Designed for high-volume production environments, the CombMac-24E electric comb binding machine from Akiles can produce hundreds of bound documents per hour with ease. It offers a full range of features – including fully-disengageable pins, an open throat (for oversized documents), and a reverse switch to aid in jam clearing – at a price point that is thousands less than comparable competitors’ machines. Below is an overview of how to bind a document using the Akiles CombMac-24E:
- Start by adjusting the Depth Margin Control knob according to the diameter of your binding comb. To change the setting, simply push the knob in and turn it so that the indicator points to the appropriate diameter. Note: For easy page turning, make sure that you always use the correct depth margin when you punch your document. It is recommended that you use a comb that is at least 1/8″ (3mm) larger than the thickness of your document.
- Align the Side Margin Control to match the size of your document. Note: If you are using letter-sized covers with rounded corners (which measure 11-1/4″ on the long side to accommodate the round corners), then you will need to use separate side margins for the inner sheets and the covers themselves.
- Pull out the disengageable pins as necessary to avoid punching any partial holes.
- Tap your documents against your working surface to align the edges (or use a paper jogger for high-volume jobs), and insert them into the punching throat. The CombMac-24E has a 23-sheet punch capacity (based on regular 20lb. paper; capacity will vary if other paper thicknesses or cover stocks are used). If your document includes more than 15 pages, you will need to punch it in 23-sheet sets. Note: Although the CombMac-24E is capable of punching 23 sheets in a single punch, it is recommended that you punch 15 sheets at a time to help extend the life of the motor.
- Press the foot pedal to activate the electric punch. Note: If the punching throat is overloaded, the punching action will stop automatically. In this instance, press the Reverse Button located at the rear of the machine repeatedly until all of the dies have returned to their original position. Once the dies have retracted, pull out some of the sheets and press the foot pedal again to reactivate the electric punch.
- Place your comb behind the Comb Binding Fingers so that the open side faces upward.
- Gently pull the Comb Binding Handle forward to open the comb. Release the handle once the spine is opened sufficiently to allow the pages and covers to be inserted.
- Align the holes in the document with the prongs of the binding comb and insert the pages with the front cover facing toward you.
- Once all of the pages have been placed onto the comb, return the Comb Binding Handle to the starting position.
- Lift your completed document straight off of the machine.