Binding Machines: What is Right for You?

Review the most popular binding methods and machines to find out what method is perfect for you, as well as what machines the professionals prefer.

Choosing a binding method for you application can be time consuming, and therefore, costly. With so many options to choose from, it can be an extremely frustrating task. But not anymore; with over 75 years in the industry, Binding101 has compiled a list of the most popular binding methods available, and have provided easy-to-read charts to help you determine the best binding machine for you. Below the chat you will find descriptions, benefits, restrictions, and everything else you need to know about the three industry-leading binding methods: Plastic Comb, Plastic Coil/Spiral Binding and Wire-O Loop Wire Binding.

Most Common Binding Methods, Industry Wide


FEATURESPLASTIC COMB BINDINGPLASTIC COIL SPIRAL BINDINGWIRE-O BINDINGTHERMAL BINDINGSADDLE STITCHINGVELO BINDING
Machine Options Available-Plastic Comb Punch Machines-Comb Spreaders/Openers-Plastic Coil Punching Machines-Coil Inserting Machines-Cutting/Crimping Machines-2:1 Wire-O Punch Machines-3:1 Wire-O Punch Machines-Wire Closing Machines-Unibind-Pro-Bind-Perfect Binding-Saddle Stapler-Saddle Stitcher-Cold Knife-Hot Knife
Ease-Of-Use(1-10; 10 easiest)8771078
Speed(1-10; 10 fastest)8771067
Books EditableWithout Breaking SpineYesNoNoYesNoNo
Machine Volumes AvailableLow - HighLow - HighLow - HighLow- HighLow - HighMid - High
Price Range (Equipment)$100-$3,000$170-$4,000$70-$5,000$99-$9,000$170-$7,000$130-$5,000
Price Range (Supplies)$4-$16 / Box$7-$160 / Box$18-$75 / Box$35-$400 / Box$5-$100 / Box or Spool$20-$65 / Box


Plastic Comb Binding

Plastic Comb Binding is one of the most inexpensive binding methods available. For many years it was the most common method found on the market for all kinds of books from published cook books to internal reports and presentations that never left the office. One of the great things about Plastic Comb Binding is that they can be easily modified without breaking the binding spine. All you need is a comb opener (also called a comb spreader) to re-open the combs so you can remove/add sheets, and then close them again. There is a wide variety of color options and sizes. In addition, many companies can custom-cut them to a specific length, reducing the amount of labor on your end. To top it off, these plastic combs can be easily foil stamped or pad printed with your company name, title of book, and so much more.

Plastic Comb Binding Supplies: Plastic Comb Binder Spines are available in many standard colors including black, blue, clear, gray, hunter green, maroon, navy, red and white. Plastic Combs can also be customized with your company logo, name, book title and so much more.

Plastic Comb Punching & Binding Machines: Plastic Comb Binding Machines are available from low volume personal models, to high production heavy duty comb binding machines. They punch rectangular holes for standard comb binder supplies. Low volume units feature a manual punch that is activated using a handle. They can go through an average of about 15 to 20 sheets of standard 20# paper in one punch. This means that if your book is 100 sheets thick, you will need to punch thinner stacks of your book about 5 times. Medium volume machines will typically have an electric punch that is activated with either a foot pedal or push button. The foot pedal is ideal for larger jobs because it leaves both of your hands free to work with the books throughout the entire punching/binding process. The high volume comb machines are electrically activated with a foot pedal and can punch through as many as 40 sheets of paper at one time. These machines can be purchased with a separate comb spreader that can be mounted to the top of the machines, or used off to the side for an assembly line production facility.

Benefits of Plastic Comb vs. Limitations


BENEFITSLIMITATIONS
Customizable Binding Spines for a Unique Look Inexpensive Binding Supplies One Standard Punching Pattern for Easy Supply Locations Books Can be Easily Modified Machines are Easy to Use Wide Range of Machines for All Volume Requirements Wide Range of Sizes for Books from 10 - 425 Sheets (20#) Can be Custom-Cut to Special Lengths Books Lay Flat Once Opened Cannot Turn 360° Fewer Standard Color Options Pages Step Slightly When Turned Old-Fashioned Look


Plastic Coil / Spiral Binding

Plastic Coil (also called Spiral Binding, Spiralastic, or Coil) Binding is one of the most durable binding methods available. As it grown in popularity, customers are finding that its use in applications where books are handled often is perfect as it will not bend or morph; it retains its shape through rigorous use, keeping your book flat and clean. One of the great things about Plastic Coil Spiral Binding is that all you need is a punch & crimper to accomplish the finished books. The Coils can be manually inserted through the punched holes. While no equipment is necessary for this function, there are electric coil inserters and electric cutter/crimpers for higher volume users to speed up the process. There is an extremely wide variety of color options and sizes to choose from. In addition, we can custom-cut them to a specific length, reducing the amount of labor and waste on the client’s end.

Plastic Coil Binding Supplies: Plastic Coil & Spiral Binding Spines offer a huge selection of colors to choose from. Many are stocked across the US while others can be specially made for your specific needs. Choose from white, black, forest green, navy blue, red, maroon, clear, blue, teal, alpine green, gold, transparent green, pearl white, ruby red, college orange, lemon yellow, silver, yellow, baby blue and more!

Plastic Coil Punching & Binding Machines: Plastic Coil Binding Machines are available from low volume personal models, to high production heavy duty coil binding machines. They punch round or oval holes for standard 4:1 Pitch Spiral Binder Supplies. Low volume units feature a manual punch that is activated using a handle. They can go through an average of about 15 to 20 sheets of standard 20# paper in one punch. The coil spine is inserted by hand by manually spinning the coil through each punched hole in your book. Medium volume spiral machines will typically have an electric punch that is activated with either a foot pedal or push button. Just as with the Plastic Comb, the addition of a foot pedal is ideal for larger jobs as it leaves both of your hands open to work with the books throughout the entire process. They may also have a sturdy-built manual punch with an electric coil inserter attached so that all you need to do is manually insert the coil through the first few holes, and then hold the book to the electric inserter to finish the job. The high volume coil machines are electrically activated with a foot pedal and can punch through as many as 40 sheets of paper at one time. These machines can be purchased with a separate coil inserter that can be mounted to the top of the machines, or used off to the side for an assembly line production facility. One the Spiral Coil is inserted through the entire book, the ends of the coil need to be cut/crimped in to prevent de-binding. This can be done manually using hand cutter/crimper pliers, or electrically with an add-on machine.

Benefits of Plastic Coil/Spiral Binding vs. Limitations

BENEFITSLIMITATIONS
Fairly Inexpensive Binding Supplies Wide Range of Colors Available Modern Look Very Durable Supplies Can be Custom-Cut to Special Lengths Books Turn a full 360° Wide Range of Sizes for Books from 10 - 425 Sheets (20#) Can be Custom-Cut to Special Lengths Books Lay Flat Once Opened Machines are Fairly Easy to Use Wide Range of Machines for All Volume Requirements Wide Range of Sizes for Books from 5 - 290 Sheets (20#) Pages Step when Turned Subject to Extreme Temperatures Books Cannot be Modified without Breaking the Spine


Wire-O Binding

Wire-O Binding is the most common binding methods industry-wide. It is also called Twin Loop Binding and Double-O Wire Binding. The professional and attractive finish provides appeal for all applications including presentations, manuals, calendars, notebooks, marketing materials, photo albums and more. To accomplish Wire-O binding you will need two things: A Wire-O Punch machine (available in 3:1 or 2:1 pitch models) and a Wire-Closer. Because there are two punch patterns available, you will need a combo-machine or two different machines to accomplish the full range of book sizes (from ¼" to 1-¼"). The 3:1 Pitch is standard for Wire-O ranging sizes from 1/4" - 9/16". 2:1 Pitch Wire-O is for larger sizes from 5/8" – 1-1/4", however, these can also be purchased in the smaller sizes 1/4" – 9/16". For many companies these are a special order item, but we actually stock a full range of all sizes in our nation-wide warehouses.

Wire Binding Supplies: Wire-O Binding is available in many standard colors including black, blue, gold, gray, green, pewter, red and white. They can be custom-cut to any desired length using standard wire cutters, however, many manufacturing plants can custom-cut them to size for your large jobs.

Wire-O Punching & Binding Machines: Wire-O Binding Machines are available from low volume personal models, to high production heavy duty wire binding machines. They punch round or square holes for standard 3:1 and 2:1 pitch Wire-O Binder Supplies. Low volume units feature a manual punch that is activated using a handle. They can go through an average of about 15 to 20 sheets of standard 20# paper in one punch. The wire spine is inserted by hand by manually and then placed into a Wire-Closer to finish the bind. Medium volume wire machines will typically have an electric punch that is activated with either a foot pedal or push button. The high volume wire binding machines are electrically activated with a foot pedal and can punch through as many as 40 sheets of paper at one time. These machines can be purchased with a separate wire closing machine that can be mounted to the top of the machines, or used off to the side for an assembly line production facility.

Benefits of Wire-O Binding vs. Limitations





BENEFITSLIMITATIONS



If you have any questions or are interested in purchasing Unibind Machines , visit Tim the Tutor at Binding101.com. They have great pricing on a full line of Unibind Binding and they charge only $9 for shipping UPS Ground. Shop online now