Machines purchased from December will include the remote diagnostic features, allowing customers to seek instant advice if they are experiencing a problem.

The operator can move the camera around as required while the supplied Skype telephone, which gives free unlimited telephone calls over the internet, gives them a direct link to an Autobond engineer.

Autobond managing director John Gilmore said that while its laminators had previously incorporated remote diagnostics facilities, the company is now "taking the concept of remote diagnostics to a completely new level".

The system will have a built-in microphone, which allows the engineer to listen to the sounds that the laminator makes, which Gilmore believes is "extremely valuable in diagnosing problems".

He added: "Furthermore, the engineer will also be able to determine within moments if a machine part has become worn or damaged, in which case the correct component can be couriered directly to the customer's premises or brought when the engineer makes his visit."

The new features come at no extra cost and are available with Autobond laminators immediately.