Are you looking for a plastic comb binding machine but aren't sure where to start? Finding the right binding machine for your needs can be a difficult task. In fact, sorting through the hundreds of different comb binding systems that are available on the market can really leave your head spinning. This article is designed to help you sort through the features, benefits and marketing literature on different comb binding systems so that you can make a choice on a machine that is best for YOUR needs. Read on, and good luck in your search for a new binding machine. 1. Punching Mechanism: One of the first choices that you are going to make is whether you need a manual binding machine or an electric one. Using a comb binding system with an electric punch is certainly a lot easier than using a manual system. However, a quality electric binding machine can cost hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars more than a comparable manual machine. For high volume offices and applications the additional cost is probably worth it. For lower volume applications, pulling the handle on the side of the machine might not be so bad. 2. Document Size. Most comb binding machines are designed for punching holes in the 11" side of a letter sized document. More than ninety percent of the documents that are produced with comb binding fit that description. However, If you are going to need to bind documents that are longer than this, you will want to purchase a machine designed to handle that length of paper. Some users who ocassionally bind larger documents will punch longer documents with a 2 step process (by flipping the document over to punch the second half of holes). However, that only works if you own a machine with an open throat. 3. Steel Components (Not Plastic). Some comb binding systems are made almost entirely from cheap plastic components. If you need a machine that is going to last you really need to look for a machine that is made out of steel. There are lots of options out there. The more plastic parts that are used the in the machine, the more likely that it will break. 4. Punching Capacity: Depending on the type of documents that you are going to be creating, punching capacity might be very important when choosing a machine. Comb binding systems can punch as few as 2 sheets or as many as 30 sheets of paper. If you are going to be binding thick documents you are going to want a machine that will punch a fair number of pages at a time. Just do the math. How many punching cycles will it take to put holes in a 100 page document? 5. Manufacturer. One of the last things to consider when choosing a system is the company who makes it. There are a number of high quality manufacturers of binding equipment that you might consider. Some names that come to mind are: GBC, Akiles, Renz, Tamerica and Fellowes. All of these manufacturers have a great reputation and will stand behind the warranties on their machines. You need to be careful about purchasing a system from other lesser known companies. The machines may be fine. However, if there is a problem they may not know your name.
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