Product Description
This sharp little laminator offers numerous creative possibilities with minimal need for adjustment. This makes the ML-125 ideal for home and hobby applications. And it’s as easy as one switch on the top to turn it on and turn it off. Seen here in action, you can see just how simple it is to laminate many different projects with this machine. Its simplicity is its greatest selling point. Of primary concern is the laminating speed. The Mars 125 laminates at 11 inches per minute, so a standard sized document takes just over 60 seconds to complete. And for occasional and hobby use, that’s a great speed. If you’re thinking office or many projects on a daily basis, this machine would prove to be too slow. However, it does have a 12.5 inch throat opening, which makes for great versatility. Laminating pouches of this size, much larger than a standard size sheet of paper, can be used for large projects such as posters, or projects side by side, such as you see here. The maximum pouch thickness on the Mars 125 is 3mil. Again, the simplicity is nice; however just 3mil as an option can be limiting. Likewise, this machine also does not do cold laminating. So using photos is possible, but a little trickier. The warm-up time of eight minutes is also a bit long if you’re in a hurry. And finally, even though it’s only a 2-roller design, this machine seems to consistently do a good job. Overall, we like the Mars 125.
Product Details
- Versatile personal laminator for home use and hobbies.
- 12-1/2" entry width accommodates multiple document sizes.
- Heats up in 8 minutes, laminates in 1 minute.
- Single 3-mil pouch temperature setting for ease of use.
- 5-mil pouch compatible for index card size or smaller.
- Low friction design virtually eliminates jamming.
- Compact for easy storage plus built-in carrying handle.
Specifications
- Item Number: 5215501
- Item H x W x D (inches): 3.56 x 20.06 x 6.88
- Qty Per Pack: 1
- Maximum Laminating Speed (inches/minute): 11
- Mounting Board Capable: No
- Photo Capable: Yes
- Carrier Required: No
- Cold Lamination: No
- Temperature Settings: 1
- Usage: Occasional
- Number of Rollers: 2
- Heat-up Time (minutes): 8
- Maximum Pouch Thickness (mil): Up to 3 mil
- Throat Width (inches): 12.5
- Easy-Access System: None
- Auto-Lam Technology: No
- Warranty: 2 Yr
- Model Number: MARS A3/125
- Color: White
- Material Type: Plastic/Metal
- InstaHeat: No
- Auto Shutoff: No
- Hot Swap Technology: None
Staff Review
Fellowes Mars ML125 Pouch Laminator Review
One of the most basic laminators manufactured by Fellowes is the Mars ML125 Pouch Laminator. This is a device that offers both easy operation and good results for a low cost. These things make the ML125 an excellent choice for individuals and professionals that need an affordable pouch laminator for occasional projects. However, it does have some shortcomings you must know about. Continue reading to learn all about this device’s strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths:
- The ML125 has a feed opening that is 12.5 inches wide. Having such a large opening ensures that you can laminate both larger documents (such as menus) in addition to standard letter-sized paper.
- This device can laminate a sheet of 8.5″ x 11″ paper in less than one minute, which is great. However, it does have a rather lengthy warm-up time. (See the “Weaknesses” section.)
- You can laminate photographs with this machine.
- This machine is pretty compact. It’s about 20 inches wide by 7 inches deep. Due to its small dimensions, it won’t take up a lot of room in your work area. Its small size also makes it possible to transport the unit easily, thanks to the addition of a built-in carrying handle.
- No carrier is required when laminating with the ML125. However, you may still want to use one to prevent your machine from being damaged by adhesive that can seep out of your laminating pouches onto the rollers of the machine.
- You can use 3 mil pouches with this device and there is only one temperature setting which really helps simplify the whole process. (Indeed, the machine is very easy to use.) However, this could be limiting, as well. (See below for more on this.)
- Jams are a rare occurrence with this machine because it has a low-friction design that ensures a smooth laminating experience.
- This product is affordable for both home and business users. The suggested retail price for the ML125 is $99.95.
Weaknesses:
- The ML125 takes up to 8 minutes to heat up, so this isn’t the machine you’ll want to use if you’re in a hurry.
- As mentioned before, this device only has one temperature setting that makes it possible for using 3 mil pouches. The lack of other settings means you’re very limited in the pouches you can use. Also, you won’t be able to laminate thermally sensitive items with the ML125 because it obviously lacks a cold lamination setting. There are no adjustable speed settings either.
- Since this is a very basic laminator, it will not accept mounting boards.
Overall, the Fellowes Mars ML125 is a very basic laminator that is great if you need something for the occasional lamination of personal and professional documents. It’s nice that the machine has such a large feed opening and that using it is very simple. However, there are a few limitations to this device, such as the lack of multiple temperature settings. So while this product would be good for people who want/need a basic laminator for a low price, people who desire more advanced features should choose a different laminator, such as the Fellowes Cosmic CL-125.