Bind It, Shred It, Laminate It, Finish It: A MyBinding.com Blog

How to Use the New Fellowes Callisto 95 Laminator

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link …How to Use the New Fellowes Callisto 95 Laminator. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

Fellowes has started the new year by putting out a bunch of new laminators. Some of the machines are new and improved versions of such classics as the Saturn and Cosmic. However, the office machine giant has also released an all new machine, the Callisto 95. This machine works with items that are up to 9.5” wide so it's a good choice for everyday lamination. Just follow these tips to use this new machine:

• Turn on the machine and press the arrow buttons up or down to select your temperature/pouch thickness setting. The Callisto 95 has settings for 3, 4, and 5 mil pouches. There's also a cold setting for heat-sensitive items. If you choose a thermal setting, you will need to wait for 5 minutes for the machine to heat up.

• Place your item in a laminating pouch. Make sure the item is fully enveloped and that there are even edges around it. When the Callisto 95 is warmed up, place the envelope in the feed opening. The folded edge needs to go in first.

• The Callisto 95 will begin processing your item. When it's done, your laminated document or photograph will come out of the back of the device. Set it aside and give it a chance to cool off.

• If you need to switch to a different temperature setting, just select the appropriate one. The Callisto 95 has a Heat Swap system that allows you to do so without waiting for the machine to heat up or cool down.

• If your item becomes stuck in the machine, use the pouch release lever. You'll find it on the back of the device.

• Turn the Callisto 95 off when you are finished. If you forget to turn it off, it will go into sleep mode after an hour of inactivity.

As you can see, it's pretty easy to operate the Fellowes Callisto 95. You can pretty much just turn the machine on, select the appropriate setting, and go. Good luck and happy laminating!

Foil Lamination: How to Do It

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link … How to Foil Laminate with your Pouch Laminator. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

If you have a pouch laminator, you already know that you can use it to protect and preserve ID cards, menus, photographs, and a wide variety of other documents. This ensures you can get the most out of your items and not have to re-print them constantly. If you have a machine that can handle 10 mil pouches, you can use it for another type of application: foil lamination. Foil lamination is simply adding a bit of decorative foil to items like greeting cards, stationary, and business cards. Best of all, this is an easy process. Just follow these steps:

• Turn on your laminator and make sure that it's on its highest temperature setting. Let the machine warm up as necessary.

• Print or copy your document on a machine that uses toner. You need to use toner because the foil won't stick to water-based inks.

• Grab a roll (or two) of laminating foil. There are plenty of colors available, so there should be a hue that's perfect for your document.

• Cut out pieces of foil that will cover the text and/or graphics contained in your document. Place the foil on the appropriate areas and put the document in a laminating carrier.

• Run the carrier through your pouch laminator. When it comes out of the machine, let your document cool off for a bit.

• Peel back the foil and admire your work. If you have other documents you want to add foil to, you can repeat the above process. Make sure you turn your laminator off when you're done so that it won't overheat.

As you can tell, foil lamination is easy and it can be done in just a few short steps. If you want to see someone go through the process, just watched the embedded video. You'll be able to see just how easy it is to add foil to your documents. Good luck and happy laminating!

 

Tips on Using the Lamitek PhotoPro 13 Laminator

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link … Smooth and Simple Laminating with the Lamitek PhotoPro 13. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

When choosing a pouch laminator, it's always a good idea to select one that's packed with user-friendly features and is easy to operate. Luckily, the Lamitek PhotoPro 13 fits the bill beautifully. This laminator is compatible with laminating pouches that are up to 10 mil thick and it has a 13-inch feed opening that can accommodate large and small documents. The PhotoPro 13 also has a cold setting for those heat-sensitive materials and it has four rollers so everything will be smoothly processed. Here are a few tips to help you successfully use this machine:

• Turn on the laminator and let it warm up. This device takes about 5 minutes to heat up, so you'll be able to start laminating pretty quickly.

• Select the appropriate setting for your pouch. For example, if you're using a 5 mil pouch, turn the rotary dial to the number 5 position. If you're using a pressure-sensitive laming pouch, select the cold setting, and so on.

• Place your document in a pouch and then place the pouch in a carrier. Run the carrier though the laminator and place it to the side afterward. Your document needs to cool off before you can use it.

• Just repeat the above steps for your other documents. Turn off the PhotoPro when you're done so that the motor doesn't overheat.

Finally, you might want to try foil laminating with PhotoPro if you're feeling adventurous. Foil laminating is the process of adding a bit of decorative foil to your documents and you can do this with a machine that uses 10 mil pouches. Click here to watch a video that will walk you through the process.

Overall, the Lamitek PhotoPro 13 is a great pouch laminator that's versatile and easy to use. (Watch the video to see it in action.) Try out the tips listed above you can produce beautifully laminated documents.  

 

 

Four Reasons to Check Out the Akiles Pro-Lam Ultra Pouch Laminator

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link …Four Reasons to Check Out the Akiles Pro-Lam Ultra Pouch Laminator. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

Searching for the right pouch laminator is challenging since there are so many great machines available. However, there is one that stands out above all the rest: the Akiles Pro-Lam Ultra. Here are four reasons why you should check it out:

1. It's versatile. One of the best reasons to check out the Pro-Lam Ultra is that it's very versatile. This machine has a 13-inch feed opening which allows you to laminate large and small documents. Also, you can use laminating pouches up to 14 mil thick. Thus, you'll be able to use a variety of different pouches. (Keep in mind that the thicker pouches will make your documents more rigid so they'll last longer. However, they do tend to be more expensive than thinner pouches. That might be an issue if you're on a budget.)

2. It's easy to use. The Pro-Lam Ultra is easy to use so you'll get good results with it even if you've never used a laminator before. The machine has a digital keypad that's easy to access as well as a chart that displays the recommended settings for various pouch thicknesses. Also, there are 7 preset settings you can use if you don't want to fuss with the machine too much.

3. It will make your documents look great. Laminating your documents will not only protect them from over-handling, it will make them look their best. The Pro-Lam Ultra is one of the best machines for this because it has 6 silicone rollers. The rollers will smooth out wrinkles and bubbles, as well as prevent heat marks from forming. Thus, your materials will emerge from the machine looking like they've been professionally laminated.

4. It's durable. Most office machines are a bit pricey, so it's important to get a machine that will be in it for the long haul. That's why the Pro-Lam Ultra is a great choice. This laminator is one of the few to feature all-metal construction. You'll be able to get a lot of use out of this machine, so it's a terrific investment. Plus, it comes with a 1-year warranty.

The Akiles Pro-Lam Ultra is a great pouch laminator and there are four reasons why you should check it out. This machine is versatile, durable, and user-friendly, plus it will make your documents look fantastic. Check out the Pro-Lam Ultra today. You're going to be glad you did.

An In-Depth Look at the Fellowes Titan TL-125 Laminator

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link … The Titan TL-125: One of Fellowes’ Best Pouch Laminators. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

Fellowes makes excellent laminators and one of their best machines is the Titan TL-125. This is a fairly new pouch laminator that's outfitted with some great special features. Here's an in-depth look at this device so you can decide if it's the right machine for your laminating needs: 

• The Titan TL-125 can be used to laminate both small and large documents. This machine features a 12.5-inch feed opening so you can laminate items like certificates, business cards, menus, signs, lists, and more.

• This machine can warm up in just 4 minutes and process a letter-sized document in about 30 seconds. It's one of Fellowes' fastest laminators, so it's a good choice if you want to crank out work quickly. Also, everything you laminate will look great since this device has 4 rollers to ensure a smooth finished project.

• The Titan TL-125 can handle laminating pouches that are up to 10 mil thick. It can even switch settings automatically so you can use pouches of different thicknesses during one laminating session. This feature makes the Titan TL-125 incredibly easy to use.

• This device is equipped with HeatGuard technology that helps trap heat inside the laminator. Due to this, the Titan TL-125 is very safe to use and you won't need to worry about burning yourself when using it.

• Maintaining this machine is really easy. That's because it has a clamshell design so you can open it up like you would a printer. When you open it, you'll have access to the rollers so you can clean them as necessary. You can also open this device up to take care of pouch jams if any occur.

• Finally, this laminator comes with a 2-year warranty.

The Fellowes Titan TL-125 is a top-notch laminator that's perfect for busy offices. This machine has a lot of special features (such as the HeatGuard technology) but it's still easy to use. Also, this device works quickly and it will give you great results. You really can't go wrong with the Titan TL-125, so consider getting it for your office today.  

The GBC HeatSeal Inspire Laminator: Five Reasons to Consider It

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link …The GBC HeatSeal Inspire Laminator: Five Reasons to Consider It. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

GBC recently added a new pouch laminator to their popular HeatSeal series. It's the Inspire, a small machine that's perfect for personal use for a number of reasons. Here are five reasons why you should consider getting this terrific new machine:

1. The Inspire can laminate items that are up to 9” wide. That means you'll be able to laminate a lot of different things with it from bookmarks to menus, photographs to scrapbook pages, children's artwork to certificates.

2. This machine is compatible with 3 and 5 mil laminating pouches. These pouches are thick enough to give your materials the protection they need so they can withstand handling for a good long time.

3. The Inspire can fully heat up in just 7 minutes so you'll be able to start laminating your materials right away. The machine has a ready light that will go on as soon as it's ready to start laminating.

4. If you need a laminator but don't have a lot of space, the Inspire is a great choice. It measures 13.75” (width) x 3.5” (height) x 3.5” (depth) so it doesn't take up very much room at all. Best of all, you can even store it in a drawer when you're not using it.

5. The Inspire is one of the most affordable laminators available and retails for under $50.00. It's an excellent choice if you're on a budget but still want a GBC machine. Also, it comes with a limited 90-day warranty.

Those are five reasons why you need to get the new GBC HeatSeal Inspire. This laminator is great for a variety of projects, it's easy to use, and it doesn't take up much room. Plus, it's incredibly affordable so you won't need to spend a lot to get a good machine. Consider getting the Inspire today so you can start laminating!

Three Excellent Roll Laminators to Check Out

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link …Three Excellent Roll Laminators to Check Out. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

Roll laminators are machines that make it easy to preserve and protect a variety of documents ranging from name tags to point-of-purchases displays. There are many of these devices to choose from, so to help you narrow down the field, here are three excellent roll laminators to check out.

1. The Ledco Premier 4. This is a terrific roll laminator from Ledco. It can process materials that are up to 25” wide and 1/8” thick. The Premier 4 is compatible with all of the typical thicknesses of laminating film from 1.5 to 10 mil. It offer variable speed settings so your work will be properly laminated no matter how thick your film is. (When the machine is on its highest setting, it will be able to laminate your document in one minute if it's no more than 10 feet long.) The Premier 4 is easy to use thanks to features such as an LCD temperature display, side slitters, and a bottom idler that threads the film through the laminator. The Premier 4 has a two-year warranty.

2. The Xyron 2500.  Xyron is known for their popular crafting supplies but they also make professional-grade cold laminators such as the 2500. This machine doesn't require electricity to operate so there's no heat involved. Due to this, the 2500 is safe to use, environmentally friendly, and can process thermally sensitive documents. The 2500 can laminate materials that are up to 25” wide and it can process mounting boards so you can make signs, mock-ups, and more. Since this device doesn't use electricity, you don't need to wait for it to warm up, which will help you save time. The 2500's warranty lasts for one year.

3. The GBC HeatSeal Ultima 35 EzLoad. Loading a laminator with film can be tricky, but it's really easy with the Ultima 35. This is one of GBC's EzLoad machines and it utilizes snap-in film cartridges so loading the film is a no-brainer. The Ultima 35 is a bit small than the other two laminators already mentioned; it can only handle documents up to 12” wide. However, it's great for banners, maps, placemats, and anything else printed on letter- and legal-sized paper. Laminating film up to 10 mil wide can be used with the Ultima 35. This laminators heats up in just one minute and it can shut off automatically if it's left on after use. The Ultima 35 is backed by a one-year warranty.

All three of these roll laminators are worth checking out, especially if you're trying to find a high-quality machine for your office, print shop, or school. Whether the Ledco or Xyron models appeal to you, or the GBC device is more your speed, these machines can help you produce professional-looking work. Take a look at them today!

How the Xyron 2500 Cold Laminator Can Help You Out

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link …How the Xyron 2500 Cold Laminator Can Help You Out. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

 Xyron is a popular name in the document finishing industry because they're known for making high-quality laminators and crafting products. One of their professional-grade devices is the 2500. This is a laminator that's ideal for projects and presentations. Let's take a look at this device and see how it can help you out:

• The 2500 can only do cold lamination, not thermal. This is great because it means that you don't need to plug this device in. You don't have to wait for it to warm up and it will never overheat, which makes it safe to use. The motor won't burn out either.

• This laminator has a 25-inch feed opening so it can be used for larger materials. (You can also process smaller items if necessary.) Since this machine is compatible with 3/16” mounting boards, you'll be able to quickly and easily produce visual aids.

• The 2500 can encapsulate your items with pressure-sensitive film so they can be protected. This device is also compatible with adhesive so you don't need a separate machine for other types of document finishing.

• Although this device can work with large materials, it really won't take up a whole lot of room in your workspace. Its footprint is about 19” x 28” x 15” so it will be able to fit on various work surfaces. This machine doesn't require a stand so you don't need to purchase one. (This will help you save some space in your work area.)

• The 2500 is easy to use so it's good for both beginners and more experienced users. All you need to do to process an item is insert it into the device and turn the handle. (A caveat: the handle is on the right side, so operation may be slightly tricky for those who are left-handed.) It's also easy to load up the laminator with film and adhesive since they're available in rolls you can install in mere minutes.

• This is a durable laminator that will provide you with great results throughout the years. It comes with a one-year warranty so Xyron will help you out in case anything goes wrong.

Overall, the Xyron 2500 is one of the best roll laminators available and it's an excellent choice for a variety of work environments. This device is ideal for stores, offices, print shops, and graphic design studios. It would even be a great choice for schools since it doesn't need electricity to work and it won't be hot to the touch when it's being used. It's great that this laminator was designed to handle large materials and that it can apply adhesive in addition to encapsulating items. Also, the fact that it can handle mounting boards makes it incredibly versatile so anyone using it can use it for different types of projects.

The Xyron 2500 can really help you out if you want a cold laminator for those special projects. Consider getting this device for your workplace today so you can produce professional-looking work.

Three Document Finishing Devices Every Office Needs

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link …Three Document Finishing Devices Every Office Needs. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

 In addition to the usual business machines (photocopiers, computers, etc.) there are three document finishing devices every office needs. Keep reading to find out what they are and how they can help you out.

1.)    A binding machine.  At some point, you're probably going to have to distribute documents that need to make an impression of people. While you could just hand out stapled photocopies, it would be better to distribute bound documents. Receiving a properly bound work always impresses people, so it can make your company look good. There are different kinds of binding machines available including plastic comb, thermal, color coil, and twin-loop wire. Many of these machines are easy to use so you can quickly learn how to produce impressive-looking documents. Also, the supplies needed for these devices are pretty affordable, so you can save money by binding you work on site. Every business can benefit from having a binding machine, so be sure to consider getting one for your office.

2.)    A laminator.  Even if your office has gone mostly paperless, you can still get some use out of a laminator. These devices come in two main types: pouch and roll. They can be used to laminate a wide variety of items such as ID cards, emergency exit plans, sign-up sheets, legal documents, certificates, maps, photographs, and so much more. Laminating things makes them stronger and more resistant to handling so you'll be able to use the same documents repeatedly. Also, some of the larger laminators are perfect for graphic displays in stores, at trade shows, and so on. There are really a lot of things you can do with a laminator, so they're ideal for most offices.

3.)    One or more paper shredders.  If you don't already have one or more paper shredders in your office, it's time to think about getting some. Identity theft has been all too common in recent years and people can find themselves with their reputations ruined and their credit shot. Also, certain federal laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) require the destruction of certain documents so that you can avoid a costly lawsuit. Hence, it's essential to have at least one paper shredder in the office so people can get rid out anything containing private information (Social Security numbers, birth dates, credit reports, etc.). Keep in mind that there are shredders that can destroy multimedia items including CD's, DVD's, floppy disks, and so on. Having one of these devices will give you an all-in-one shredding solution which can be very convenient. One thing to keep in mind about shredders is that they have security ratings ranging from 1 to 6. The Level 6 machines offer the most security and are perfect for offices that deal with a lot of classified information.

As you can tell, there are three document finishing machines that are should be in very office. These devices will help you protect your documents, make them look great, and then shred them once they're no longer needed. Consider getting these machines for your office today so you can see how much use you can get out of them. 

Buying a Pouch Laminator: Three Things to Look For

This post was originally written for MyBindingBlog.com and can be found at on that blog by following this link …Buying a Pouch Laminator: Three Things to Look For. Please feel free to check out this post along with many other helpful reviews, demos, how to videos and more on the official blog of MyBinding.com.

If you're looking to buy a pouch laminator, you probably already have some idea of what to look for. You know that it's important to choose a machine that can handle documents of different sizes, can warm up quickly, and so on. But there are a few other things that you should look for so you can be sure to get the device that's right for you. Here are three of them....

1. A cold setting. If you're buying a pouch laminator, chances are good that you're getting a thermal device that heats up so the adhesive in a laminating pouch will melt and encapsulate your item. But you need to know that the thermal process isn't good for certain items. These include photographs and documents that have been printed with waste-based ink, including ink-jet printouts. The best way to handle these kinds of materials is to choose a machine that has a cold setting. A cold setting will allow you to process you thermally sensitive materials without damaging them. This is definitely an important feature to search for and luckily, there are many laminators on the market that have it. That means you'll be able to choose one that's just right for you.

2. Double-walled insulation and the ability to shut off automatically. Laminators tend to get really warm, especially if you use them for an extended period of time. The last thing you need when laminating your documents is to get burned, so the device you choose should have double-walled insulation. This feature will keep the heat inside the machine so the exterior is cool to the touch. Also, your new machine should be able to shut off automatically. This is a necessary feature for a couple of reasons. First, it will help you conserve power which is good for the environment. It will also help you save a bit of money on utilities. Second, if your device runs too long, there's always the chance that it could overheat. This can really damage the motor and possibly lead to you having to completely replace the device. That can be very inconvenient (not to mention costly), so this really is a must-have feature.

3. A good warranty. Even if you buy a small laminator, you're still making an investment. Therefore, it's essential to choose a machine that has a good warranty. When you're looking at laminators, a good warranty is generally one that lasts for about a year. Machines with warranties of this length tend to be of higher quality anyway, so you'll be getting a device that can help you out for a long time.

These are some of the things you should look for when you're shopping for a pouch laminator. A cold setting will allow you to process as many materials as possible without damaging some of them and the double-walled insulation will keep the process safe. Plus, an automatic shut-off feature and a good warranty are necessary for the life of the machine as well as your bank account. So make sure to look for these features when deciding on a device. Good luck!