Product instruction manual

Matrix MX-370/530P, MX-370/530DP & MX-370MP

Laminating Systems.

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Contents
Page 3 – Introduction

Page 4 – Specifications

Page 5 – Safety instructions and Environmental requirements

Page 6 – Control panel display screen for single sided laminating

Page 7 – Control panel display screen for foiling mode on models Pneumatic and Metallic.

Page 8 – Control panel display screen for the model Duplex

Page 9-12 – Set up of lamination films

Page 13-14 – Set up of foils

Page 15-18 – Double sided lamination

Page 19 – Encapsulation

Page 20-22 – Trouble shooting

Page 23 - Handy hints for foiling

Page 24 – Warranty, incorrect use and manufacturers address

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Matrix laminator

The Matrix system is a high-performance laminating & foiling system with a solid construction built to last.

Please read these instructions carefully before starting to use the system to ensure you get the best results and are competent at
operation.

Should you experience any issues with your system please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Telephone Number:0345 130 4050

Email: [email protected]

Swing out multilingual control panel Pneumatic control unit

Film/Foil mandrel

Steel laminating roller Take up unit

Anti-curl device

Feed Table Collection tray

Duplex bottom film mandrel

Optional integrated silent compressor

Foot pedal socket

Omni-flow Feeder connection

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Specifications

MX-370P &
Specifications MX-370MP MX-530P
Max. Mechanical Speed (m/ft/min) 10m/33ft 10m/33ft
Max. Lamination Film Width (mm/inches) 340mm/13” 500mm/20”
Minimum Paper Thickness (gsm/lbs) 135gsm/90lbs 135gsm/90lbs
Maximum Sheet Width (mm/inches) 420mm/17” 550mm/22”
Warm-up Time (mins) 10 10
Temperature Range (ºC/ ºF) 0-140 /32-284ºF 0-140ºC/32-284ºF
Power Supply (V) 220/240 220/240
Power Supply Required (Amps) 13 13
Power Consumption (W) 2200 2400
System Fuse Rating (Amps) 8 8
Overall Dimensions - Width (mm/inches) 800mm/31” 900mm/35”
Overall Dim. - Depth x Height (mm/inches) 1800x1400/71x55” 2050x1400/81x55”
Gross Machine Weight (kg/lbs) 280kg/617lbs 320kg/705lbs
Warranty 1 year 1 year

Specifications MX-370DP MX-530DP

Max. Mechanical Speed (m/ft/min) 10m/33ft 10m/33ft
Max. Lamination Film Width (mm/inches) 340mm/13” 500mm/20”
Minimum Paper Thickness (gsm/lbs) 135gsm/90lbs 135gsm/90lbs
Maximum Sheet Width (mm/inches) 420mm/17” 550mm/22”
Warm-up Time (mins) 10 10
Temperature Range (ºC/ ºF) 0-140 /32-284ºF 0-140ºC/32-284ºF
Power Supply (V) 220/240 220/240
Power Supply Required (Amps) 32 32
Power Consumption (W) 4500 4500
System Fuse Rating (Amps) 8 8
Overall Dimensions - Width (mm/inches) 800mm/31” 900mm/35”
Overall Dim. - Depth x Height (mm/inches) 1800x1400/71x55” 2050x1400/81x55”
Gross Machine Weight (kg/lbs) 285kg/628lbs 340kg/750lbs
Warranty 1 year 1 year

If you are using your own air supply, please note the following:

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Safety Instructions
v Please ensure that the voltages and phase of the power supply you are using match with the rated working voltages before
operating the system.

v The power supply should be close to the system for convenient use.

v The power supply should provide a reliable protective earthing connection.

v This system must be earthed reliably as to ensure the safety of the system during operation.

v Only the operators of this system should operate the electrical or mechanical components/controls.

v Please don’t use damaged wires or sockets.

v Please keep children away from touching or operating this system.

v Please do not spray any liquids or cleaning products directly onto the system, this can cause a machine fault or electrical
shock.

v During use please take care that no clothes, neckties, hair or jewellery etc are not overhanging near the system otherwise
injuries can occur.

v Please don’t put burrs, sharp blades or thick rigid materials on, into or near any component especially rubber parts to
avoid damage.

v Please shut down the system after laminating/foiling to avoid misuse.

v At the end of each laminating /foiling job or the end of the working day always gape (lift up) the pneumatic rollers to
avoid flat spots and distortions of the rubber.

v If the system needs to be moved, please turn of the power to the system and unplug from the socket.

v Please be aware of the location of the wheels while moving the system as to avoid damage to any cables nearby and
personal injuries.

v Always ensure the system is positioned on a flat and level floor.

v Please be cautious of the foot pedal and cable position when operating or moving the system.

v Only set the temperature to 80oC when first switched on as the temperature is designed to overshoot to maintain the heat
on the first run.

Environmental Requirements
v Ambient room temperature 10oC – 60oC / 50oF – 140OF, humidity 30% - 80%, ideal humidity 55%.

v Do not place the system below air conditioning units, drafts, external doorways and windows as this can affect the
accuracy of the temperature sensors.

v Due to the static adherence of the film, you should keep the environment clean from dust. A dust cover is provided with
the system.

v Please do not keep the system in direct sunlight.

v Enough space should be kept around the system to ensure safe operation. The minimum holding areas are 2.5m x 3m/8ft
x 10ft.

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The Control Panel - Single-sided Lamination

Display Screen Function/Settings Key 5 Memory Keys

Temperature
Settings

Paper Length
Settings Screen
Brightness

Speed Dial

Stop Key

Fine Tuning Key for Cutting/ Anti-Curl Setting Forward Key Foot Pedal Forward Foot Pedal Reverse
Splitting Position

Set
Temperature

Running Speed

Sheet
Counter
Guard Latch in Place

Sheet Length
Forward/Foot
Pedal Mode

Screen
Brightness

Sheet Splitting/Cutting Adjustment Anti-Curl (0-5) Paper Sensor Actual Temperature

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The Control Panel–Foiling Mode for Pneumatic & Metallic Models

Press the function/settings key

Use the temperature buttons to select mode

Press stop to enter mode

This symbol appears when in the foiling mode

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The Control Panel – Duplex Models

Single sided mode

As explained on previous page press the function/settings key

to enter screen, use the temperature buttons to select mode and

press stop to enter.

Double sided mode

Encapsulating/foiling mode

Ensure for foiling the bottom temperature is set to zero (off).

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Single-sided Laminating
Duplex Pneumatic/Metallic

1.1 2.1

1. Turn the power on. 2. Set paper length (exclude the desired overlap i.e. 450gsm = 445mm) and set

temperature to 80oC.

3.1 3.2 3.3

3. Remove film mandrel off the system and loosen the core collar using the blue 5mm Allen key provided (3.3)

4.1 4.2 4.3

4. Slide film onto the mandrel and centralize (4.1). Replace the core adaptor and tighten. Place the mandrel back onto the system

and tighten the mandrel lock (4.3).

5.1 5.2 5.3

5. Ensure the film feeds from the bottom (5.1) of the roll and mechanical anti-curl is set to zero (5.2). Remove safety guard (5.3).

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 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4

6. Place a plain thick (i.e.300gsm) card into the back of the machine (6.1) taking care to go the middle of every roller (6.2) until

reaching the feed gate (6.3), then place another plain card and cover the top laminating roller (6.4).

7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5

7. If you have a metallic model, please ensure the two idle bars are used (7.1). Holding the corners of the film (7.2), thread under

the patterned idle bar (7.3) and place back onto the film roll (7.4). Remove the card covering the roller (7.5). Now is the time to

clean the roller if there is any glue or marks. For a chrome roller we recommend using Amberklene ME-20 heavy duty solvent

(7.6) and for rubber rollers use the Amberclens anti-static foaming cleaner (7.7). When using the cleaner please spray into a

cloth/paper towel away from the machine, then apply to the roller.

7.6 7.7

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 8.1 8.2 8.3

8. Drape the film over the chrome roller and feed table (8.1). Push a plain thick card in-between the chrome roller and feed roller

(8.2), while pushing the card through turn the film clockwise to release the tension (8.3). Push the card until the back edge is

inline with the feed gate (See below figure 9.1).

9.1 9.2 9.3

9. Put the safety guard back on ensure the latch is pushed in (9.2), otherwise the eye on the display will flash and the machine will

not run. Lower both pneumatic laminating roller and pull roller (the LED’s will illuminate blue when the roller is in the down

position - figure 9.3).

10.1 10.2

Paper sensor signal for no paper

10. Put a piece of plain card up to the feed gate. Press forward run and select your desired speed (10.1). Let the machine paper

sensor fail (10.2). Set your temperature to match the speed you have selected (i.e. 105oC 2.5mpm [mechanical meters per

minute] for Pneumatic/Duplex models and 120oC 2mpm for Metallic models).

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 11.1 11.2 11.3

11. Set the desired anti-curl setting – suggested starting position 2 or 3, if the print curls up increase the number and if the
print curls down decrease the number. Gape the pull roller (11.1), pull the anti-curl handle out (11.2) and select number.
Lower pull roller (11.3).
11.4

Set the display anti-curl setting to match the mechanical setting (11.4).

12.1 12.2 12.3

12. Set the guide wheel in the centre of the sheet (12.1). Set the perforator – ensure the perforator wheel is in line with the
film (up to 5mm) and within the media crop lines. Once aligned tighten the perforator into position using the black
handle (12.2), then turn the silver threaded thumb screw clockwise to lower the perforator wheel (12.3). Too much
pressure will perforate through the paper.

13.1 13.2 13.3

13. Set the angle wheel on the edge of the print inline with the perforator and tighten the black handle (13.1) – set a small
amount of angle and tighten the top black handle (13.2). Different paper stock requires different pressure of the angle
wheel, this can be adjusted using the silver knurled knob (13.3), clockwise will increase the pressure.

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Foiling
1.2 1.3 1.4
1.1

1. Enter the foiling mode (1.1) (for display navigation on page 7), put the express idle bars on the machine (1.4) and turn
the take up on to setting one (1.2). Put on the express foil kit idle bars on the front and rear of the system (1.3).

2.3 2.4
2.1 2.2

2. Put the foil onto the mandrel (2.1), ensure it feeds from the bottom of the roll, place a plain, thick (i.e.300gsm) card into the

back of the machine (2.2) taking care to go the middle of every roller (2.3) until reaching the feed gate (2.4).

3.1 3.2 3.3

3. Thread the foil under the patterned idle bar and drape over the top laminating roller including the express foil kit idle bars (3.1).

Push a plain thick card in-between the chrome roller and feed roller (3.2), while pushing the card through turn the foil clockwise

to release the tension (3.3). Push the card until the back edge is in line with the feed gate (4.1).

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 4.1 4.2 4.3

4. Thread the foil in-between the angle wheels and perforator support bars (4.2), under and around the rear express kit idle
bar (4.3) and attach the take up unit as shown below (4.4). Select the temperature and pressure required, lower the
laminating roller pressure and put the safety guard on. When foiling we do NOT need the pull roller, this must remain in
the up position (4.5).

4.4 4.5

For foiling temperatures and pressures please see the handy hints on page 23 for Pneumatic and Duplex models and page 24 for
metallic.

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Double Sided Laminating

To do double side laminating load the top side first as shown in single side laminating on page 9-12 excluding the use of any of
the anti-curl settings.

1.1 1.2 1.3

1. Ensure the display anti-curl setting is set to zero (1.1), enter the display double sided mode (1.2) (page 7-8 for display
navigation) and turn on the bottom roller temperature (set at minimum of 10 degrees higher than the top roller). Remove
safety guard (1.3).
2.2
2.1 2.3

2. Press the forward foot pedal key and select 0.5mmpm speed (2.1). Press the foot pedal (2.2) until the sheet edge is in the
nip of the laminating rollers (2.3), ensure you can still see the paper as to avoid getting glue on the bottom roller.

3.1 3.2 3.3

3. Remove both silver thumb screws (3.1), pull the handles inwards and towards the roller (3.2). The edge closest to you of
the feed gate plate should come out first (3.3). Remember which way it comes out as it can only go back in the same
way.

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 4.1 4.2 4.3

4. Push the feed card down in between the bottom laminating roller and grey support plate (4.2 & 4.3). Ensure the Matrix
Duplex writing is facing the feed table (see below 5.1 & 5.2).

5.1 5.2 5.3

5.4
5. Push the feed sheet down until it reaches the bottom foam idle bar and thread
around the back (5.3). Pull towards the front of the system and load bottom roll
of film. Ensure this is centralized and matches the top roll of film. The bottom
film is a mirror image of the top. The adhesive should always face you
when pulling of the roll (5.4).

6.3
6.1 6.2

6. Fold the film over on itself and secure it to the feed sheet (6.1).This needs to be
as flat as possible (6.2). Slacken the film to the floor to allowing enough to pull
the feed sheet out of the system (6.3).

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 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4

7. Pull the feed sheet up onto the feed table (7.1) and remove. Cut the film to leave a clean edge (7.2) and stick it to the top
laminating film (7.3). Manually push the feed roller down and insert a thick 300gsm plain card (7.4).

8.1 8.2 8.3

8. While pushing the card press the foot pedal (8.1)l, moving the sheet into the rollers until it reaches the nip (8.2) and put
the feed gate plate and thumb screws back into position (8.3).

9.1 9.2

9.3
9. Manually push the feed roller down and insert another card (9.1).
While pushing the card press the foot pedal, moving the sheet
into the rollers until it reaches the feed gate (9.2).Put on the safety
guard and push in the latch (9.3).

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 10.1 10.2 10.3

10. Turn the bottom perforator anti-clockwise until loose (10.1). Depending on the media and material being used you might
require both angle wheels (10.2) and more pressure on the pneumatic splitting (10.3). If the second angle wheel is needed
ensure the angle wheel on the left is angled more than the one directly next to the perforator. Pneumatic splitting pressure
for single sided is usually between 0.2-0.4psi and double sided between 0.4-0.6psi.

11. Ensure the top and bottom films are correctly aligned.

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Encapsulating

Enter the display encapsulating/foiling mode (page 7-8 for display navigation) and turn on the bottom roller temperature (set at
minimum of 10 degrees higher than the top roller). Load the films as normal. You do not need the perforator or angle wheels.
Increase the pull roller pressure to between 04-0.6psi. Ensure the top and bottom films are correctly aligned.

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Troubleshooting

Anti-curl

If your sheet is curling upwards you need to increase the anti-curl and decrease if curling down. Too change the anti-curl setting
release the pressure on the pull roller, change setting and put the roller back down. Ensure the anti-curl mechanical setting
matches the display setting.

Sheet Separation

Ensure the perforator wheel is set over the laminating film within 5mm from the edge and anti-curl mechanical setting matches the
display setting. Depending on the media and material being used you might require both angle wheels, ensure the angle wheel on
the left is angled more than the one directly next to the perforator. If you have Pneumatic splitting pressure this might need to be
increased, for single sided is usually between 0.2-0.4psi and double sided between 0.4-0.6psi.

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Timing is very important for the splitting process. The splitter/separator roller must come down after the sheet has finished
perforating and come up before the next sheet comes. For speeds of 0.5-2mmpm the display separator/cutting adjustment should
be set to 0. See below for guide.

• 0.5-2mmpm = 0
• 2-4.5mmpm = -20
• 5mmpm and above = -40

Speed & Temperature Control

Most BOPP/OPP films operate between 95oC and 125oC. Ensure the

Matrix is at the set temperature before you start to laminate. If your print

is silvering/cloudy the film has not properly bonded to the media you are:

• either running the system to fast

• not hot enough
• the pneumatic pressure is not set correctly.

If your print appears blistered or the film has shrunk significantly as it passes over the laminating roller your running the system
too hot or not fast enough.

We recommend 105oC at speeds of 2.5mmpm, pressure for the laminating roller set to full and pull

roller set between 0.2 – 0.4.

If the paper creases as it exits the laminating roller then reduce the pressure on the laminating roller until the crease disappears.

Depending on the film you are using your prints might require a curing time after printing/laminating, ensure the sheets have no
heat from the printing/laminating before you start the next process.

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Foiling

If there is any exposed toner in the foiled area you need to either decrease the speed and increase the temperature and/or pressure.

If there is foil in places where there shouldn’t be increase the speed and decrease the temperature and/or pressure.

For Duplex and Pneumatic models:

Foiling onto paper = high pressure and high temperature

Foiling onto laminate = lower pressure and lower temperature

If you get a pattern appear after foiling in the background

you have printed in CMYK.

Ensure when printing for foiling you only print in greyscale.

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Handy Hints for Foiling

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A GUIDE ONLY

• Using a coated paper will be far easier to foil than uncoated.

• If foiling onto laminating stocks, please ensure you have used a corona treated printable film.
• Laminate can change the thickness of the paper, take note of your printer specifications.

Duplex and Pneumatic Models

Media to be Foiled Temperature (°C/°F) Pressure (Bar)

Laminated paper 90-95/194-203 0-0.4
Printable foil on Laminated paper 90-95/194-203 0-0.4
Coated paper 100-105/212-221 0.4-1
Printable foil on coated paper 90-100/194-203 0.3-0.4
Uncoated paper 105-115/221-239 0.6-0.8
Printable foil on uncoated paper 100-105/212-221 0.4-0.6

Metallic Models

Media to be Foiled Temperature (°C/°F) Pressure (Bar)

Laminated paper 130-135/266/275 0.6-1.0
Printable foil on Laminated paper 120-125/248-257 0.8
Coated paper 135/275 0.8
Printable foil on coated paper 120-125/248-257 0.8
Uncoated paper 135-140/275-284 0.8-1.0
Printable foil on uncoated paper 120-130/248-257 0.8-1.0

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Warranty & Incorrect Use

Your Matrix laminator should reach you in perfect condition and is guaranteed for 1 year from the date of
purchase, this covers manufacturing mechanical and electrical defects. It does not cover film jams, misfeeds,
other operator related errors and misuse.

Your warranty will be void if the system has been modified by a third party not approved by the
manufacturer (Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd) to carry out any alterations.

E&O.E

Vivid Laminating Technologies LTD

Matrix House,
Norman Court,
Ashby de la Zouch,
Leicestershire
LE65 2UZ

Email: [email protected]
Telephone Number: 0335 130 4050

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