Considering GFP 663TH. User Feedback?

[bsipsy]

We are currently looking to return our new Kala Arkane 1650 dual-feed laminator. Since we got it, it has been terrible. Constant breakdowns and even when it works, it doesn't work correctly. It also takes forever to load up and get prepped. Our other laminator is an older EasyMount single heated laminator. We were originally going to replace it with the Kala, but so far it is still outperforming the Kala even with worn out rollers and shafts.
Looking at options that are available through our supplier, Grimco, the GFP 663TH looks appealing. Does anyone have experience with this machine? Some of the primary features I got the Kala for were 1) increased speed, 2) unattended operation, and 3) inline slitters. When we laminate, we are almost always laminating full 150ft rolls of 3M 3552 vinyl with 3M 8518 laminate. I need something that can handle large volumes daily, preferably run unattended (or at least allow the operator to work on the table nearby while running), and reliably trim laminated prints. Ease and speed of setup are also big factors. I need to be able to reliably run 10+ rolls per day while still allowing the operator to complete other tasks like weeding and masking.
Side note: the printer function on this machine seems really nice. In practice, is it as useful and practical as it seems?

 

[greysquirrel]

looks like it has auto nip. Most mnf got away from that with intro to pressure sensitive films so you can dial in the contact point between film and vinyl. Honesty, Id save mine and go with their 563. Zero issues getting that to run without baby sitting. I run an even older GFP but used to install and train laminators. I understand what they are trying to do but for the everyday sign shop, it just might be overkill.

 

[bsipsy]

looks like it has auto nip. Most mnf got away from that with intro to pressure sensitive films so you can dial in the contact point between film and vinyl. Honesty, Id save mine and go with their 563. Zero issues getting that to run without baby sitting. I run an even older GFP but used to install and train laminators. I understand what they are trying to do but for the everyday sign shop, it just might be overkill.

From what I've seen, it's not auto, it's just electronic. The nip gap/pressure is still user adjustable via the control panel. We go through a LOT of material, and I really like the remaining material label printer integrated into the machine. That would save us a lot of headache having to calculate our remaining material. The inline cutters also seem better than those on the Kala (at least in theory) due to being rotary cutters. We print a lot of pieces that are about 100ft long and have to be hand trimmed, so if the cutters on this thing work well over long distances, this could potentially save us hours of labor on a large job.
One big question though... if you can input the starting amount of material on your roll, will the machine auto-stop when it reaches the end?

 

[MarkSnelling]

We are currently looking to return our new Kala Arkane 1650 dual-feed laminator. Since we got it, it has been terrible. Constant breakdowns and even when it works, it doesn't work correctly. It also takes forever to load up and get prepped. Our other laminator is an older EasyMount single heated laminator. We were originally going to replace it with the Kala, but so far it is still outperforming the Kala even with worn out rollers and shafts.
Looking at options that are available through our supplier, Grimco, the GFP 663TH looks appealing. Does anyone have experience with this machine? Some of the primary features I got the Kala for were 1) increased speed, 2) unattended operation, and 3) inline slitters. When we laminate, we are almost always laminating full 150ft rolls of 3M 3552 vinyl with 3M 8518 laminate. I need something that can handle large volumes daily, preferably run unattended (or at least allow the operator to work on the table nearby while running), and reliably trim laminated prints. Ease and speed of setup are also big factors. I need to be able to reliably run 10+ rolls per day while still allowing the operator to complete other tasks like weeding and masking.
Side note: the printer function on this machine seems really nice. In practice, is it as useful and practical as it seems?

I sell the GFP units from time to time. I can tell you that I replace them with Kala units all the time. Whoever you purchased the Kala from must have done a horrid job training you and I don't know why they wouldn't just replace it. By all means feel free to call me to talk it through as the Kala unit is hands down a better machine - especially with the auto nip function. Your distributor should be advocating for you to get things resolved or to replace the unit in the odd case it is a lemon.

 

[jcmanuel]

I sell the GFP units from time to time. I can tell you that I replace them with Kala units all the time. Whoever you purchased the Kala from must have done a horrid job training you and I don't know why they wouldn't just replace it. By all means feel free to call me to talk it through as the Kala unit is hands down a better machine - especially with the auto nip function. Your distributor should be advocating for you to get things resolved or to replace the unit in the odd case it is a lemon.

If you check all the social media sites and the graphics forums you will see the highly positive feedback that Gfp machines get. We see it and hear it all the time. The Kala units are great machines also. What we feel gives us all the positive feedback is how our machines hold up but especially how our customer service and technical service responds to all questions. You call us, we are there. No matter if you got the machine a week ago or 15 years ago. From sales to customer service to technical support. If you are interested in a Gfp feel free to contact us anytime and we can find a dealer who will actually sell you one.

 

[Mr.Signboy]

I have the 663TH and love it. Easy to use, I love the swingout loading arms, and the printer is cool, but I usually just sharpie the remaining length on the roll instead on printing the label.