Rubber Tension Cord for Laminator Shafts

[Signed Out]

Love my Kala Mistral 1650, have had it since 2019. Lately the laminate, backing and vinyl will just spin on the shafts, no grip left on the rubber tension cords. I've flipped them over and tried loosening them, which may have helped a bit, but think it's time for new ones. I've tried to purchase them from kala dealers and tried messaging Kala directly about them, with zero luck. Does anybody know where to purchase them or an alternative?

 

[Snydo]

We wedge a Sharpie pen on both sides of the tube, works like a charm.

 

[Signed Out]

We wedge a Sharpie pen on both sides of the tube, works like a charm.

I guess that would work, I'll give it a try. We didn't have this issue for 6 years though, so hoping to find some replacement cords.

 

[White Haus]

We wedge a Sharpie pen on both sides of the tube, works like a charm.

I love this idea. We recently started having our Mimaki laminator slip and will give that a go. Thanks!

 

[netsol]

haven't seen one of these
aren't they just orings?
a grainger or mcmaster carr item?

 

[White Haus]

haven't seen one of these
aren't they just orings?
a grainger or mcmaster carr item?

I think the O-rings you're referring to are the old style, which I much prefer.
I believe the OP is referring to something like this style:

They're supposed to grab the core as it spins to stop it from slipping but not a perfect design by any stretch.

 

[Humble PM]

From a previous thread, EPDM Solid Rubber Cord seems to be what is required.

 

[Signed Out]

On the Kala they span the length of the shaft.

 

[netsol]

i was thinking more like a daige
(we have (2) daige <38" & 54">, a royal sovereigh 1450(?) & a seal 400 with heat)

 

[Signed Out]

And its hollow. Looks to be 7/16" OD and 1/8" ID.

 

[danno]

I ran a GFP for awhile. Put new bands on and still had slippage. One on the techs told me to put a piece of velcro under the center of the bands. That worked for us.

 

[cmoist]

I have a GFP and thought it was clear silicone cord.

Maybe something like this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/177659810321?chn=ps&var=477267519374&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1mHbPD_9OQrCigv8EcItmFw34&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-173151-913341-5&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=477267519374_177659810321&targetid=2321110924261&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1023833&poi=&campaignid=21415040041&mkgroupid=173029508348&rlsatarget=aud-1297930287258:pla-2321110924261&abcId=9450166&merchantid=101648188&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21415040041&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxvjRBhC2ARIsAI7KJa2buigtTWf6uNaA1Hm5HeAQ7P16CX8hAbLAWdUuWnGwkhaRRxeVnroaAjX-EALw_wcB

 

[airborneassault]

It's been a long minute and I'd have to have a look at our Kala but on our old seal the protocol was to cut it slightly shorter and pull it tighter so it was under more tension/taut and it would start grabbing the core again.

 

[CanuckSigns]

I hate these rubber bands on our Royal Sovereign, constantly getting the backer roll locked onto the shaft if i try to run it a little longer than i should. Also, every brand of vinyl uses a slightly different diameter of tube.

Why cant they use something that slides into the ends of the core like the roll holder on my epson?

 

[MarkSnelling]

And its hollow. Looks to be 7/16" OD and 1/8" ID.
View attachment 182668

If you are located in the US I can likely get you replacement shafts. They are around $300 each and usually are available, although we don't sell them very often.

You should try pulling on the rubber bands to stretch them out and create more slack. More slack will allow for a better grip. If that doesn't work, then buy a new one. If you are in Canada I can also probably send you in the right direction.

 

[ikarasu]

I hate these rubber bands on our Royal Sovereign, constantly getting the backer roll locked onto the shaft if i try to run it a little longer than i should. Also, every brand of vinyl uses a slightly different diameter of tube.

Why cant they use something that slides into the ends of the core like the roll holder on my epson?

Our Chinese laminator uses air to push some rubber stoppers out. When the air is on you couldn’t move the core if your life depended on it - with it off it’s so easy to move…. And the arms swing out to put the vinyl on it. Cheapest, and best laminator I’ve ever had - we hate the rs ones for the same reason, great laminators but there’s been a few times we’ve had to get 3 guys in it to try and pull the damn core off.

 

[Signed Out]

If you are located in the US I can likely get you replacement shafts. They are around $300 each and usually are available, although we don't sell them very often.

You should try pulling on the rubber bands to stretch them out and create more slack. More slack will allow for a better grip. If that doesn't work, then buy a new one. If you are in Canada I can also probably send you in the right direction.

I called your company and asked about buying replacement cords, never got a call back. I Already took the end caps off and flipped the cords, which did nothing. Then I pulled the caps again and gave the cords a little more slack. That helped but not really. I just stuck some velcro on the shaft in the center as was suggested above. This seems to be working, holding my rolls nice and snug now.

So kala is pulling out of the US? That's a real shame these laminators are really good, I've run thousands of rolls through mine and other than this tension cord issue, the laminator has been flawless.

 

[Signed Out]

I ran a GFP for awhile. Put new bands on and still had slippage. One on the techs told me to put a piece of velcro under the center of the bands. That worked for us.

Just tried this and it seems to be working good. Rolls are staying nice and snug now. Thanks for the tip!

 

[MarkSnelling]

Just tried this and it seems to be working good. Rolls are staying nice and snug now. Thanks for the tip!

Glad I can help. If you ever stretch them too much, or if they just start to stretch too much, you can see how they are attached at the end of the shaft. Unscrew it, cut off around a half inch, and screw it back in place.