Duplo released new GMP–Protopic 520 Digital Laminator primarily for medium-sized commercial print businesses and digital printers. The machine is an Duplo released new GMP–Protopic 520 Digital Laminator primarily for medium-sized commercial print businesses and digital printers. The machine is an easy to use and cost-effective on-demand laminator, addressing problems associated with laminating digitally produced printed work, such as curling says Duplo. The new machine has unique features offering users a number of benefits normally associated with more expensive, high-end systems.

A pneumatic pressure cylinder is fitted as standard and exerts a substantial 500 kilograms of pressure between the paper, film and roller thereby eliminating any flexing of the roller. Working in conjunction with a silent compressor, an even pressure is achieved across the entire drum, effectively limiting the chances of curling to almost zero. In addition to the pressure of the drum, laminated material is further assured perfect flatness, thanks to an additional device which controls the tension of the film and ensures the substrate is gripped tightly during lamination.

The GMP-Protopic 520 has an automatic feeding system with built-in sensor, which allows several sheets to be loaded before being introduced individually. As such, the correct gap is automatically created between sheets to enable bursting. This not only reduces film wastage caused when too much of a gap is allowed, but avoids the problem of film sticking to the hot roller. Furthermore, the need is reduced for constant monitoring by an operator, who would otherwise be required to check gap distance before manual cutting with a knife.

Running at a powerful 15 metre per minute, the GMP–Protopic 520 Digital Laminator matches speeds achieved by some high-end, more expensive alternatives, and represents a viable and affordable option for high-volume printers.

Duplo International’s UK marketing manager Peter Jolly says some of the smaller options on the market lack the required speed, robustness and dependability, whereas the much larger, higher priced, alternatives are often overkill for medium commercial printers and digital printers. “The GMP-Protopic 520 is a well-made, solid piece of kit that fits nicely in the middle and easily punches above its weight in a number of important areas.”