Swordfish HyperSpeed A3 Paper/Document Laminator - 1 Minute Warm-Up Time [Ref: 40243]

tried it today first time not one problem, it's quick, quiet, and so easy to use

I went for Swordfish brand because we had a Swordfish shredder in our office that worked brilliantly. I've also read that they're now owned by Snopake stationary company.I chose the Superfast because it was just over half the price of the Hyperspeed and still offered a 1 minute warmup (although only half the speed in use). I also liked the fact it looked a little more compact.It did indeed heat up to the lowest setting at just under a minute. For the hottest setting, it took 1 minute, 19 seconds. It did take a full 45 minutes to come back down to the temperature where it indicated that it was cool enough for cold laminating.I only had 2x75 = 150 Microns laminates to test with. I tested A4 and A3 full sheets of paper, setting the correct option on the top. The result was fine but not fantastic. It took two goes through the machine to make it fantastic. To be fair, I didn't have Swordfish brand laminates. I used a brand that sells well on Amazon and begins with a 'Z'.The problem I had was I always like to use a carrier. Using a carrier is supposed to keep the rolllers in better condition over time by avoiding gradual build-up of plastic / oils. More importantly, carriers are recommended if you want to laminate lots of small thing at the same time. As a teaching assistant I need to laminate little bits and pieces such as individual letters and numbers, cue cards etc.Using a standard cardboard carrier I could only just manage to get the 2x75 Micron laminate to seal adequately by setting the temperature to the the highest 2x150 setting. The Superfast laminaor will not get hot enough to laminate anything more than 2x75 Micron laminates if using a standard cardboard carrier, which I felt was quite limiting.I discovered that Swordfish do sell special ultrathin themal carriers on Amazon and gave one a go, even though it was £13 for a single carrier. These did let a lot more heat through, but their inherent thinness made it difficult to keep everthing together while trying to line everything up.In the end I returned the Superfast model and bought the A2 Armoured version from the same company. It was only £27 more after taking into account the included thermal carrier. It takes 5 minutes to warm up but is about the same speed in use. It feels better value for money because I can now laminate big A2 posters as well. The downside is it's about 30% bigger and 3 times the weight. Best of all though, I can set the temperature to exactly what I want and use cheap and stable cardboard carriers.The SuperFast might be a good choice for someone who only wants to laminate full A4 and A3 sheets in a lightweight machine and desperately needs to start using it in a minute. It's in use speed is only around half of the Hyperspeed though which is close to most other models. The 1 minute warm up was what sold it to me, but I realised I didn't need it and could just make a cup of tea in the time it takes for other models to get to temperature. Personally, I would suggest paying the extra for the Hyperfast, which must get hotter because you can use pouches up to 2x 250 = 500, or going for a more industrial model as I did.

This laminator unexpectedly overheated, emitting a strong burning smell, within just a month and a half of purchasing and using it. Unfortunately, one of our staff members sustained burns while attempting to move it outdoors due to the intense fumes. We attempted to return it, but were a week past the 30-day return window, so Amazon didn't give us the option. We had to directly contact Amazon customer support. Exercise caution if purchasing.

This laminator is excellent. It heats up quickly and is very speedy. The finished result is completely flat. I can't fault it in any way.

Heated up quickly, laminated a4 sheets even quicker! I was really happy with it, but one day it started to just chew up every sheet, which would then get stuck inside it. It was brilliant, but very poor long term reliability. It was lightly used, so it should have lasted longer than this!

This product is exceptionally easy to set up and use and produces highly professional results. I have used it with ease with A4 copy paper.

Every time we use it, it is eating the bits we are putting through laminate.

A lot faster than your average laminator, perfect for a busy office.