Have you ever tried to laminate something with your Scotch laminator, holding it in place, waiting patiently as it slowly warms up and is ready to do its thing only to find when you release the button that the document has become unstuck and fallen out of the laminator?
Scotch laminators are extremely useful office and handicraft tools. Occasionally, though, a pouch may become stuck in your laminator. If this occurs, you must act swiftly to resolve the issue.
6 Suggested Ways to Fix a Jammed Scotch Laminator
- Switch it off and disconnect from the power source
- Pull the pouch out slowly and gently
- Reverse the laminator’s mode of operation
- Open up the laminator
- Find the release lever
- Use tools to open the laminator
You can try the following to fix your jammed scotch laminator:
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Switch it off and disconnect from the power source.
Doing so will keep the motor from overheating, which will save you money in the long run.
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Pull the pouch out slowly and gently.
Check for damage once the laminator has been turned off. Most likely, if you tried to laminate something very bulky, it would not fit through the laminator. Gently pull it out with your hands. Also, in the future, avoid laminating bulky or dimensional materials. They can do a lot of damage to your computer.
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Reverse the laminator’s mode of operation.
It could be a problem if the laminating pouch is folded up inside the device. If this is the problem, turn the machine back on and put it in backward mode. Always use a carrier to avoid this from happening again. As a result, the glue will not leak out of the bag and cause issues.
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Open up the laminator.
You might need to resort to a more radical solution in the case of a jammed pouch in your laminator. Some machines, such as printers and fax machines, can be opened up like this. Open yours and see if you can get the pouch jam out of it. Remember to unplug the device first to avoid getting burned.
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Find the release lever
The pouch jam lever may be the source of your machine’s inability to open. In order to remove stuck pouches, this type of lever can separate the machine’s rollers. There is a release lever on the laminator seen here.
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Use tools to open the laminator.
Suppose you have some mechanical understanding and are experienced with working with machinery. In that case, this method is fine for you to use. However, this should only be attempted if you have the proper training and experience. If you decide to give it a shot, make sure the machine is unplugged beforehand to avoid any potential harm.
Suggestions for Keeping Your Laminator Machine in Top Form
A new season puts a lot of strain on a laminator machine. When the machine is often used, the odds of the paper becoming jammed are rather common. Here are some excellent tips for keeping the machine running well to assist you with your task.
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Select the laminator that meets Your Needs
Not all laminators are created equal. The one built for home use is incapable of handling the laborious duties associated with school work.
Similarly, suppose you use a laminator designed for school and office use for commercial or professional applications. In that case, the machine’s life expectancy will be reduced. The article on how to laminate paper at home or in the office includes some extra recommendations for users who wish to laminate paper independently.
As a result, you must choose a laminator that meets your requirements. If you want a machine solely for household use, choose one designed for that purpose.
Similarly, avoid purchasing a heavy-duty laminating machine for your arts and crafts; it will complicate matters.
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Leave Space behind The Laminator
Behind the laminator, there should be sufficient space for the document to depart. It decreases the likelihood of the machine jamming and protects your valuable document from damage.
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Pouch Jacket
Using a bag jacket protects the document and the laminator from getting lost inside. Laminating pouches frequently lose their adhesive properties inside the device, resulting in faults over time. Additionally, it causes the machine to become jammed.
Pouch jackets protect partially filled pouches and small pieces of paper and eliminate the need for wrap-around.
As a result, there will be fewer bottlenecks and no need for costly repairs. Consider purchasing films made of high-quality materials such as Teflon.
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Consult the Manual Guide
Frequently, consumers encounter issues with their machines as a result of using incorrect accessories and supplies to laminate their documents.
The instructional guide includes detailed instructions on the size of the pouch to use and the optimal temperature to use depending on the thickness of the bag.
The problem arises when someone disregards that recommendation and randomly purchases a pouch and adjusts the speed and temperature without the necessary expertise.
Additionally, the instruction manual has rules about cool down, heat, angles, temperature, weight, and thickness of the pouch and do’s and don’ts for proper machine operation.
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Take Your Time When Inserting The Document Into The Rollers
Never rush when inserting the paper into the machine. The laminator will perform the task automatically. Suppose you wait a few seconds longer and avoid pushing the pouch. In that case, you can avoid harming your document and incurring laminator repair costs.
Avoid inserting the paper at an angle or with the pouch’s open end. Otherwise, the document will wrinkle and fold, possibly resulting in a jam.
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Before Turning Off The Laminator, Allow It To Cool
When we’re pressed for time or in a hurry, we frequently turn off the laminator and exit immediately after retrieving your hot and crisp document from the machine. This practice is detrimental to the machine’s rollers.
Allow approximately 15 minutes for the laminator to cool down before shutting it off. However, waiting times vary according to the model; consult your laminator’s instruction manual to determine the precise time required.
A high-quality laminator includes a dedicated “Cold” button that assists the operator in appropriately cooling the laminator.
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Establish A Stable Surface For The Machine
You should not place the laminator on an unsteady or uneven surface. If it rattles during operation, it will also shake the bag, jamming the document. To avoid such issues, ensure that the machine is placed on a flat and stable surface
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Insert The Document Properly
Always insert your paper from the pouch’s folded side. If the sealed end is inserted first into the machine, it minimizes the possibility of jamming and also prevents malfunction.