Is it normal for a laminator to make loud noise?

Is it normal for a laminator to make loud noise?

My Laminator Used to Be Quiet, But Now It’s Making a Loud "Buzz"—Even a Screeching "Squeak"!

Many people wonder, "Is my laminator broken, or is this normal noise?" In fact, the noise of a laminator carries "health signals"—not all noise is normal. Today, we’ll help you quickly tell the difference to prevent minor issues from turning into major breakdowns!

Actually, it’s normal for a laminator to make slight, even operating sounds (such as the hum of the motor or the friction of the rollers). However, excessively loud noise (like harsh squeaks, rubbing sounds, or vibration noise) is abnormal and requires troubleshooting.

I. Characteristics of Normal Noise

Source: Mainly the even friction sound of the rotating rollers and the soft hum of the motor running at low power.

Volume: The noise is soft, steady, and non-abrasive, without interfering with normal conversations (typically below 50 decibels—similar to the volume of two people chatting in a quiet room, or the gentle hum of a laptop when idle, rather than the louder whir of a desktop fan).

Scenario: It mostly occurs when the laminator finishes heating and starts laminating, with no obvious volume changes during the process.

II. Common Causes of Abnormal Noise and Solutions

If the noise suddenly becomes louder or abnormal sounds occur, it may be caused by the following issues. You can troubleshoot step by step:

Quick Troubleshooting for Laminator Noise & Fixes

A concise guide to 4 fast steps for identifying and resolving laminator noise:

1. Check Stable Placement (1-Minute Fix)

How to check: Use your phone’s "level" mode on the laminator (tilt = uneven); check if 4 bottom anti-slip pads are intact.

Fix: Move to a flat surface (avoid folding tables/carpets); use 3mm silicone gaskets (or folded paper towels temporarily) for missing pads.

2. Power Off & Check Rollers (80% of Noise Causes)

How to check: Cool 5 mins, open the roller cover; use a flashlight to spot scraps, hair, or yellow adhesive (especially roller gaps).

Fix: Remove debris with tweezers; wipe rollers with 70%-95% isopropyl alcohol (use white vinegar for stubborn glue on rubber rollers only); dry fully.

3. Rotate Rollers to Test Resistance

How to check: Power off, rotate rollers clockwise 1-2 times. Smooth = normal; stuck/jammed + "sizzling" = bearing/motor issues.

Fix: Minor resistance (≤1 year old): Add 1-2 drops of No. 3 lithium grease to bearing holes. Severe resistance (≥2 years old): Contact售后 for bearing replacement.

4. Inspect Drive Belt (For DIY Users)

How to check: Power off, remove side cover (2-4 screws); check belt: off-track, loose (stretches >1cm), or cracked?

Fix: Misaligned: Realign with pulleys. Loose: Tighten "TENSION" screw (1-2 turns). Worn: Replace with same-model belt (match length).

III.  Common Mistakes That Worsen Laminator Noise

Mistake 1: Rushing to laminate items thicker than the machine’s maximum capacity (e.g., 3mm-thick cardboard). This warps the rollers and amplifies noise.

Mistake 2: Using the machine before rollers are fully dry after cleaning (alcohol or water residue remains). Uneven heating of rollers during operation causes abnormal sounds.

Mistake 3: Storing the laminator upright when not in use for a long time. This misaligns the drive belt, leading to a sudden noise increase when the machine is used again.

IIII. Summary

There’s no need to worry about short, even, and slight noise. However, if the noise suddenly increases or is accompanied by abnormal sounds or vibrations, it indicates a problem with the machine. First, check the cleanliness of the rollers and the stability of the machine’s placement. If the issue is not resolved, contact the brand’s customer service promptly to avoid more serious damage caused by increased component wear.