If you’re a small print shop getting into embellishment, the LAMpro Bobcat S15M and LAMpro Cheetah S15M can be a little confusing. Both have similar capabilities and can help you produce specialty laminated work and digital foil effects in-house.
The real difference is how much automation you need and how long your runs are.
LAMpro Bobcat S15M
- single- and double-sided lamination (including, but not limited to soft touch and other textured laminates)
- digital foil and holographic spot effects
LAMpro Cheetah S15M
- specialty, textured laminates such as SOFTpro, DECOpro Leather, Grit, and more
- digital foil and holographic spot effects
At Skandacor, we see a lot of shops comparing both machines all the time. In most cases, the decision is fairly simple: the Bobcat is better for shorter runs and lower-cost entry, while the Cheetah is better for shops that want more automation and room to grow.
Quick Comparison
Bobcat S15M | Cheetah S15M | |
Best for | Small shops new to embellishment | Shops wanting more automation |
Feeder style | Hand-feed | Semi-automatic feeder |
Run length | Short runs | Medium runs, with long-run capability using optional proLINE feeder |
Sheet separation | Manual | Automatic flying knife |
Investment level | Entry-level | Higher investment |
Embellishment | Specialty lamination + SLEEKpro | Specialty lamination + SLEEKpro |
Choose the Bobcat S15M if...
The Bobcat S15M is the better fit if you want an affordable, practical way to start offering embellishment.
It makes sense for shops that:
- are new to embellishment
- run shorter jobs
- do not need much automation
- want a compact, easy-to-use machine
- need an entry-level investment
Because it is a hand-feed and hand-trim machine, the Bobcat is more operator-dependent than the Cheetah. Not a problem for many smaller shops, but less efficient for shops with longer or more frequent runs.
Choose the Cheetah S15M if...
The Cheetah S15M is the better fit if you need a bit more automation for medium-length runs.
It makes sense for shops that:
- run medium-length jobs
- want less manual feeding (can be paired with the proLINE Feeder for fully automatic sheet feeding)
- are bringing embellishment in-house
- expect production volume to grow, and want a machine that can scale with them
The Cheetah includes a semi-automatic feeder, automatic flying knife sheet separation, film rewinder, and easy-change film shafts. With the optional proLINE feeder, it can also support longer runs.
Bottom Line
If you want a lower-cost entry point, go with the LAMpro Bobcat S15M.
If you want more automation and a better fit for growing production, go with the LAMpro Cheetah S15M.
Neither machine is “better” for everyone. The right choice depends on your shop’s run lengths, labor situation, and how quickly you want to scale your embellishment offering.
To compare both machines more closely, contact Skandacor or visit our website to request a quote.