are instantly dry, they can immediately be finished on an LA Series laminator. This complete, harmonised solution ensures reliable performance and quality output for those times when a protective overlaminate is preferred.

Availability

LA Series laminators are expected to be available at the end of 2017. Two models will be available: the 158 cm LA-160W model and the 170 cm LA-170W model. Mimaki Vision Laminate 310 will also be available in two sizes: 310-137 (137 cm) and 310-152 (152 cm).