Why Bind?
Things to consider before purchasing a binder
What are the different types of binding?

Why Bind?

Whether you are creating a presentation or organizing your documents, binding can be a valuable resource. There are several different types of binder and we want to help you find the style that meets your needs. Types of binding include Comb, Double Loop Wire, Coil, VeloBind, Tape, Perfect and Thermal binding.

Things to consider before purchasing a binder

What kind of a look do you want for your bound documents?
Before purchasing a binding machine, think about how you would like it to appear. Each method of binding will give your document a different look.

How many books will you be binding per day?
You will want to buy a binder that will work with the volume you need to bind. If you are only binding a few books per day, a low volume (8-12 sheet punching capacity) binder should work for you. If it is several dozen books a day you will want something with a larger punching capacity and if it is hundreds of books a day, you will probably want a binding machine with an electric punch that can punch several sheets of paper at a time.

What will the application of your bound document be?
You will need different kinds of binders for different applications. Do you want something that is less expensive, more professional, re-usable, something that will lay flat, or something that is easy to store? Plastic comb binders is less expensive and easy to use, while a double loop wire binder provides a more professional look. These are all things to consider when purchasing a binding machine.

What are the different types of binding?

Plastic Comb
Double Loop Wire
Coil
Thermal

Plastic Comb
Plastic comb binding is one of the most popular forms of binding. Plastic combs are not only durable, but they can be re-used.

Plastic combs are widely used by schools, businesses and are easy for home use. You have the option to purchase a binder with an electric or manual punch. Manual punches are usually used for small to medium volume jobs and the electric punches are usually used for medium to high volume jobs. It all depends on how much work you want to do.

Plastic comb binders first punch the holes for the paper. After punching the holes, you place a binding comb on the machine. You then pull a handle which opens the combs up for you. While the comb is open, you place the comb through the holes and close the plastic comb.

View our full range of Plastic Comb Binders

Double Loop Wire
"Double loop bound documents lay flat and wrap around for easy reading."

Create a contemporary, professional image right at your desk. Double loop bound documents lay flat and wrap around for easy reading. In addition, pages are bound so securely that they won't fall out and documents maintain their neat appearance for the lifetime of the information.

There are three different types of wire binding. There is what is known as 3:1 pitch, 2:1 pitch and Spiral-O.

3:1 wire means that the binder will punch three holes per inch (32 holes total along the 11" side of a standard sheet of paper). You can only use 3:1 wire with a machine that punches 3:1.

2:1 wire binder will punch two holes per inch (21 total holes).

As with a 3:1 machine, the 2:1 machine can only use 2:1 wire. 2:1 wire can bind a stack of paper as small as 20 sheets up to 230 sheets.

Spiral-O wire is also known as wire comb binding because it uses the same style of punching die as plastic comb. A Spiral-O binding machine punches 19 total holes along the 11 inch side of a standard sheet of paper. A Spiral-O double loop wire machine can only use Spiral-O double loop wire.

Spiral-O wire can bind from 20 sheets up to 200 sheets. Some binders have been made that will bind Spiral-O twin loop wire and plastic comb.

The IbiMaster 400E from Ibico is an example of this. A Double Loop wire binder is easy to use. After punching the paper, you insert the wire and close the wire

View our full range of Wire Binding Machines

Coil
"Pages turn very easily and the book will lay completely flat."

Coil binding is a continuous PVC filament formed into the shape of a spring. You may recognize this type of binding. It is very similar to the spiral notebooks you may use for taking minutes of meeting or have used at school

Properties of this binding are:

• Pages turn very easily and the book will lay completely flat.

• Pages may also be opened back to back, while remaining flat.

• Very durable. Excellent crush resistance.

• Variety of colours available.

• Binding books with this system involves 3 simple steps:
  - Punching the paper and punch.
  - Inserting the spiral.
  - Cutting and crimping the ends of the spiral.

As with plastic binding and double loop wire binding, you can purchase the coil binding machine with a manual or electric punch. You will have to make the decision as to what your workload will be. A manual punch will be fine for a small to medium workload. You will probably want an electric punch if you will be involved in larger volume binding.

Coil binding is available with 4:1 pitch binding and 5:1 pitch binding. 4:1 machines punch 4 holes per inch and the 5:1 machines punch 5 holes per inch. You need to make sure you get the correct coils for your machine.

4:1 coils can bind from 20 sheets up to 230 sheets.  The 5:1 coils can bind from 20 sheets up to 152 sheets.

View our full range of Coil Binding Machines

Thermal
Create thermally-bound presentations, proposals and reports with a clean, sleek look, in seconds! Bound books are easy to use, mail and file easily, and have a library quality appearance.

Thermal binding is a simple concept. A thermal binder uses pre-glued spines, you apply the paper into the pre-glued spine and place it in the pre-heated holding tray on the binder. The thermal binder heats the glue up. After the glue cools off you have a well bound document.

Although the pre-glued spines are a more expensive than other methods of binding, they provide a professional bound document for the low volume user.

View our full range of Thermal Binders