Reviewing the Phoenix 44” Wide-Format Laminator

Do you want a laminator that's as versatile
as they come? How about one that's compatible with both mounting boards
and film? And one that can process large items? If so, you need to look
at the Phoenix 44” Wide-Format Laminator. Here are its strengths, as
well as a brief look at what could be improved.

Strengths:

• The Phoenix is a wide-format laminator that was
  designed to be used with items such as pre-coated mounting boards. (It's
  also compatible with pouch and gator boards, foamboard, etc.) The
  boards you use with it can be up to 1/4” thick so you'll be able to
  create professional-looking graphics and visual aids for a wide variety
  of uses.
• In addition to mounting products, this machine is
  compatible with laminating film. You need a special kit to prepare the
  device for film, but it comes pre-installed on the machine. The rolls
  you use can have 3” cores. Ideally, the film should be either 3 or 5 mil
  thick.
• This device has four rollers to ensure that
  everything you laminate will look terrific, whether it's a paper
  document or a mounting board.
• The Phoenix works pretty
  quickly and is capable of laminating a foot-long item in one minute.
  You'll be able to complete your work in no time when you use this
  device. Also, you'll stay safe while doing so because it has a safety
  shield to keep your hands away from the heating element.
• You
  can use pressure-sensitive film when laminating because the Phoenix has a
  cold setting. This will allow you to laminate ink-jet printouts,
  pictures, and more.
• This machine comes with a one-year
  warranty so you can have it repaired or even replaced if the need
  arises.
• You can order an optional cart, stand, or cutter with
  this device. The cutter will help you trim excess film while the stand
  and cart will enable you to store the machine in a convenient spot.
• If you need some supplies to get you started, you'll be pleased
  to know that the Phoenix comes with a starter kit. The kit contains a
  number of boards you can use right away and yo u don't have to shell out
  any extra money for them.

Weaknesses:

• As you would expect from a device that has a
  43-inch laminating width, this device is pretty large. It's also heavy.
  The Phoenix's dimensions are 58” (width) x 12” (depth) x 15” (height)
  and it weighs 225 pounds.
• This machine only has two
  temperature settings: hot and cold. It also only has two speed settings:
  slow and fast. (The “slow” button has a turtle on it while the “fast”
  one shows a rabbit, so they're easy to identify.) Therefore, this
  product wouldn't be a good choice if you like to have total control over
  your laminating experience.

The Phoenix is one of the
most unique laminators you can currently buy. Very few of the devices on
the market today are a versatile as this one, allowing you to use
mounting boards, film, and other supplies. It's great that it has both
hot and cold settings and that it comes with some supplies so you can
begin laminating right away. So if you want a laminator that just about
has it all, you'll want to give the Phoenix a try.