In the competitive Australian signage and print industry, the difference between a "good" job and a "professional" finish often comes down to one thing: your laminator. While cold lamination has long been the standard for wide-format graphics, the harsh Australian climate and high labor costs are prompting savvy shop owners to seek a more efficient solution—the Heat Assist Laminator.
If you’ve ever struggled with "silvering" (tiny air bubbles) on a hot afternoon in Sydney or worried about vinyl stretching during a mid-summer Melbourne install, this guide is for you.
Unlike a full "Hot Roll" laminator that reaches temperatures over 100°C to melt thermal glue, a Heat Assist Laminator uses a heated top roller (typically set between 40°C and 60°C) combined with traditional Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSA). The low heat isn't there to melt the film; it’s there to soften the adhesive, allowing it to flow into the microscopic "valleys" of your inkjet media for a flawless, crystal-clear bond.
MF1700-M5 is designed for the high-paced Australian print environment. With its heated top roller, it softens the adhesive for an instant, crystal-clear bond—eliminating the 24-hour wait time common with cold laminators. Its robust design and intuitive controls mean one person can handle high-volume jobs with ease, saving you thousands in labor costs every year."
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Max. Laminating Width | 1630mm (64'') |
| Max. Laminating Thickness | 23mm |
| Laminating Speed | Up to 7m/min |
| Heating Type | Infrared Heat-Assist (Top Roller) |
| Max. Temperature | 60°C (140°F) |
| Warm-up Time | 5 - 10 minutes |
| Pressure Adjustment | Manual Hand-Wheel (High Precision) |
| Roller Material | Anti-Adhesive Top-Grade Silicone |
| Motor Power | 90W DC Motor |
| Feature | Heat Assist (Best for AU Signage) | Full Hot Roll (Best for Printing) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Temp | 40°C - 60°C | 110°C+ |
| Best Used For | Vehicle wraps, window decals, banners. | Posters, book covers, menu cards. |
| Media Type | Self-adhesive vinyl (PSA). | Thermal lamination film. |
| Key Advantage | No silvering; fast turnaround. | Extremely low cost per square metre. |
Getting Ripples? Your top roller might be slightly too hot for the thinness of your vinyl. Lower the temp by 5°C.
Seeing "Tunnels"?Check your supply roll tension. In the AU heat, vinyl can expand slightly; ensure your tension is firm but not overly tight to avoid "necking."
Upgrade your finishing with the MEFU M5 Series. The perfect heat-assist laminator for eliminating bubbles and increasing efficiency in your Australian sign business.