40351 A2 Armoured660 Heavy Duty Paper/Document Laminator, Silver

I needed an A3 laminator for an exhibition in a circus tent recently where weather conditions and temperature are unpredictable.I already have the Swordfish Superslim A4 which worked a treat last year for a similar exhibition but this year I wanted to display my images at a larger scale.I bought a budget A3 machine which wasn't up the task and after speaking to Customer Services at Snopake who make Swordfish laminators, they suggested I change it for the professional Armoured 660.This did the job. The machine is heavy duty, solid and well made with temperature settings so I have some control. I managed to laminate all my A3 photographs with the exception the ones which were mainly blue. I found out later that the chemicals in blue ink do not react well to heat. Laminating photographs is not ideal and they will never look like they would in a gallery but for a circus exhibition it is really the only option.I have learned that if you have to laminate for this purpose, get the best you can afford and use the manufacturer's own laminating pockets. I am very pleased with the Armoured660 and although it also handles A4, I still like to use my funky red Superslim for the smaller sizes.I have included images of the results from both machines.

Laminated pictures and other laminations tend to catch on the loose black backbar as they emerge from the rollers often jamming the machine or twisting the lamination. This is a feature which needs rectification - and a product recall or rectification kit. Other users have commented on the same problem. As it is at present this spoils an otherwise good and sturdy machine.