Duplo Introduces The GMP-Protopic 520 Digital Laminator

Release date: 28.11.2006

Among its new product haul to be unveiled at Digital Print World 2006, Duplo International is officially launching the GMP-Protopic 520 Digital Laminator. Targeted primarily towards medium-sized commercial print businesses and digital printers, the GMP-Protopic 520 is an easy to use and cost-effective on-demand laminator, which addresses common problems associated with laminating digitally produced printed work, such as curling.

The GMP-Protopic 520 Digital Laminator boasts several unique features that offer users a number of benefits normally associated with more expensive, high-end systems. In particular, a pneumatic pressure cylinder is fitted as standard and exerts a substantial 500kg 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 also benefits from 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 also 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 15m per minute, the GMP-Protopic 520 Digital Laminator matches those speeds achieved by some high-end, more expensive alternatives, and represents a viable and affordable option for high-volume printers.
'The GMP-Protopic 520 is a great complement to our range and we are very excited to be introducing it here at Digital Print World', says Peter Jolly, Duplo International's UK Marketing Manager. '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.'

The GMP-Protopic 520 Digital Laminator uses GMP's polynex digital supermelt films, which guarantee perfect lamination on all leading digital media. Additionally, a range of optional embossing rollers enable users to create a variety of different effects, including linen texture and leather.
Thanks to in-built simplicity and an easy-to-use control panel, minimal training is required to operate the GMP-Protopic 520, which is positioned at a cost of £14,000.