Binding Depot

The Akiles FlexiCloser: Automate Your Wire Binding Process

Wire binding has become the preferred binding method for individuals and organizations who deal with sensitive documents - both because it is tamper-resistant and because it is incredibly durable. While there are a number of quality electric punches designed for wire binding, wire closing has traditionally been an entirely manual process.  In this post, we take a closer look at the new Akiles FlexiCloser automatic wire closer and learn more about its unique features.

The Basics

Binding wires (also called "twin-loop wires" or "duo-wires") are made of metal and are sold in 2:1 and 3:1 pitches.  Generally, the 3:1 pitch binding wires are only available in sizes smaller than 1/2" and 2:1 pitch wires are offered in sizes between 9/16" and 1-1/4", though some of the smaller sizes are offered in 2:1 pitch as specialty items.  Regardless of the pitch pattern used, a wire closer is required in order to close the open wire spine and secure the documents in place.

Nearly all of the wire closers available in the marketplace today are manual, which means that they require the user to make adjusts based on the size of the wire that is being closed and pull a handle to engage the closing channel.  Though this method works well for closing wires, it can be fairly time consuming (especially for high-volume production environments).  The Akiles FlexiCloser not only closes wires electrically with the simple push of a button, but also automatically senses the size of the wire being used and adjusts to ensure a perfect close every time.

 

Benefits of the FlexiCloser

Since the Akiles FlexiCloser is electric, it helps to reduce operator fatigue and increases production output.  Furthermore, the automatic sensing feature helps to reduce the number of improperly-closed wires, which helps to reduce unnecessary waste.  In addition to the precision offered by the automatic sensing feature, the Akiles Flexicloser can also be fine-tuned using the "Micro-Adjust" capabilities for a professional finish. 

The FlexiCloser offers a wide array of other convenient features, such as a magnetic back to hold the wire spine in place, an easy-to-read LCD control panel, a built-in safety sensor for worry-free closing, and an optional mount that allows the closer to be affixed to the top of the FlexiPunch binding machine.  This unit is specifically designed for heavy-duty, high-volume usage, and has a full one-year warranty.

 

In Review

When it comes to durability and security in bound documents, wire binding is one of the best options.  The process of manually closing the wires, however, has made many high-output organizations look to less time-consuming binding methods.  The Akiles FlexiCloser electrically senses and closes wires with ease, increasing production output and accuracy.  If you have always wanted to bring wire binding capabilities into your office but have been dissuaded by the manual closing process, or if you already perform wire binding and have been seeking a way to improve your productivity, then be sure to take a closer look at the Akiles FlexiCloser.

A Step-by-Step Overview of Binding with the Akiles WireMac Duo

While wire binding is a great way to bind important documents, most wire binding machines only offer one of the two wire binding punch patterns, which limits users to creating documents within a specific size range. The Akiles WireMac Duo eliminates that problem by offering users the capability of punching both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch hole patterns. Below are step-by-step instructions for binding a document with the WireMac Duo wire binding machine:

1. Begin by inserting your document into the Paper Scale located on the front of the machine. The Paper Scale will indicate the proper punch pitch (either 2:1 or 3:1), the correct depth margin, the optimum wire binding spine size, and the wire closure setting based on the size of your document.
2. Adjust the Depth Control so that the indicator is within the colored band that matches the margin specificed by the Paper Scale.
3. Set the Wire Closer Control to the wire closure size as indicated by the Paper Scale.
4. Set aside a wire of the correct diameter for your document size. Note: Some manufacturers offer select wire diameters in both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch. Take note of the pitch pattern of the wire that you are using before you punch, as the pitch of the spine needs to match the pitch of the punch in order for the document to be bound.
5. Adjust the Side Margin Control to match the size of your document. Note: The WireMac Duo has separate side margin settings for 11" sheets (letter size) and their 11-1/4" round corner covers.
6. Pull out disengagement pins as necessary to eliminate partially-punched holes or accommodate specialty paper (such as three-hole punched sheets). The pins located toward the rear of the machine correspond to the 2:1 pitch punch pattern, and the pins at the front of the machine correspond to the 3:1 pitch punch pattern.
7. Insert up to 20 sheets of 20 lb. paper into the punching throat of the pitch that corresponds to your document size. Note: While the machine can punch up to 20 sheets per lift, limiting your sets to 12-15 sheets will reduce operator fatigue.
8. Pull the handle forward to punch your document. The rear-most handle operates the 2:1 pitch punching dies, while the handle located toward the front of the machine operates the 3:1 pitch punching dies.
9. Continue punching your document in sets of 20 pages or less until all sheets have been punched. Note: It is recommended that you punch the inner sheets and covers separately.
10. The WireMac Duo is capable of punching documents longer than 14" through a multi-step punching process. To punch over-sized sheets, begin by aligning the pages as indicated on the Punch Throat Ruler. Pull the handle forward to punch the left side of the sheets. Remove the document from the punching throat, flip the sheets over, and re-insert them into the punching throat so that the unpunched side is below the punching dies. Insert the Continuous Punch Guide located on the right edge of the punching throat into one of the holes that was punched in the first step to ensure proper hole alignment. Pull the handle to punch the remaining portion of the document.
11. Insert a wire of the appropriate size into the Wire Snatch so that the smaller prongs on the spine are at the top facing inward.
12. Place your document onto the wire binding spine, beginning with the last inner pages. Once all of the inner pages have been inserted onto the wire, insert the front cover immediately followed by the back cover (so that the inside of the back cover faces up).
13. Lift the document and the wire straight up and off of the Wire Snatch.
14. Place the document into the wire closer so that the open side of the spine is flush against the bottom of the closer.
15. Pull the closer handle forward the close the spine. Note: The wire closer handle is located on the left side of the machine (opposite to the binding handles).
16. Remove the document from the closer and inspect the spine to ensure that it has been properly closed. Adjust the Closer Control slightly if the spine is under- or over-closed. Note: If the wire is not closed enough, simply insert it into the wire closer and repeat the closing process.
17. Once the binding wire has been closed adequately, turn the back cover of the document to the rear of the book to hide the seam in the spine of your completed book.

The Tamerica 213PB: A Compact, Affordable, Multi-Function Binding Machine

Multi-function binding machines are a cost-effective way to add a variety of binding styles to your office. One of the most affordable and versatile multi-function binding machines on the market today is the Tamerica 213PB, which offers comb and wire binding capabilities as well as three-hole punching. In this post, we take a closer look at the 213PB binding machine and learn about the unique features that it offers.

The Basics

The 213PB comb binding machine is a manual punch and bind machine. It has a 12" maximum punching length and 21 disengageable pins, which enable it to punch standard letter-sized sheets as well as specialty paper sizes. Since all of the punching dies are disengageable, you can even use this machine with three hole-punched paper or other pre-punched paper styles. The Tamerica 213PB utilizes self-sharpening hollow ground dies, which give it a robust 20-page punching capacity (based on 20 lb. paper). The built-in comb opener is capable of binding with combs as small as 3/16" (approximately 12 pages) and as large as 2" (approximately 425 pages).

In addition to comb binding, the 213PB can also perform wire binding using spiral-o wire (specifically designed to fit the 19-hole pattern of comb binding), thanks to the built-in wire closer. The maximum binding size when using spiral-o wires is 1/2" (approximately 80-100 pages). In addition to offering wire binding capabilities, the 213PB also functions as a three-hole punch.

The feature-packed 213PB has a four-position depth margin adjustment, side margin control, and a convenient waste compartment. It is made with all-metal construction, so it is designed to stand up to regular use, and is backed by a two-year warranty. Considering that it is a fully manual binding machine, it has a fairly substantial punching output of up to 5,000 sheets per hour and binding output of up to 250 books per hour.

 

Benefits of the 213PB

For organizations that want to be able to perform both economical comb binding and secure wire binding, the 213PB is one of the most affordable dual-function binding machine on the market. Because comb-bound books are easy to edit, comb binding is an excellent choice for frequently updated documents such as price books or training materials. With the 213PB, you can use cost-effective plastic binding combs to bind your large-volume binding projects and reserve the more costly spiral-o binding spines for books that require extra durability. Furthermore, the 213PB is the only machine in its class that acts as a three-hole punch in additional to performing both comb and spiral-o wire binding.

Unlike comparable binding machines that have a fixed punching width of 11" with no disengageable pins, the 213PB has a 12" punching width with an open throat to accommodate longer documents in a multi-step punching process and has 21 disengageable pins. Though most users will only be binding standard letter-sized sheets, the added versatility of being able to bind with oversized or specialty paper sets the 213PB apart from the competition.

 

In Review

Being able to bind documents on-site saves time and money, which is why organizations of all sizes are investing in desktop binding machines. Investing in a multi-function binding machine is an excellent way to make the most of your budget, since it gives you the greatest versatility. The Tamerica 213PB is a well-designed desktop binding machine that enables users to bind with both plastic binding combs and spiral-o wires, in addition to being a three-hole punch. While it is a fully manual machine that isn't designed for high-volume production environments, it is an affordable, all-metal binding machine that can stand up to frequent use and includes a two-year warranty. If you're looking for a compact binding machine that is big on versatility, be sure to consider the Tamerica 213PB.

The Atlas-150 Metal Bind System: A Unique Binding Alternative

In addition to traditional binding methods like comb, coil, and wire binding, many organizations are turning to unique, new binding systems that offer innovative and useful features, such as secure and professional simple channel binding. In this post, we take a closer look at the Atlas-150 Metal Bind system and learn more about what sets simple channel binding apart from other traditional binding styles.

The Basics

Simple channel binding uses rigid, U-shaped, metal spines to bind documents. Unlike comb, coil, and wire binding, which all require that holes be punched into the document that is being bound, simple channel binding relies on the pressure created by the crimped metal spine to hold the pages in place. Metal Bind spines are available in seven sizes and two colors, and can accommodate documents up to 150 pages thick (based on regular 20 lb. paper). They are offered in an 11" length, which is suitable for binding letter-sized documents.

The simple channel binding process is fast and surprisingly simple. The simple channel spine of the correct size is first inserted into the machine, with the open portion of the channel facing up. Use the adjusting lever to properly align the spine within the binding throat, then insert your document (including covers) into the spine. Align the document so that the edges are flush with the edges of the spine. Hold the document in place, and pull the handle toward you to crimp the spine and secure the pages within it. Release the handle then remove the finished document from the machine. Because documents bound with the Atlas-150 can only be debound using a specialized tool, they are tamper-resistant and extremely durable. They can also stand upright (even when used with soft binding covers), making them easy to file and store.

 

Benefits of the Atlas-150

The Atlas-150 simple channel binding machine offers a number of benefits that can be appreciated by organizations of all sizes. It is a fully manual binding machine, so it requires no electricity to operate. This machine is also fairly compact, with a desktop footprint that is smaller than 11" x 17". It can easily be transported between offices or assigned to a small workspace within practically any office environment. Furthermore, organizations do not need to stock a large selection of supplies in order to accommodate all document sizes, since there are only seven spine widths.

Having documents that are truly secure and tamper-resistant is a concern for many businesses, especially those in the legal and financial industries. Since the spine is permanently crimped during the metal bind binding process, it is impossible to remove or replace pages without using the specialized debinding tool (followed by re-binding the document using a new spine). In addition, the simple channel spines are sleek and bound documents are easy to stack or store, unlike books made with other traditional binding styles.

Another advantage of the Atlas-150 Metal Bind system is that it is faster than most other traditional binding systems. Simple channel binding does not require that any holes be punched into the document, which means that the additional step of punching is eliminated. Punching is often the most time consuming portion of the traditional binding process, since large documents have to be punched in smaller sets based on the punching capacity of each individual binding machine. With punching eliminated, documents can be bound much more quickly and large runs can be completed in considerably less time.

 

In Review

The Atlas-150 Metal Bind machine is a versatile and unique binding system that is compact, affordable, and powerful. While simple channel binding spines are available in fewer colors and cost a bit more than their wire, comb, and coil binding counterparts, they offer unmatched security and ease of storage. Also, since the binding process doesn't require any punching, your production speed can be faster than with traditional punch-and-bind systems. If your organization is looking for an innovative alternative to standard binding styles, then be sure to take a look at the Atlas-150.

The Tamerica ECO-21 Comb Binding Machine: A Cost-Effective Way to Bind Documents

The Tamerica ECO-21 comb binder is an affordable desktop binding machine that is surprisingly robust. It offers users a wide selection of features, including a substantial punch capacity, disengaging pins, and an adjustable depth margin, but is priced at less than $150. In this review, we'll get to know the ECO-21 and learn what sets it apart from other entry-level comb binding machines.

The Basics

Comb binding is one of the most popular traditional binding styles, primarily because it uses affordable supplies and allows bound documents to be easily edited. Plastic binding combs are made up of a series of 19 rings (for letter-sized documents), which correspond to the 19-hole comb binding punch pattern. The rings are inserted into the pre-punched rectangular holes with the aid of a comb opener to create a bound document. Because there is no crimping or closing of the comb binding spine (as there is with binding coils and wire-o spines), a bound document can be reinserted into the comb opener to allow pages to be added or removed without requiring a new spine.

The ECO-21 is a manual punch, manual bind machine. It has a 12" maximum punching length with a total of 21 pins, and punches the standard 19-hole pattern for letter-sized sheets. It also has an open punching throat, which allows sheets longer than 12" to be punched in a multi-step process. All 21 pins are disengageable, which means that you can selectively eliminate holes to accommodate specialty paper sizes. The ECO-21 also allows you to adjust both the side margin (the distance of the holes from the side of the page) and punching depth margin (the depth of the holes from the binding edge - generally closer to the edge for thinner documents and farther from the edge for thicker documents). The maximum punch capacity is 15 sheets per pull (based on 20 lb. paper), and the binding capacity ranges from 3/16" to 2" (approximately 12 pages to 425 pages).

The Tamerica ECO-21 weighs less than 14 pounds, and measures only 15-15/16" wide by 11-7/16" deep by 6-1/2" tall. It is small enough to fit on most desktops, and is light enough to be easily transported between offices. Despite its small footprint and low weight, it has an attractive and durable metal casing and is backed by a one-year warranty.

 

In Review

With features like fully disengageable pins and an adjustable depth margin, the ECO-21 is ideal for small office environments with low to moderate binding volumes. It offers more options than most other machines in its class, but has a price point that is under $150. Though it is not designed for high volume use or production settings, it does have an excellent balance between cost and features, and is one of the more durable machines offered in that pricing level. If you are looking for an entry-level comb binding machine that is packed with features but won't break the bank, then you should definitely take a closer look at the Tamerica ECO-21 comb binder.

See Our Manual Coil Crimpers in Action!

Visit BindingDepot.com to learn more about our Economy Coil Crimpers and Heavy-Duty Coil Crimpers.

See the MRB-300 3:1 Wire Binding Machine in Action!

Visit BindingDepot.com to learn more about the MRB-300 3:1 Wire Binding Machine.

Binding with the Fastback 9: An Intelligent and Intuitive Thermal Binding Machine

Powis Parker's Fastback binding systems are known for creating durable and professional thermally-bound documents using their patented Fastback binding strips. The Fastback 9 (which is one of their newest models) is the most compact and affordable of all of their thermal binding systems. Specifically designed to work with Lx binding strips, this user-friendly thermal binding machine is capable of binding documents ranging from 10 to 250 pages in length in as little as 35 seconds. In this post, we share a basic overview of the Fastback 9 binding process.

1. To bind a document with Lx-Strips, begin by turning on your Fastback 9 binding machine and setting it to Lx mode.
2. Select the appropriate strip size for your document, and gently crease it into an "L" shape using your fingers (ensuring that the adhesive faces inward). If you are unsure as to what size spine to use, inserting your document into the binding recess and pushing the "Bind" button will display the correct spine size on the LCD screen.
3. Place the Lx-Strip into the binding recess with the adhesive facing up and the short side of the "L" pressed against the back of the channel, and slide it all the way to the right.
4. Jog the pages of your document as well as the covers so that they are aligned along the edge (where they will be bound) and place them into the binding recess. Align them with the Fastback Lx Strip so that the top and bottom edges of the document are flush with the top and bottom edges of the strip. To create a uniform strip width on the front of your document regardless of size, place the front cover against the back of the binding channel.
5. After you have ensured that your document is flush against the back of the binding recess, press the "Bind" button to start the binding process.
6. When the binding process is complete, the LCD screen will read "Remove Book." Gently pull the finished book out of the binding recess and place it into the cooling rack. After the book has cooled for approximately five minutes, it is ready for distribution.

An Overview of Velobind Binding: Secure, Tamper-Resistant & Low Profile

Velobind binding is a thermal binding method that uses two-piece plastic binding spines to create a durable bind. Unlike adhesive-based thermal binding methods which can often be edited fairly easily, documents bound with Velobind strips cannot be edited unless the spine is completely removed and replaced with a new spine. In this post, we learn more about the Velobind binding method and take a closer look at some of the unique benefits it offers.

 

The Basics

There are two types of thermal binding – binding with an adhesive spine and binding with sets of pronged plastic bars (commonly referred to as "Velobind spines"). The most popular thermal binding style involves the application of an adhesive-lined spine to a set of documents using a specialized machine that heats the spine and melts the glue, allowing adhesive to permeate the documents and create a bind. These spines are available in a few styles, including varieties that have pre-attached covers in both soft- and hard-cover formats.

Velobind-style binding is preferred by people looking to create tamper-proof binds, as it is impossible to edit without having to rebind the document. To bind with these spines, the user punches the documents with the proper hole pattern (generally 9, 11, or 14 holes, depending on the document size), inserts the pronged side through the holes and then slides the flat side onto the prongs. The document is then placed into the binding machine, which trims the prongs to size and melts the ends to secure the bind. Because the individual prongs act as reinforcements for the spine, Velobind strips can be used to bind documents up to 3" thick, which is considerably thicker than most other conventional binding styles can accommodate.

 

Velobind Spines

Velobind spines (also called "hot knife strips") are available in 9-, 11-, and 14-pin varieties, which accommodate binding on 8 1/2", 11" and 14" paper. They are able to secure up to 750 pages in a single book, making them the preferred choice for large documents. Hot knife strips come in a broad range of attractive colors like other binding spines, but they are only offered in three sizes (1", 2", and 3")  which makes stocking them much easier. Since the excess length of the prongs is cut off during the binding process, the same 1" spine can be used to bind a document that is 20 sheets or 250 sheets.

 

Velobind Binding Machines

Binding with Velobind spines requires punching with a specialized hole pattern before performing the thermal bind, which generally means that the machines cost more than other thermal binding systems. Because of the additional punching step, Velobinding is commonly regarded as being one of the most secure and tamper-resistant binding styles, which is why it is often used in binding legal documents.

The process for binding with Velobind strips is fairly similar to binding with other styles. To begin, the sheets of the document are punched in sets (based on the punch capacity of the specific model being used) until all pages as well as the covers have been punched. Next, the flat half of the binding strip is placed into the binding channel so that the alignment pin is inserted into the corresponding hole on the strip. Then, the pronged ends of the spine are inserted through the holes in the document. Finally, the prongs are inserted into the holes on the flat strip so that the document is sandwiched between them. The binding process is then activated (see the manual for your machine for specific instructions), and after about 30 seconds, your document is ready to remove from the machine.

 

In Review

Creating professional-looking bound documents is easy with thermal binding. Velobind binding is a secure and durable binding method that uses a thermal binding machine to melt and fuse a two-piece plastic binding spine. With its versatility and strength, Velobind binding is a great way to create bound documents that look and feel professionally-made at a reasonable cost.

Tamerica DuraWire 450 Wire Closer Review

Though most wire binding machines have built-in wire closers, many high-volume production environments choose to purchase a separate wire closer unit in order to increase their productivity. Furthermore, stand-alone wire closers are also a great investment for those who own comb binding machines, since spiral-o wires are specifically designed to be compatible with the comb binding pattern. In this post, we take an in-depth look at the DuraWire 450 wire closer and learn about how it can improve your wire binding experience.

The Basics

All binding wires - including both twin-loop wire and spiral-o wire - are sold in an "open" state, and must be closed in order to finish the bind. After inserting the pages of your document onto the prongs of the wire spine, the document is placed into the wire closer with the wire facing down. As you pull the handle on the wire closer, uniform pressure will be applied to the wire binding spine in order to close it. Once the wire has been properly closed, the document is secure within the spine can be removed from the machine.

 

Benefits of the DuraWire 450

The DuraWire 450 by Tamerica offers users a number of benefits over most built-in wire closer models. Because the DuraWire 450 is a stand-alone unit, it can be operated independently from the punching machine, which means that two people can work simultaneously to dramatically increase productivity. It features an adjustable closing diameter, which allows you to set the closing width to match the size of the wire binding spine that you are using and helps to eliminate improperly closed wires. Unlike many other models that have a fixed maximum closing length, the DuraWire 450 has an open-ended closing throat to accommodate oversized documents in a two-step process (or documents up to 14" long in a single step). The DuraWire wire closer can close spines as small as 3/16" in diameter and as large as 1-1/4" in both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch, as well as 19-ring spiral-o wires. It is designed for high-volume binding environments, with heavy-duty metal components and a steel base that will stand up to years of use. The DuraWire also includes a one-year manufacturer's warranty.

 

In Review

If you plan on binding wire twin loop wire or spiral-o, then you will need a wire closer to close the open spine and finish the bind. Most wire binding machines have built-in wire closers, however organizations that create a large number of wire-bound documents often choose to invest in a stand-alone wire closer to help increase their output. The Tamerica DuraWire 450 is a heavy-duty wire closer designed to close wires of all diameters, lengths, and pitches with ease. Not only does it feature an extra-long 14" closing length (with open ends for longer documents), but it also has an adjustable closing diameter that can be set according to your spine size to help eliminate improperly closed wires. Whether you're looking to add a new wire closer to your production line or simply want a more robust closer than the one that is built in to your wire binding machine, the DuraWire 450 is worth considering.