Binder machines have developed, over the years, from hand skill tools, to large industrial machinery, to small machines available to the individual. What this evolution seems to tell us is that binding tools are required at all levels of scale, and even in the 21st century, we still enjoy control over the presentation of our information, whatever format it takes. It should then be no surprise that binder machines take many forms, and fulfil many individual needs. In this article I have selected the five most common binding machines for individual use, and I will offer an overview of each to help the reader get an idea of what is currently available on the market.
The Main Types of Binding Machine:
1. Wire Binder:
Twin loop wire binding represents a very modern method of binding, and is ideal for anyone who needs open-flat or lay-flat features, and secure binding, as well as a very modern appearance to their book or presentation. A finished twin loop bound document uses flush-cut covers – which means that the covers are the same size as the paper. Dimensions are usually in the region of 11 inches by 8.5 inches. The overall effect is to present a very tidy looking and professional bound presentation. The twin loops encircle the document and crimp together holding it very securely. This technique has been around a long time but up until recently it was expensive and generally had to be done at a finishers, so the presence of these machines in offices in recent times is a testament to the coming of age of binding technology.
2. Plastic Coil Binding:
Colorcoil coil binding is similar in some ways, to wire binding, although it uses plastic coils rather than wire – it also produces an open flat or lay flat finish to its bound documents, and allows good security of binding: the bright colored plastic coils can render a very bright and trendy appearance. The plastic coils, of this form of binding, wind continuously around the punched edge of the document to create an impression of stylishness to the final thing. Also similar to wire binding, a color coil bound document has flush cut covers giving a tidy and professional looking finish to the bound document.
Both wire and coil binding are frequently recommended by advertising agencies and graphic designers when a customer is looking for a stylish and professional binding style, as well as a method that allows the document to open flat, lay flat and wrap around. One added benefit of both is that they hold together well when documents are sent through the mail.
3. Plastic Comb Binding
The General Binding Corporation, or GBC, were the original innovators responsible for desktop binding systems back in 1947, when they introduced plastic comb binding, which they originally trademarked under the names of Cerlox and Sure-Lox. Plastic comb binding is an extremely versatile and simple method for binding documents, allowing the finishing document to open flat, lay flat and wrap around. Plastic comb binding is also able to allow bound documents to be re-edited at any time, making it extremely flexible in contrast to wire binding or coil binding, which do not. Plastic comb binding also differs in that it usually has oversized covers attached, which prevent dog-earing of the pages.
Additionally, comb binder spines allow a further customization in that they can be printed on the backbone of the spine. The final effect is similar to that of a traditional book, so when the bound document is on a shelf it can be easily picked out from others. This feature of comb binding means that advertisers and marketers are able to take advantage of the promotional possibilities making it a unique form of binding among all the methods here outlined.
4. Strip Binder:
GBC’s Strip Binding systems, marketed under the names SureBind and Velobind, produces documents that appear highly finished and of great standard. The tamper resistant hot knife process seals and rivets the binding comb and receiving strip together, increasing the security of confidential documents so no unauthorized additions or deletions can be made. Strip Binding is also bound with flush-cut covers for a professional-looking document.
Another great feature of strip binding, in addition to its appearance and security benefits, is that it only uses three different sized elements for it to cover any sized document in the range of 2 sheets to 750 sheets of no. 20 bond paper. This feature means that the inventory requirements for this kind of binding are relatively small. By way of example, a stack of 750 sheets of no. 20 bond paper would be about 3 inches deep!
5. Thermal Binding:
The Thermal Binding system creates highly professional looking, and impressive, perfect-bound documents, with no visible mechanical fastenings. Thermal binding will bind a stack of papers in the range of 2 sheets to approximately 520 sheets of no. 20 bond paper in a matter of a few seconds.
The wrap-around Therm-A-Bind cover incorporates a pre-applied, heat-activated adhesive which insures a secure, and tamper-resistant bind every time. Because the cover totally wraps around the document, the backbone is ideal for customization, where identification can be printed, so the document is easily recognizable when on a shelf or desk.
For more information about Binder Machines, then visit www.BinderMachine.info to find the most up to date features and reviews on Comb & Wire Binder Machines for your home or office.