School laminators are difficult to use, and teachers are notoriously too busy to really learn how to use them properly. As a result, many laminators breakdown and need repair before they really should. A few simple tips placed prominently near the laminator should eliminate many problems.
1. Reload the film correctly.
This varies slightly from machine to machine, but usually requires you to:
A. Make sure the machine is cool.
B. Remove the empty rolls.
C. Load the rolls onto the machine so that the shiny/glossy side moves against the laminating rollers. The dull sides should be facing each other, as these are the sides with the adhesive.
D. Use a threading card to make sure that the film rolls are both pushed through.
2. After each use, place a binder clip over the film edges to keep them from wrapping around the rollers. The next user will be able to start and use the machine without a problem.
3. Use a clean, dry cloth to carefully wipe the rollers while the heater is on every time you change the film.
4. Turn the laminator off immediately if the film begins to wrap around the rollers. Clean any adhesive off the rollers by heating up the rollers, turning them off, and then scraping them while hot with rubber or plastic.
