What laminator should I buy?

[CC-CMYK]

I’ll soon be in the market for a new laminator. We’re still using the original US Tech model we started our business with over 10 years ago. Since we do a lot of wall graphics, we typically run full rolls of material through the machine.

I’m looking for something more reliable and less finicky, ideally with heat assist and the capability to handle 60” rolls. I’ve been considering options from GFP, CWT, Mimaki, and Seal.

My budget tops out at around $10,000.
Does anyone have experience with these machines or recommendations based on similar use cases?

 

[MarkSnelling]

I've sold laminators since I was in college. Don't skimp. For a little bit more, you can get a Kala or a Seal Base and those laminators, if taken care of, will last 10-20 years with little to no issues. A new Kala Mistral (top heat assist up to 140 degrees) is an awesome machine as it is the only laminator which has a self leveling nip....so if you see your material start to wrinkle on one side after X feet, you can simply press two buttons and the machine will automatically align the rollers so you can run 150 feet perfectly straight. These machines are around $13K. I'll happily quote you on one.

The Seal Base is a really good unit in the same price range. Available in 54" and 60".

In the used market, I've got a customer in Chicago with a STUNNING Seal 600D. This is a dual heat laminator but he kept it in pristine shape...no cuts in the rollers and it runs flawlessly. he is looking for $7K.