Homebrew PCBs

Has anyone used the Apache AL13P Professional 13" wide laminator?  It's got 4 rollers, a digital temp readout up to 393ºF, and $80 shipped from below:

http://tinyurl.com/3pa3mfs

There is also an Amazon site selling for same price shipped.

Comments anyone?

73 de Ken H>

Most toner only needs 170°C, this one can go to 200°C, don't see why it wouldn't work...

The 4-roller thing has me worried a bit though, depending on how far apart they are it might be possible for a rather small board to get stuck inside...

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "sailingto" <sailingtoo@...> wrote:

>
> Has anyone used the Apache AL13P Professional 13" wide laminator?  It's got 4 rollers, a digital temp readout up to 393ºF, and $80 shipped from below:
> 
> http://tinyurl.com/3pa3mfs
> 
> There is also an Amazon site selling for same price shipped.
> 
> Comments anyone?
> 
> 73 de Ken H>
>

I had not considered about the issue with small boards - I would expect the rollers to be at least an inch or so apart?  That would allow a board of at least 2"X3" to work....  maybe?  BUT I have done a couple of boards less than 2" square...  Hmmm, might be a problem.

I would like to hear from someone who has used one.

Thanks for the caution.

73 de Ken H>

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "tda7000" <Tda7000@...> wrote:

>
> Most toner only needs 170°C, this one can go to 200°C, don't see why it wouldn't work...
> 
> The 4-roller thing has me worried a bit though, depending on how far apart they are it might be possible for a rather small board to get stuck inside...
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "sailingto" <sailingtoo@> wrote:
> >
> > Has anyone used the Apache AL13P Professional 13" wide laminator?  It's got 4 rollers, a digital temp readout up to 393ºF, and $80 shipped from below:
> > 
> > http://tinyurl.com/3pa3mfs
> > 
> > There is also an Amazon site selling for same price shipped.
> > 
> > Comments anyone?
> > 
> > 73 de Ken H>
> >
>

I have an AL18P, the wider version of the AL13P.
the rollers are about 2 1/4” apart, no problems with small boards tho.
the temperature control is crap, tho does work, I replaced with my own K thermocouple control.
the high temps conducted all the way to the control and melted the connectors on the control board.
the frame is all metal, a plus since other laminators I have tried melt the plastic frame and case at 200 *C.
the pressure on rollers can be adjusted, a plus in not widening traces, 1/16 board not a problem.
I also replaced the AC motor with a DC motor with a high gear ratio, existing speeds are way to high.
the wires to the heating elements are not good for 200 *C, the insulation crisped and broke off.
also the connections in the elements fell apart, had to take the elements apart and crimp on new connections to the nichrome elements.

after all these mods, it is still the best laminator I have tried??

RD


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi guys,

RDHeiliger, unfortunately too many hacks needs to be done with that laminator. Is it worth? Speaking of which, I bought this used GBC HeatSeal H600 laminator over ebay. I was lucky, this seller was giving it away for only $150 USD. Almost new, like it was never used. The only problem that I needed to find a proper step down transformer cuz the laminator works with mains 120VAC. As far as I can see, no problems with the machine. Also I'm planning to make some modifications and add a foot pedal switch. I haven't tried laminating boards with negative dry-film photoresist yet. Does someone have any experience with such laminator? Would it be good for dry-film photoresist and dry-film soldermask? Sorry for derailing the topic a bit. Thanks in advance.

Cheers.

http://cgi.ebay.com/GBC-HeatSeal-H600pro-Pouch-Laminator-1700300-/350406297870?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5195d7c90e

I guess that does sound like a bit of work to get it useful, but it's probably not hard work and in the end might be worth it.

I personally use a modified GBC Creative laminator as documented on ultrakeet.com.au

Modifications really only require the addition of a resistor and the changing of a capacitor.

Works great at 170 Degrees, no need for any other mods so far. I have so far only used 1.6mm board but apparently 0.8mm works too.

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Mario Mikulandra" <mmaudioelectronics@...> wrote:

>
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Hi guys,
> 
> RDHeiliger, unfortunately too many hacks needs to be done with that laminator. Is it worth? Speaking of which, I bought this used GBC HeatSeal H600 laminator over ebay. I was lucky, this seller was giving it away for only $150 USD. Almost new, like it was never used. The only problem that I needed to find a proper step down transformer cuz the laminator works with mains 120VAC. As far as I can see, no problems with the machine. Also I'm planning to make some modifications and add a foot pedal switch. I haven't tried laminating boards with negative dry-film photoresist yet. Does someone have any experience with such laminator? Would it be good for dry-film photoresist and dry-film soldermask? Sorry for derailing the topic a bit. Thanks in advance.
> 
> Cheers.
> 
> http://cgi.ebay.com/GBC-HeatSeal-H600pro-Pouch-Laminator-1700300-/350406297870?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5195d7c90e
>

Thanks for all the info on the AL13P - I got in a hurry and ordered the laminator today.  I've been using a GBC cheap version.  I built a temperature controller with digital temperature readout.   Problem my temperature sensor only goes to 150ºC which is a bit low.

I used a AVR uC for the controller and it works good, but the laminator is a little light duty - hence looking for a bit better.

It does sound like I can make the mods required.

Thanks to all for the info.

73 de Ken H>

I looked at your page - good mods.  I agree with the mention of that much heat will melt and warp a bit. I use some .062" boards and the GBC has a hard time handling those. I have beveled the edges and got small boards to feed thru.

73 de Ken H>

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "tda7000" <Tda7000@...> wrote:

>
> I guess that does sound like a bit of work to get it useful, but it's probably not hard work and in the end might be worth it.
> 
> I personally use a modified GBC Creative laminator as documented on ultrakeet.com.au
> 
> Modifications really only require the addition of a resistor and the changing of a capacitor.
> 
> Works great at 170 Degrees, no need for any other mods so far. I have so far only used 1.6mm board but apparently 0.8mm works too.

There may be a bit of misunderstanding I think - that isn't my page at all!

I simply bought the same laminator and did the same modification.

Yes the plastic on top does warp a little but not much and it's certainly nothing to be worried about.

He also says you have to use 0.8mm/0.032" board, but the 1.6mm/0.064" stuff I've got works just fine for me. Maybe I got lucky?



--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "sailingto" <sailingtoo@...> wrote:

>
> I looked at your page - good mods.  I agree with the mention of that much heat will melt and warp a bit. I use some .062" boards and the GBC has a hard time handling those. I have beveled the edges and got small boards to feed thru.
> 
> 73 de Ken H>
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@...m, "tda7000" <Tda7000@> wrote:
> >
> > I guess that does sound like a bit of work to get it useful, but it's probably not hard work and in the end might be worth it.
> > 
> > I personally use a modified GBC Creative laminator as documented on ultrakeet.com.au
> > 
> > Modifications really only require the addition of a resistor and the changing of a capacitor.
> > 
> > Works great at 170 Degrees, no need for any other mods so far. I have so far only used 1.6mm board but apparently 0.8mm works too.
>

Its working just fine for me here .. 

Randy

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "tda7000" <Tda7000@...> wrote:

>
> Most toner only needs 170°C, this one can go to 200°C, don't see why it wouldn't work...
> 
> The 4-roller thing has me worried a bit though, depending on how far apart they are it might be possible for a rather small board to get stuck inside...
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "sailingto" <sailingtoo@> wrote:
> >
> > Has anyone used the Apache AL13P Professional 13" wide laminator?  It's got 4 rollers, a digital temp readout up to 393ºF, and $80 shipped from below:
> > 
> > http://tinyurl.com/3pa3mfs
> > 
> > There is also an Amazon site selling for same price shipped.
> > 
> > Comments anyone?
> > 
> > 73 de Ken H>
> >
>

I seee the temp rating at 390 .. yet mine only goes to 379
yet it seems to be working ok .. but dont have a lot of hours on it .. 
perhaps it will eventually meltdown if I dont mod it.

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "sailingto" <sailingtoo@...> wrote:

>
> Has anyone used the Apache AL13P Professional 13" wide laminator?  It's got 4 rollers, a digital temp readout up to 393ºF, and $80 shipped from below:
> 
> http://tinyurl.com/3pa3mfs
> 
> There is also an Amazon site selling for same price shipped.
> 
> Comments anyone?
> 
> 73 de Ken H>
>