From Graphic Arts Online, we thought this was pretty cool:
– Graphic Arts Online, 6/2/2008 8:58:00 AM
DUSSELDORF, Germany—Running the new 56´´ 8500HS Cyclone laminator at speeds that reached 150 metres per minute, the team of Mark Elman and Glenn Koepke laminated 100 square metres of paper in the world-record time of 40.53 seconds today at the GBC Professional stand.
How did it happen?
After Mark and Glenn got the laminating machine up to speed, the “go” signal was given and the timer and sheet counter will be activated. The sheet counter will count down as sheets are laminated. When the counter reached zero, the equivalent of 100 square metres had been laminated, and the timer was stopped. An adjudicator from the Guinness Book of World Records was on hand to verify the number of sheets laminated while confirming that they were free of creases and air pockets.
What was the old record?
This is a new category, so there was no current Guinness World Record—until now. The GBC engineering/operating team actually set the new record on three runs: other times clocked in at 51.75 seconds and 45.03 seconds. After a few jam-ups, and as sheets were running low (KBA donated the paper), they went for the gusto and cut more than four seconds off the previous attempt.
What kind of film was running?
Running at ultra-high speeds requires superior bonding and clean separation of prints. That’s why GBC is introducing High-bonding Strength (HBS) Film at drupa 2008. With a very aggressive adhesive, this film provides strong, long-lasting bonds at the fastest speeds while allowing for clean snapping and smooth print movement.
What’s special about this laminator?
The 8500HS Cyclone is a commercial laminator designed for single-sided lamination of high-volume print runs.
Extra-large sheets
The 8500HS Cyclone can accommodate sheet widths up to 44´´. Other GBC models are available for sheet lengths of 31´´, 44´´ and 56´´. At drupa 2008, GBC is running the 56´´ model.
High-speed Feeder
The technologically advanced Cyclone includes an integrated high-speed MABEG® feeder that can run up to 18,000 sheets per hour.
Advanced adhesion mechanism
State-of-the-art engineering developed GBC’s new Advanced Adhesion Mechanism, seen for the first time at this week at drupa. Located in the lamination unit of the GBC 8500HS Cyclone, this mechanism is designed to improve bonding at all speeds.
Smooth separation
After prints are laminated, they are separated with the aid of a track-mounted snapping assembly that remains stationary while running and maintaining its grip over the entire sheet. The result is clean and accurate separation of prints before they enter the stacker.
Single-operator control
Although a two-man crew ran the 8500HS Cyclone during the Guinness World Record Attempt, a single operator can easily control all critical functions for everyday running of the system. At the main touch-screen, the operator can quickly configure job settings including sheet length, speed ratios, film tension and separation. Job parameters can be stored in memory for recurring jobs.
Team Bios
Tony Mertlik, GBC Engineering Manager and leader of the team that developed the GBC 8500HS Cyclone, has been with the company for over 12 years and in the printing and finishing industry for over 20 years. A native of the Czech Republic, Tony is regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts on laminating systems.
Mark Elman has been with GBC since 1985. As the Manager of Equipment Development, Mark specializes in the design of high-speed commercial lamination equipment. Mark will be running the GBC 8500HS Cyclone laminator with Glenn Koepke during the Guinness World Record attempt.
Glenn Koepke, GBC Product Development and Support Specialist, works with the engineering team to develop high-speed laminators. He has been with GBC since 1992 and has traveled the world supporting the biggest finishing houses in their quest for product perfection.
GBC Commercial Laminating Solutions Group
GBC Commercial Laminating Solutions Group, a division of the American multinational ACCO Brands Corporation, specializes in manufacturing, marketing and distribution of thermal and pressure-sensitive laminating film and equipment. The company offers a wide range of quality films for laminating offset and digital prints, such as book covers and luxury packaging and wide format prints for indoor and outdoor usage.
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