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.

56 New Reasons to Bind with Screw Posts!

In our post “Getting to Know Screw Posts: A Binding Solution with a Twist,” we introduced you to screw posts (also called “Chicago screws”) – versatile, inexpensive, and popular binding posts that are reusable and easy-to-edit. Now, we’d like to share the newest additions to our collection of screw posts. Binding Depot now carries 56 new varieties, including black-, antique brass-, and gold-finished aluminum posts as well as multi-function plastic posts in black and white. In this post, we’ll recap some of the benefits of this unique binding style and take a look at the new posts that are now available.

The Basics

A screw post is made up of two separate pieces – a threaded post attached to a head and a cylinder attached to a matching head. To create a bound item, a hole is first punched through the documents to be bound. The cylinder is inserted into the hole, and then the threaded post is inserted into the cylinder and tightened. Because the heads are of a larger diameter than the hole, the documents remain securely bound between them. To make changes within the bound document, simply unscrew the threaded post from the cylinder, insert your revised documents, and reassemble the screw post.

 

New Styles

In addition to our popular, silver-finished aluminum Chicago screws, we now carry aluminum posts in gold, black, and antique brass finishes. All of our aluminum screw posts have the following specifications:

 

Outside Post Diameter: 3/16"

Screw Head Diameter: 7/16"

Screw Head Height: 1/16" (top and bottom heads will add a combined 1/8" to post length)

Screw Posts 3/8" & Smaller: Post is threaded all the way through

Screw Posts 1/2" & Larger: Post is threaded on one side

Recommended Hole Size: 1/4"-5/16"

 

Our new plastic screw posts, which are available in black and white, offer the same features of our aluminum binding posts as well as a special permanent binding capability not available on other screw posts. To create a standard, removable bind, slowly twist the screw into the post, threading it into position. For those projects that require a more secure, permanent bind, simply snap the screw directly into the post (without twisting), which locks the post into position. The threads have barbs that lock the post into place when inserted by pushing as opposed to twisting.

 

In Review

Screw posts are a great way to quickly and easily bind documents of all sizes, without needing a machine or other specialized equipment. With 56 new binding posts now available, there is a post style for every application, from elegant menus and eye-catching swatch books to oversized blueprints and thick manuscripts. In addition to standard, reusable aluminum posts that are available in four finishes, new plastic binding posts give users the option to create permanent binds by snapping the posts into place instead of twisting them. If you have the need to bind something, but don’t have the budget to invest in new equipment, then you should definitely give screw posts a try.