Managing print finishing work becomes challenging when there are high volumes of jobs with tight deadlines and the finishing equipment can’t keep up.
For print shops handling large-format jobs such as posters and signage, laminating is an important step that can affect the quality of the finished product and how quickly it reaches the customer.
This is why the right Flexa laminating equipment is worth considering.
Why Does the Right Laminator Matter?
A printing company can purchase a good printer and premium media only to have problems during finishing.
Think about a signage company preparing graphics for a retail promotion. The artwork is approved, the prints are ready and installation is scheduled. But lamination can cause bubbles, wrinkles and misalignment, resulting in a substandard finish.
The team may have to start from scratch.
A suitable laminator can help businesses maintain consistent finishing quality while reducing unnecessary handling and rework.
The key question is not how fast a machine can run. It is whether the machine can handle the types of materials and volumes the business does.
Choosing the Right Flexa Laminator
Flexa makes machines for professional print finishing. When selecting a machine, do not consider only its brand or physical size.
The intended application should inform the decision.
Working width: Consider a print shop that produces large-size graphics. The laminator should be wide enough to finish those graphics.
Material compatibility: Laminators should be used with the materials and processes required for the job.
Temperature requirements: Some applications use pressure-sensitive films, while others require heat-assisted lamination. The appropriate capability depends on the materials and films being used.
Production workflow: Consider how the machine is loaded with different materials and how easy it is to set it up for repeated jobs.
Operator requirements: The machine should be easy for operators to use, fit within the available workspace and meet the expected production requirements.
These requirements should be taken into consideration before buying a machine with the highest available specifications.
When should a Print Business Review its Laminating Equipment?
Not all problems require new machines. Consider media handling, film, operator settings and maintenance.
Equipment may deserve a closer look when finishing creates production delays, operators struggle with wider materials or the business begins accepting jobs that its current setup cannot handle efficiently.
Before making an investment, the business should review the types of jobs it expects to manufacture in the next few years.
Do you think an upgrade of your finishing equipment is necessary? Contact Jacky’s Business Solutions to discuss your production needs and the equipment that helps simplify your workflow.
Which Flexa Laminating Machine Fits Your Work?
The Flexa laminating range includes machines for everyday wide-format finishing as well as more specialised applications. For related printing equipment, see Jacky’s Large Format Solutions.
Flexa Easy Lite 160
The Flexa Easy Lite 160 is a wide-format laminating machine and can be a good choice for businesses that do wide-format finishing. Jacky’s lists the Flexa Easy Lite 160 with a 1,600 mm working width. The machine is designed for applications such as mounting images onto panels and applying protective films or application tape.
Flexa Easy Air
The Flexa Easy Air is a heat-assisted laminator and can be a good choice for finishing various display graphics, as well as graphics mounted on different panels and surfaces.
Flexa Easy Plus
The Flexa Easy Plus is a heat-assisted laminator that offers hot and cold laminating capabilities and can be a good choice for finishing various display graphics and prints as well as mounting graphics on different panels and surfaces.
Depending on the type of work produced, a different laminator may be a better choice. What works best for promotional and display graphics may not necessarily work best for specialised and industrial graphics.
Want to know more about Flexa laminators? Contact Jacky’s Business Solutions to find out what they have on offer and the machines best suited for your work and production needs.
Beyond The Purchase Price
The purchase cost of a laminator is only part of the investment.
A business should also consider consumables, operator time, maintenance, production capacity and the cost of work that is rejected or has to be repeated.
Consider a print shop handling several urgent retail graphics orders each week. If finishing takes longer than expected, the delay can affect printing schedules, packing and installation.
Faster machinery may help, but there are other issues that contribute to a lengthy production process. Operator familiarity with the machine and the correct settings for each material are also important.
It is important for the business to consider if the equipment will actually work with the shop’s current workflow, and if it will create any additional workflow disruptions.
How Jacky’s Business Solutions Supports Print Finishing Requirements
Jacky’s Business Solutions provides the UAE’s Sign, Display and Graphics industry with large-format printing and finishing solutions through its partnership with Flexa.
When assessing Flexa laminators in the UAE, the discussion should always start with what the production team actually needs.
What kind of prints are being laminated? What is the width of the material? Are you working with flexible materials, rigid panels or both? Are these occasional jobs or part of your daily production?
These answers can help narrow down the equipment options before comparing individual machine specifications.
Thinking of buying or upgrading laminating equipment? Discuss your options with Jacky’s Business Solutions and see how their Flexa solutions will work best for you.
FAQ
What is Flexa laminating equipment used for?
Flexa laminators are used in professional print finishing, including applying films and mounting graphics. Supported applications depend on the model.
How do I choose the right laminator for large-format prints?
Check the working width, materials, heat requirements, expected job volume and available workspace before comparing models.
Can a Flexa laminator mount graphics onto panels?
Certain models support mounting graphics onto panels. Check the supported materials and thickness for the specific machine.
Where can UAE businesses enquire about Flexa laminators?
Businesses can contact Jacky’s Business Solutions to discuss their print finishing requirements and available Flexa equipment
