Binding Machines Buying Guide

Binders are machines that align, punch, and enclose individual sheets of paper using a specific technology to “bind” sheets in to a “document set.” There are a number of binding technologies across many price points that will accommodate virtually any document presentation requirement. Binding typically entails a three or four step process.

There are five major binding styles. These five styles include

• Plastic Comb Binding
• Wire Binding
• Coil Binding
• Velo Binding
• Thermal Binding

To choose the right binding machine, you must clearly identify the type, quality and appearance of the finished product. There are few factors need to be considered before buying a binding machine. These factors are :

1. How many sheets will need to be bound at one time?

   Within each type of binding, there is a range of pages that can be bound into a document. Between binding styles, velo binding machines have the greatest binding capacity at 3″ thick, whereas coil and wire loop binding can only bind documents up to 1″ thick.

2. How many sheets will need to be punched at one time?

   Just like binding capacity, punching capacity will range within each style of binding as well as between binding styles. Comb binding machines can punch in upwards of 30 sheets per punch, while coil binding machines can only punch up to 15 sheets per punch. Punching is not a concern for thermal binding machines.

3. What production capacity is required (binds per hour/day)?

   The production capacity will vary within and between binding styles as well. The binding process will take longer for larger documents, as more sheets have to be punched and aligned.

4. Will editing be required later?

   This is an important consideration for documents that are more prone to needing pages added or removed. Some binding styles, such as comb and velo, enable you to open the document, replace sheets, and reclose the document quite easily, while other binding styles, such as thermal requires more work to edit.

5. What look is desired for finished documents?

   The look of the finished document will be determined by what style is most suitable for your binding needs, as well as the use of the bound documents. Some binding styles such as coil, comb and wire loop allow the documents to lay flat, while velo and thermal binding, typically used for thicker documents. Plastic comb binding is less expensive and easy to use, while double loop wire binding provides a more professional look. These are all things to consider when purchasing a binding machine.

6. What material is the machine made of?

   One of the most important features to consider involves the construction of the machine. Many of the lower end binding machines are made of plastic. These machines are adequate for lower volume applications but may not hold up as well under heavy use. A binding machine made of metal is always a good bet.

7. Is the machine manual or electrical operated?

   When deciding on a binding machine it is also important to make a decision between a manual punch vs. an electric punch. This decision will have a huge impact on the price range of the binding machines that you are looking at. However, most electric machines are better suited for higher volume applications and can save a significant amount of time over their manual binding machine counterparts. It is important to note that some smaller electric machines are available that are designed to make the punching process easier and do not increase production speed.

8. Is there any disengageable die for the machine?

   Another factor that is important to consider when choosing a binding machine is whether it includes disengageable dies. Binding machines with disengageable dies allow their user to disengage any one of the punching dies on the machine. By disengaging a die, it becomes possible to use your machine to bind documents that are smaller than 11″ in length. If you ever plan on binding documents that are shorter or longer than 11 inches, a machine with disegageable dies is essential.

9. Who is the brand of the machine?

   When choosing a binding machine it is also really important to consider the manufacturer. GBC / Ibico is the largest name in the binding machine industry and make excellent binding machines. However, binding machines from Akiles, Tamerica, Renz and Rhin-O-Tuff are also excellent. Although other brands may also warrant consideration, these names are some of the best in the industry and their quality is exceptional.

10. What does the machine warranty include?

    The final factor that is important for consideration when choosing a binding machine is its warranty. Warranties on binding equipment vary widely. However, if there is a problem with your binding machine it is important to have warranty protection. This is especially true for lower end manual binding machines which are most often more expensive to repair than to replace.