The DFG TitanWire wire binding machine is an all-manual 3:1 pitch wire binding machine that is specially designed to stand up to heavy-duty use in offices and other high-volume binding environments. Made from sturdy, die-cast metal, the TitanWire features a number of professional-grade features – such as fully-disengageable pins, an open punching throat, and a unique encased lubrication system that dramatically reduces friction and punch wear – that set it apart from other comparably-priced wire binding machines. Below is a step-by-step guide for binding with the DFG TitanWire wire binder:
- If this is the first time that your TitanWire will be used, then you will need to set it up. Place both the punching and binding handles onto the right side of the machine, with the shorter handle toward the back, then insert the included screws to secure them in place.
- Determine the required 3:1 binding wire diameter using the built-in size selector (located on the right side of the machine). Place your unbound book below the spring-loaded size selector, then push the selector down until it rests against the top of the book. The top of the size selector will indicate the recommended wire size.
- Adjust the punch depth margin using the slider located on the left side of the face of the machine (immediately below the side margin guide). As a general rule, thicker books require a greater punching margin than thinner books.
- Set the side margin guide (located on the left side of the machine base) to ensure a centered a sheet. To adjust the side margin guide, loosen the screw that holds it in place, slide the guide to the desired position, then tighten the screw to secure it.
- Disengage any pins necessary in order to eliminate partially-punched holes at the ends of your document. To disengage a pin, pull the corresponding arm straight out from the front of the machine.
- Insert up to 28 sheets (based on 20 lb. paper) into the punching throat, aligning it to both the side margin guide and the back of the punching throat. Note: The more pages that are inserted, the more user effort that is required to punch through them. To reduce operator fatigue, it is recommended that you punch in sets of 12 – 20 sheets.
- Pull the punching handle forward to punch your document, then return the handle to its starting position to release it. Remove your punched pages from the machine.
- Repeat steps 6 – 7 until all of the pages of your document have been punched.
- Set the wire closer based on the size of wire that is being used. Close a test wire to confirm that the settings are satisfactory, making any necessary adjustments before attempting to close the wire on your book.
- Arrange the pages of your document so that they are in order from first to last, then place the back cover onto the front cover face down. This will allow you to hide the seam of the wire after binding for a more professional finish.
- Place the document on the edge of your work table, so that the punched holes hang slightly over. Working from one side to the other, insert the selected wire into the holes. Once the loops have been inserted through all of the holes, turn the wire so that the loops reach completely through the book.
- Lift the book and the wire off of the table, then insert the wire into the wire closer. The wire should be positioned so that the open side sits flush against the bottom of the wire closer.
- Using even pressure, pull the wire closer handle to close the wire. Return the handle to its starting position to release the book.
- Remove the book from the wire closer by lifting it straight up. Turn the back cover to the back of the book to hide the wire seam and complete the binding process.