Spiral News

NEW: Spiral's New SpeedyLam is the Fastest Pouch Laminator

2009-06-24T16:19:00.011-04:00

The SpeedyLam 330R10 is the fastest pouch laminator available. It will laminate up to 12' per minute, making it possible to laminate a letter sized pouch every 5 seconds. This unique 10 roller system and heavy duty cooling fans provide super fast lamination speeds while assuring high quality results even on difficult to laminate items such as photos, inkjet prints and color copies. Watch the product video to see how FAST the SpeedLam really is!

View product page.

View the product video.

New Product Catalog: Download Now!

2009-06-24T16:17:00.008-04:00

In our new catalog we have selected a wide variety of categories showcasing the product range from small/table-top to large industrial machines. Also included are binding supplies and custom presentation solutions such as binders, covers, tabs, folders, journals and much more. Spiral is committed to being "green" and highlights products that are environmentally compliant.

Download the new Spiral product catalog now!

Support US-based Manufacturing

2009-06-24T16:14:00.010-04:00

Being a 75-year-old, American, family-owned company, Spiral understands being proud of American products is important in this tough economic environment. Our new catalog highlights American made products by having an American flag next to the products that are made in the USA. Additionally, we have added a page to our web site with links to all these fine products.

View our Equipment Made in the USA page.

View the new Spiral product catalog.

Free Print 09 Exhibit Hall Passes

2009-06-24T09:27:00.001-04:00

Spiral / James Burn USA invites you to join us at Print09 (booth #1760 -- 9/11/2009-9/16/2009). Only 500 complimentary passes are available, so register today. Just click the link below and follow the prompts. We look forward to seeing you in Chicago!

Register for Free Print 09 Exhibit Hall Passes here!

Video: SpeedyLam 330R-10 Pouch Laminator

2009-06-24T09:15:00.008-04:00

This video of the Speedy-Lam 330R-10 10 Roller Pouch Laminator shows HOW FAST it really is!

View the product page.

View Video as Windows Media.

Here's an alternate version of the video that highlights some of the FEATURES of the SpeedyLam! (We're hoping this does well in the NY Film Festivals!!!)

Turn Garbage into Gold

2009-05-27T11:03:00.006-04:00

Convert used cardboard boxes into high quality packing materials with a cardboard shredder. Maintain your companies green initiatives, reduce materials headed into the waste stream and create a savings on your shipping materials.

View our line of Cardboard Shredders.

Static Cling is Hair Raising

2009-05-27T10:57:00.006-04:00

Reduce jamming issues in your finishing processes by jogging paper after it comes out of your copier. Copiers operate by putting a charge into paper so toner will adhere to it. This creates a static charge in the paper that makes them cling to one another. The use of a simple jogger that most every shop already has can help reduce this problem. If you need a jogger look at our full line including air assist joggers that were specifically designed with this problem in mind.

View our full line of Paper Joggers.

Here are a some "Hair Raising Static Cling" images we found...

Not Stuck in the Middle with You!

2009-05-27T10:54:00.008-04:00

Creasing is a hot topic in the digital print environment. But what do you do when you need more then a manual creaser but can't cost justify the big, fully automatic air-feed system. Well, we now have a mid-range creaser available to meet your needs, the CreaseMaster 150.

View Product Page: CreaseMaster 150

Or view our complete line of Paper Creasers.

New Hydraulic Drill with $200 Rebate

2009-04-21T16:34:00.003-04:00

Save labor with the FMMH-3 three spindle hydraulic floor standing drill!

In an effort to stimulate the economy, Lassco Wizer is offering a special rebate program of $200 on the purchase of a new FMMH-3 drill until May 31st, 2009.

Manufactured in the United States and offered exclusively through Spiral, the FMMH-3 paper drill is the most versatile, compact, and affordable hydraulic powered 3-spindle drill on the market today. The FMMH-3 provides powerful and continuous drilling by foot pedal activation. Adjustable head design and lift speed make this drill easy to use while maximizing production performance.

The drill includes:

5/16" standard hollow drill bits
MS-1 drill sharpener
chip clearer
Spin-Eze drill bit lubricant

View the product page.

Spiral's Products Meet Federal Child Safety Standards

2009-04-21T16:33:00.001-04:00

Always aware of our responsibility to our customers and the people that use of our products, Spiral's Coil, Wire, Comb, and Covers already meet the CPSIA Federal guide lines. Originally created to monitor the children's toy industry, this act will cover any product that is specifically made for children by the year 2011.

Extensive laboratory testing has confirmed our products are certified to meet CPSIA regulations for lead and phthalates. Under the CPSIA guidelines, we maintain a Certificate of Conformity on file along with the supporting laboratory results. Under CPSIA guidelines, we can release the Certificate of Conformity to any manufacturer in order to substantiate that our product meets CPSIA guidelines.

It is your responsibility to make sure your products meet these federal regulations. Be confident that the products you offer your customers are compliant by purchasing your binding supplies exclusively from Spiral.

For more information on CPSIA guide lines, go here.

Visit the website for US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Find these products on our site...
  - Plastic Coil
  - Wire (also known as "Wire-O", "Double-O Wire")
  - Plastic Comb (also known as "GBC combs", "19 Ring Combs")
  - Binding Covers

Spiral Turns Milk Jugs Into Loose Leaf Binders

2009-04-21T16:32:00.001-04:00

Turn any marketing project into an environmentally friendly product by using post consumer polyethylene.

When you turn in plastics for recycling they are reprocessed and made into new products. We believe it's important to minimize our impact on the planet by re-using reclaimed plastic. Hence, we have developed our 2ndGenesis^TM recycled sheet material. Extruded polyethylene post-consumer plastic (PE-PCR) from reclaimed milk jugs can be converted into many packaging applications including custom binders, tabs, pocket folders, covers, boxes or anything your design team can imagine. Not only is 2ndGenesis^TM good for the environment it is typically less expensive than virgin PE resin. It is available in 6 stock colors and 6 translucent, trendy colors in several standard thicknesses and any PMS opaque color and can be extruded in thicknesses from 0.015 to 0.125 gauge.

For more info on some of our GREEN products and efforts...
* 2ndGenesis^TM
* Custom Presentation Products
* GREEN news articles from our blog

Video: EasyCrease Pro 14

2009-04-21T16:31:00.000-04:00

The EasyCrease Pro 14 combines exceptional channel-creasing capability, remarkable productivity, and convenient semi-automatic operation in a compact desktop design. Ideally suited for creasing toner based digitally imaged stocks, the unique channel-creasing action of the Easy Crease Pro virtually eliminates the common problem of cosmetic damage and imperfections caused by folding paper stock along an edge.

EasyCrease Pro 14 has a clearly marked indicator scale and "Speed-Stops" quickly lock into position. Performing multiple creases is particularly simple and efficient with the Speed-Stop's unique rotary paper stop design. Additional speed and convenience is realized with electric foot pedal operation. The operator can select between either of two precision channel-creasing thickness modes by simply rotating a knob to select either the narrow or wide creasing head. In one even motion the EasyCrease Pro 14 applies a high quality crease across the sheet. The result helps to insure that the professional image quality of the sheet and its printed image is retained even after being folded.

View Video as Windows Media.

View the product page for the EasyCrease Pro 14.

Don't Forget to Visit us at On Demand 2009!

2009-03-23T14:00:00.006-04:00

You can find us at Booth #1443.

3/30/2009-4/2/2009
On Demand Conference & Exposition 2009
Pennsylvania Convention Center
Philadelphia, PA

While there you can see demos on the following equipment...

You Don't Need a Government Bailout...

2009-03-23T11:37:00.009-04:00

You don't need a government bailout to purchase a new Sircle binding system.

In tough economic times it's more important then ever to promote your business with high quality presentation materials so you will stand out from the competition. With the economically priced line of Sircle binding system you can do that without getting a government bailout package.

Sircle offers a complete line of product for plastic comb binding and wire binding in both manual and electric punches in prices that range from $130 to $800. These user-friendly machines are designed to be functional as well as attractive and will fit in any office environment.

Brand recognition is a key component that will also set your presentations apart from the competition. Don't forget about custom covers and binding combs to go with your new Sircle binding machine.

Wire Binding
  WR-2500 3:1 & 2:1 Wire Punch & Bind
  WR-150e Punch & Bind for 3:1 & 2:1 Wire
  WR-200 Manual Punch & Binder for 3:1 & 2:1 Wire

Comb Binding
  CB-150e Electric Punch Comb & 3-Hole w/ Manual Bind
  CB-240e Plastic Comb Electric Punch & Manual Bind
  CW-4500e Plastic Comb & 3:1 Wire Punch & Bind

Wire & Comb Binding
  CW-150e Electric Punch Manual Bind for 3:1 Wire & Comb
  CW-350 Manual Punch & Bind for 3:1 Wire & Comb

Be Green and Save Some Green

2009-03-23T11:20:00.011-04:00

The WiAir 200 Inflatable Air Cushion Packaging System is designed for any business with a pack-and-ship operation needing to conserve space and save money. It will save storage space occupied by bulky packing materials such as peanuts and bubble wrap. The lightweight and durable air cushions offer greater vibration protection and at a 50% reduced cost than traditional packaging materials. Air cushions can be produced In 4 inch to 12 inch sizes from the same roll of film, no need to buy different film rolls to make different size air cushions. The WiAir inflatable air cushion packaging system will pay for itself faster than any other air cushion machine available.

	Packing Peanuts	Bubble Wrap	WiAir Cushions
Material Cost / Cu. Ft.	$2.15	$7.20	$1.24
Inbound Shipping Cost / Cu. Ft.	$2.24	$2.90	$.12
Storage Space Cost / Cu. Ft.	$65.80	$132.31	$6.37
Total Cost / Cu. Ft.	$70.19	$142.41	$7.73

Film is made by polyethylene (PE), can be recycled. It contains no other hazardous substance and is biodegradable. This is environmentally friendly material without secondary pollution.

View Product Page for the WiAir 200 Inflatable Air Cushion Packaging System.

$500 in Free Supplies

2009-03-22T14:13:00.001-04:00

Only Spiral Offers $500 in Free Supplies with purchase of any James Burn equipment. In side-by-side comparisons, Spiral takes the lead on speed and quality of machines:

James Burn Docu-Punch/Alpha-Doc punch 20,000-40,000 sheets per hour
James Burn Wire-O^® Bind 3500 binds 500-1000 books per hour

Spiral also offers a complete line of supplies for all binding and laminating along with the most comprehensive list of finishing equipment, including folders, trimmers, cutters, collators, laminators and more.

Call your salesperson or Customer Service at 800-631-3572 for more information on this limited time offer.

Lamination 101: Common Laminating Problems & Fixes (pt.4)

2009-03-19T00:01:00.002-04:00

Lamination 101 is a four part series to help educate users with basic knowledge about the laminating process. This is part 4 of 4.

How can I avoid laminator film wrap-up?
By allowing 2"-3" of lamination film to hang out of the laminator as you start your lamination job and by making sure the back of the laminator is not up against a wall, cabinet or other obstruction, you should assure wrap-free operation.

Why is my lamination turning out bubbly?
If you are using a thermal (heat) laminator, then the heat setting may be too high for the item being laminated. If the machine has a control to adjust the heat, try lowering the temperature. Also, if using a thermal pouch laminator, make sure that you are using the correct carrier for the pouch.

What causes silvering?
Silvering is caused when the adhesive not "wetting out" properly, this problem is solved by either increasing the temperature setting or slowing down the speed setting. Sometimes you may need to do both. This will promote a better adhesive flow. The same principles apply to cold laminates. A temperature setting of 110F will help wet out the adhesive and accelerate the initial bond.

Why is my lamination cloudy?
Cloudy lamination is usually the result of insufficient heat. If the machine has a control to adjust the heat, try increasing the temperature. You can also reduce the speed of the laminator, this will create longer dwell time on the heat shoes or rollers increasing the heat being transferred to the film.

Why is lamination so important on ink jet prints
Many inkjet prints (up to 75% by some estimates) are laminated. In addition to adding rigidity and protection, lamination adds to the perceived value of the print. Different films change the look of the print - intensifying colors or adding satin, textured, or high-gloss finishes.
Lamination also extends the range of products that can be created from a single large format inkjet printer. For instance, without changing inks and media, you can use different finishing materials to produce floor graphics, presentation graphics, indoor signage, P-O-P displays, and tradeshow graphics. Although lamination adds to production time and requires skilled operators, many print-for-pay inkjet shops regard finishing as an important profit center.

How long will my inkjet image last if I protect it with a UV over-laminate?
Generally speaking, over-laminates with UV inhibitors will extend the life of your image by 3-4 times. Dye-based inks, when subjected to high levels of UV radiation, can fade in as little as a few days. This means that even with a protective over-laminate, your dye-based image can be damaged in as little as 2 weeks. Pigmented inks last significantly longer than dye-based. Laminated images printed with pigmented inks can expect at least a six to twelve month outdoor lifespan without experiencing significant UV fading.

Why is laminating inkjet prints so tricky?
Many newcomers to large format inkjet printing find themselves reprinting jobs ruined when the laminating film peels away from the print (de-lamination). This is typically caused by the wrong choice of materials, or attempting to laminate inkjet prints that are not fully dry. Sometimes prints that feel dry to the touch but may not be adequately dry, due to the presence of glycol, an oily-type solvent used in nearly all water-based inks. Choosing the right film for you specific application is a key element in quality lamination. Spiral Binding sales specialists have the expertise to help you determine the right combination of products to use.

Why won't my thermal film stick to my inkjet output?
Providing the laminator temperature and speed settings are correct, the most likely culprit is your image. Inkjet prints that are not completely dry can be very difficult to laminate even with thermal films designed for inkjet print applications. Inks contain Glycol to prevent nozzle clogging. Glycol is an oily-type solvent that is not compatible with thermal adhesives.

To improve adhesion:

Ink limiting will reduce your drying time. Make sure you are using the proper ink limit setting in your RIP.
Choose the proper media to print on. High gloss materials are difficult to laminate because most of the ink rests on the receptive coating of the material. Matte materials absorb more moisture and are therefore easier to laminate.
Make sure your prints are completely dry before laminating. Highly saturated prints will take longer to dry.

Premium thermal films, such as D & K Super-Stick film, have unique properties that will virtually eliminate de-lamination issues. An independent testing lab has extensively tested Super-Stick film with data submitted to the US Patent office. These test confirm that Super Stick film adheres:

15 times better then regular thermal film
times better on inkjet prints
50% better on e-stat prints
4-5 times better on wet ink

Lamination 101: Webbing Diagrams (pt.3)

2009-03-12T00:01:00.003-04:00

Lamination 101 is a four part series to help educate users with basic knowledge about the laminating process. This is part 3 of 4.

1. Encapsulating

2. Mounting & Laminating Print to pre-coated board

3. One Step Decal

4. Pre-Coating Boards

5. Mounting Decal Print

6. Laminating with PSA and release liner

Note:
Inkjet media must be wider than the PSA lamination used, otherwise a brown kraft "slave sheet" must be used to protect the bottom roller from top laminate adhesive transfer.

Lamination 101: Glossary of Terms (pt.2)

2009-03-05T00:01:00.002-05:00

Lamination 101 is a four part series to help educate users with basic knowledge about the laminating process. This is part 2 of 4.

Types of Laminating Film Finish

GLOSS: The most popular, best for bright colors, adds definition, radiance

MATTE: Non-reflective, slightly granular finish. Available in most types of film much more expensive then gloss films so used only on special applications.

SATIN / Lustre: Provides a reduced level of glare, and has a soft sheen. The term satin or luster is interchangeable between the two. Both films are virtually the same and some manufacturers call their film satin while others term it luster.
_____________________________________________________

Glossary of Laminating and Mounting Terms

ACRYLIC ADHESIVE: A type of pressure-sensitive adhesive most often used on cold films.

BASE or FILM BASE: Laminating film is manufactured by applying an adhesive to a film base. The film base is the layer of film that doesn't melt. It is the material the adhesive is extruded on to during manufacturing. In a thermal film the base is usually polyester but is also available in nylon base for one- sided laminating applications. Pressure sensitive film is generally vinyl based.

CO-POLYMERS: These are agents added to the polyethylene adhesive layer of a thermal film to lower its melt temperature, increase its adhesion, and improve its clarity.

CORE SIZES:This is the size of the cardboard core the film is rolled onto. The mandrels on your laminator will determine the core size film used , 1" 2 ¼" or 3" diameter.

DRY MOUNTING: is a thermal process, which uses a heat-activated adhesive (dry mount tissue) to adhere the back of an image to foam board, mount board or another paper-surface mounting substrate. It may be done with a press or with some types of laminators.

MELT TEMPERATURE: A range or a specific temperature at which a thermal film or a dry mount adhesive is best applied.

MIL: Laminating film thickness is measured in mils or 1/1000 of an inch. Ie. 3 mil film is 3/1000 of an inch. The thicker the film, the stiffer and more durable the laminated item will be

THE NIP: The line where the two laminating rollers press together and lamination takes place.

POLY IN or POLY OUT: Films are wound on a core either poly in (adhesive side in) or poly out (adhesive side out) This is simply the way the film comes off the roll.

POLYESTER: The base or outer protective layer of the most thermal laminating film. It does not melt during the thermal laminating process. It is also the base layer of many PSA films.

POLYETHYLENE: The adhesive almost always used in thermal films. During hot lamination it liquefies. The lamination takes place in the nip. Fans or chill rollers in the laminator then help cool the adhesive so it becomes a flexible solid again.
PSA - stands for pressure-sensitive adhesive. Pressure-sensitive adhesives will work cold or with some heat. Either acrylic or latex type adhesives are generally used in PSA materials. Pressure-sensitive adhesive is used on clear laminating films, on sign vinyl's, and for mounting images.

SUBSTRATE: Literally means under-layer. It can refer to material we print on, or the board we use to mount an image

VINYL: Used as the base of some clear PSA laminating films. It is also used in colored sign materials.

A WEB: The unwinding width of plastic coming off a supply roll, or the continuous flow of laminate coming out the back of the laminator.

De-lamination is a Thing of the Past

2009-02-11T13:49:00.000-05:00

Stop expensive reprints of digital prints because of de-lamination. Color-Bond Laminate provides excellent bond even to prints right off the copier and will allow jobs to go to post press without delay. No more reprints, delays or unhappy customers.

The unique adhesive in Color-Bond Laminate will create a chemical bond to the toners and oils that are commonly found in the digital output of color copiers.

Some of the features and benefits:

Available in gloss or matte finishes
Available in polyester or nylon base films
Superior abrasion resistance
High clarity lamination
Water, oil, acid, and alkali resistant
Can be die cut
Excellent alternative to PSA films
Easy to apply
Enhances overall color and appearance of graphics

View Product Page

Laminating Easy as 1-2-3!

2009-02-11T13:48:00.001-05:00

When outsourcing wide format mounting and laminating projects can be a real pain in the checkbook. Easy to operate with virtually no training the EXP 42" Pouch Laminator can get your work out faster and easier while saving you money in the process.

If you are outsourcing 5 projects a month the EXP 42 Pouch Mounter Laminator will offer a return on investment in only 6 months. It is a state-of-the-art print finishing system that allows you to mount and laminate your printed material with a few easy steps. The EXP 42" Pouch Laminator combined with our revolutionary SuperStick Laminates will give your printed material the highest quality finish that cannot be matched in the Industry. Heat activated adhesive on the back so they can be mounted on virtually any ridged substrate or foam board using any heated roller mounting laminating system.

The EXP 42" Pouch Laminator is a perfect fit for start-up finishing ventures, corporate in-house facilities, framing shops and service bureaus.

Features:

Fast Set Up and easy operation
Adjustable Roller temperature and pressure settings
High quatity silicon rollers for easy clean-up and low maintenance
Reverse mode provides easy misfeed correction
Quality Manufacturing in the USA

View Product Page: EXP 42 Pouch Mounter Laminator & SuperStick Laminating Pouches

Video: EXP 42 Pouch Laminator

2009-02-11T13:42:00.006-05:00

This video of the EXP 42 Pouch Mounter Laminator has a simple overview of the laminator and its features.

View Video as Windows Media.

View the product page.

Lamination 101: Laminating Basics (pt.1)

2009-02-11T13:40:00.003-05:00

Lamination 101 is a four part series to help educate users with basic knowledge about the laminating process. This is part 1 of 4.

Laminating film consists of two layers, a base layer, most commonly consisting of polyester and an inner adhesive resin layer that becomes liquid when it reaches an activating temperature. The material to be laminated is placed between two sheets of laminating film. The laminating machine melts the adhesive resin layer, which then spreads over the document, hardening as it cools and creating a bond between the material and film
Roll Laminating is designed to run as a continuous roll of film (or web) for larger sizes and volumes of work. Spiral offers a wide variety of thermal roll laminating machines as well as supplies. Over the past couple years with changes in printing technologies, laminating films have also evolved. Spiral now offers 6 different types of laminating films

Standard Laminating Rolls: This laminating film is sometimes referred to as "school film" and is available in 1.5 mil or 3 mil thickness. Standard film is a mono polymer film, which means there is one type of adhesive coating the base material. These films tend to have a high operating temperature and are the least expensive films. You might also hear this film referred to as "nap-lam I" which is a trade name for GBC.

Premium Laminating Film: this is a co-polymer film, which has a more aggressive adhesive then mono polymer film. It also operates at a lower melting temperature. GBC's brand name for this is "nap-lam II". Normally available in 1.8, 3, 5 and 10 mil thickness.

Color-Bond Laminating film: This is a specialty film formulated toner based color copier output. Color copies have fuser oils that allow the toner to adhere to the paper. The Standard mono-polymer and Premium co-polymer films we currently carry will not always work with color copier output. The problem is magnified when customers have applications with heavy toner coverage and very dark colors that lay down a lot of toner on the paper.

Wide Format Thermal Laminating Film: This film has been designed for laminating paper based output from wide format inkjet printers. The inkjet printers come in sizes from 24" wide to 72" wide and the laminating film is sized to match hence the term wide format laminating. These prints have specific needs in laminating film. The most important aspect is special low-melt adhesive. These films have adhesive that operates at a melting temperature of 185 degrees. This is important to prevent out gassing of the inks that will cause de-lamination. Also these films have UV Inhibitors. Inkjet prints suffer from color loss over time and the UV Inhibitors help to prevent that from happening.

Wide Format Pressure Sensitive (cold) Laminating Film: This film has been designed for laminating vinyl based output from wide format inkjet printers. Generally these are used in the sign industry where most prints are done on vinyl based material rather then paper based. Although PSA film can be used with paper and other substrates the high cost makes its use in those applications as less desirable.

D & K Super Stick Wide Format Laminating Film: This film is a patented product that is a unique product that offers the benefits of both Thermal and PSA films. Super-Stick film is a liner-less vinyl based film that works well with both vinyl and paper based inkjet output. These laminates allow for greater flexibility on sensitive prints due to the very low activation temperatures (150 - 200 F). It comes in a variety of finishes including: gloss, luster, matte, textured and canvas. No release liners for reduced scrap, UV Inhibitors prevent color shift, less setup time and ease of use compared with pressure sensitive adhesives with better overall clarity and appearance.

Learn About the Improved AccuBind Pro2

2009-01-19T13:20:00.002-05:00

Tape binding continues to evolve with the AccuBind Pro2. This enhanced machine features improved tape insertion, an internal steel frame, along with:

"Stand-by" button
Manually adjustable book clamper for the first book's thickness
Self calibration
Stronger motor
Gold coated microswitches
Bypass energy save mode
Ability to use "B" size tapes on "A" size books

Tape strips come in eleven colors, and look great paired with custom covers enhancing your corporate identity.

View the machine's new look and see the ease of use by viewing our video for the AccuBind Pro 2.

View the product page.

Don't Forget...We Have Great Custom Products!

2009-01-19T13:10:00.002-05:00

We offer a wide range of custom presentation products designed to give your corporate communications impact and polish. Custom products are the secret weapons successful businesses use to stand out from the competition, create unity in presentations and establish a strong recognized brand.