1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the GBC Fusion 1100L Thermal Laminator. This machine is designed to protect and preserve your important documents, photos, and creative projects with ease and efficiency. Ideal for small offices, schools, or home use, it offers both hot and cold lamination capabilities. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the laminator to ensure safe and optimal performance.
Figure 1: Front view of the GBC Fusion 1100L Thermal Laminator.
2. Safety Information
Always follow basic safety precautions when using this electrical appliance to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury.
- Do not operate the laminator if the power cord or plug is damaged.
- Keep the laminator away from water or other liquids.
- Ensure proper ventilation around the machine during operation.
- Do not touch the laminator's exit area immediately after use, as it may be hot.
- Unplug the laminator when not in use or before cleaning.
- Keep out of reach of children.
3. Setup
- Unpacking: Carefully remove the laminator from its packaging. Retain packaging for future storage or transport.
- Placement: Place the laminator on a stable, flat surface with adequate space for documents to feed through and exit. Ensure there is sufficient ventilation around the machine.
- Power Connection: Plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet.
- Initial Warm-up: Turn on the laminator. The machine will begin its warm-up cycle, which typically takes about 4 minutes. The green "Ready" light will illuminate when the laminator has reached the optimal operating temperature.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1. Hot Lamination
- Power On and Warm-up: Turn on the laminator and wait for the green "Ready" light to illuminate (approximately 4 minutes).
- Select Pouch Thickness: Use the slider switch on the control panel to select the appropriate pouch thickness: 3 mil or 5 mil.
- Prepare Document: Place your document inside a laminating pouch, ensuring it is centered and aligned with the sealed edge of the pouch.
- Insert Pouch: Feed the sealed edge of the pouch into the laminator's entry slot. The machine will automatically pull the pouch through.
- Retrieve Laminated Document: Once the pouch exits the machine, allow it to cool on a flat surface before handling.
Figure 2: Inserting a document into the laminator for hot lamination.
4.2. Cold Lamination
The GBC Fusion 1100L also supports cold lamination for heat-sensitive materials.
- Select Cold Setting: Move the slider switch on the control panel to the "Cold" setting.
- Prepare Document: Use pressure-sensitive adhesive pouches (e.g., GBC SelfSeal pouches, sold separately) and place your document inside.
- Insert Pouch: Feed the sealed edge of the cold laminating pouch into the laminator's entry slot. The machine will apply pressure to seal the pouch.
- Retrieve Laminated Document: Remove the laminated document once it has passed through the machine.
4.3. Jam Release Feature
In the event of a misfed or jammed pouch, press and hold the "Release" button located on the control panel. This will disengage the rollers, allowing you to carefully pull the pouch out. Release the button once the pouch is clear.
Figure 3: Key features including the Jam Release button and 9-inch laminating width.
5. Maintenance
- Cleaning Rollers: To maintain optimal performance and prevent adhesive buildup, regularly run a laminator cleaning sheet through the machine. This should be done after every few uses or if you notice any residue on your laminated documents.
- Exterior Cleaning: Wipe the exterior of the laminator with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Storage: When not in use, store the laminator in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Laminator not turning on. | No power, power switch off. | Check power cord connection. Ensure power switch is in the "On" position. |
| Pouch is jammed. | Misfed pouch, incorrect pouch size. | Press and hold the "Release" button to clear the jam. Ensure pouches are fed straight and are within the 9-inch width limit. |
| Laminated document has wrinkles or bubbles. | Pouch not fed straight, incorrect temperature setting, old pouches. | Ensure pouch is fed straight. Verify correct mil setting. Use fresh, high-quality laminating pouches. |
| Laminator not warming up. | Internal malfunction. | Allow sufficient warm-up time (4 minutes). If problem persists, contact customer support. |
7. Specifications
- Brand: GBC
- Model: Fusion 1100L (1703074)
- Laminating Width: 9 inches
- Pouch Thickness Compatibility: 3 mil, 5 mil
- Warm-up Time: Approximately 4 minutes
- Laminating Speed: 13 inches per minute (approx. 10 documents in 10 minutes)
- Cold Lamination: Yes
- Auto Shut-off: Yes
- Item Weight: 3 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 16.38 x 5.28 x 4.17 inches
Figure 4: The GBC Fusion 1100L comes with a 3-year warranty and includes 10 EZUse pouches.
8. Warranty and Support
The GBC Fusion 1100L Thermal Laminator comes with a 3-year limited warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Included Accessories: Your laminator package includes 10 letter size EZUse Laminating Pouches, designed for easy loading and document alignment.
Figure 5: Included GBC EZUse 10 Pack laminating pouches.
For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or warranty inquiries, please refer to the official GBC website or contact their customer service department.
