With all of the binding styles available in today’s marketplace, it can sometimes be a challenge to determine which one is right for your needs. From purchasing the appropriate machine to determining what supplies you will need for any given project, it is important to be able to identify the benefits and limitations of each binding style. In this post, we will cover the basics of comb binding, which is a versatile, inexpensive binding style with many uses.

The Basics

Comb binding utilizes plastic combs in order to create custom booklets. The punch pattern for comb binding has 19 holes per letter-sized sheet, and can be created using either a manual or electric punch. A comb opener holds the comb open while punched pages are inserted onto the prongs.

Plastic Binding Combs

Plastic binding combs are available in a broad range of sizes, accommodating as few as 12 pages and as many as 425 pages. They come in standard 11″ lengths, which are made up of 19 rings and are sized to bind 8 1/2″ x 11″ (letter size) paper. Comb sizing is based upon the diameter of the comb in inches (or fractions thereof). Binding combs come in a wide variety of colors, allowing organizations to create custom-looking bound documents without having to pay for custom combs. The comb design allows for easy editing of documents, since it can be opened after binding to add, remove or reorder pages without damage. It is the only binding style that offers that capability, making it ideal for organizations that require frequent updates to their materials, such as churches or schools.

For information on which size of comb to use for your project, refer to this comb binding chart. To see the selection of comb sizes and colors offered by Lamination Depot, visit our comb binding supplies section.

Comb Binding Machines

Comb binding is based on two individual processes – punching the documents that are to be bound and openingthe binding comb so that the punched documents can be inserted. Depending on the machine, punching can either be manual or electric, however the comb opener is always operated manually. Nearly all machines perform both processes, but it is important to read the description thoroughly because there are a few machines on the market that only offer comb opening (generally used in high-volume production environments to allow punching and inserting to be done simultaneously by two different people).

When researching comb binding machines, there are a number of factors to consider in terms of punching. The primary difference between available models is whether they are manual or electric, which has a major impact on the speed at which the operator is able to complete a job (with electric punches being much faster). Some punches only punch letter-sized paper, while others can accommodate larger sizes. The punch capacity (the number of sheets that can be punched at one time) ranges from 6-55 sheets, and some machines offer the ability to selectively disengage some or all of the punching pins (which allows the user to punch non-standard paper sizes or specialty paper, such as three-hole paper). Many machines include an adjustable depth margin, enabling the operator to move the placement of the holes relative to the edge of the paper. Select machines include other punching patterns in addition to the 19 hole comb pattern, making them a cost-effective option for organizations interested in performing multiple binding styles (such as coil and wire).

All comb openers generally function the same way – when the operator tugs on the handle, small hooks grab onto each of the rings and gently pull them open to allow the pages to be inserted. Depending on the machine, the opener itself is made from either metal or ABS plastic. Each model has its own maximum binding size, so it is important to evaluate your binding needs before making a purchase to help ensure that the machine you buy accommodates the sizes you will be utilizing.

To learn more about any of the comb binding machines available at Lamination Depot, visit our comb binding equipment section.

In Review

Comb binding is a versatile, professional-looking binding style that offers users the ability to make frequent edits with ease. The plastic combs used to bind the pages together are cost-effective, durable and attractive. With both manual and electric punching options available, it is possible to create your own bound reports and presentations at a price point that fits within nearly all budgets. Because it is the only binding style to give users the power to add, remove or reorder pages without having to use a fresh spine, comb binding is highly recommended for use in any organization that creates bound documents that require regular updates, such as training manuals, price lists, or educational materials. With all of the benefits that it offers, it’s easy to see why comb binding is one of the most popular binding methods.

For those seeking extra security and durability in their bound documents, wire binding can is an excellent solution. The wire design also allows booklets to lay flat when opened, which makes it a great choice for applications that encourage note-taking, such as reports or presentations. With two distinct wire binding styles available, selecting the proper method can seem confusing, especially to those who are new to binding in general. In this post, we’ll discuss the similarities and differences of twin loop wire and Spiral-O wire.

Twin Loop Wire: The Basics

Twin loop wire, also called “duo-wire” or “wire-o,” is a versatile binding spine that pairs security and durability with style and affordability. It has signature hole patterns of two holes per inch (21 holes per letter-sized sheet) or three holes per inch (32 holes per letter-sized sheet), depending on the thickness of the document that is being bound. Documents between 3/16″ and 9/16″ thick (5-120 sheets of standard 20 lb bond paper) utilize the 3:1 pitch pattern (three holes per inch), and documents between 5/8″ and 1-1/4″ thick (110-250 sheets of standard 20 lb bond paper) utilize the 2:1 pitch pattern (two holes per inch).

In order to create the secure, tamper-proof finish that wire binding is known for, a specialized device called a wire closer is used to pinch the open ends of the wire together and complete the bind. The majority of wire binding machines include a built-in wire closer, however they are also available as separate units. Since duo-wire comes in two different pitches, each machine is specifically set up to punch either 2:1 or 3:1 pitch hole patterns. If you are unsure as to what size documents you will be binding or want the ability to punch both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch hole patterns, you may want to consider a combination or modular machine that includes both punches.

Twin loop wire is available in sizes ranging from 3/16″ (5-20 sheets of standard 20 lb bond paper) to 1-1/4″ (240-260 sheets of 20 lb bond paper), and in 11 standard colors. Because of its popularity, duo-wire is sold in pre-cut lengths as well as bulk spools, which makes it the most economical wire binding spine.

Spiral-O: The Basics

Spiral-O wires look similar to twin loop wires, but they are specially designed to fit the same 19-hole punch pattern as comb binding. Spiral-O wires have 19 loops (similar to binding combs).

Like duo-wire, Spiral-O wire offers tamper-proof binding that is durable and lays flat when opened. The biggest advantage of binding with Spiral-O wire is that it uses the same pattern as comb binding, which means that users who already own comb binding punches do not need to purchase an additional punch, however it does require the use of a wire closer to secure the bind.

Spiral-O wire is available in sizes ranging from 1/4″ (20-30 sheets of standard 20 lb bond paper) to 1″ (190-220 sheets of 20 lb bond paper), and in seven standard colors. The per-wire cost for Spiral-O is significantly higher than that of twin loop wire, so if you plan on binding frequently, you may want to consider twin loop binding instead.

In Review

For those who already own a comb binding machine and are looking to add wire binding as an option, Spiral-O wire is a great solution. Using the punch that you already use for comb binding in conjunction with a wire closer, you can create secure wire binds without having to purchase a separate wire binding machine.

If you are new to the world of binding and are most interested in performing wire binding, then twin loop wire is your best choice. Most wire binding machines include both a punch and a wire closer, so you can purchase a single machine that will enable you bind from start to finish. Just be sure to purchase the right punch pattern for the size of documents you plan on binding (or order a combination binding machine or modular binding machine that includes both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch punching).

With all of the binding styles available in today’s marketplace, it can sometimes be a challenge to determine which one is right for your needs. From purchasing the appropriate machine to determining what supplies you will need for any given project, it is important to be able to identify the benefits and limitations of each binding style. In this post, we will cover the basics of coil binding, which is currently among the most popular binding types.

The Basics

Also referred to as spiral binding, coil binding utilizes plastic coils in order to create custom booklets. The punch pattern for coil binding is 4:1 pitch (four holes per inch), and can be created using either a manual or electric punch. After the pages have been punched with the appropriate hole pattern, a coil is fed through the holes by hand or with an electric coil inserter. A specialized set of coil crimping pliers is used to cut and crimp the ends of the coil, which secures it in place and stops it from unwinding.

Plastic Binding Coils

Plastic binding coils are available in a broad range of sizes, accommodating as few as 30 pages and as many as 460 pages. They come in standard 12″ lengths, which are made up of 48 loops and are sized to bind 8 1/2″ x 11″ (letter size) paper. Some sizes are also offered in 36″ lengths, which can be used for binding even larger documents. Coil sizing is based upon the diameter of the coil in millimeters. Binding coils offer the greatest color variety of any binding style, which makes them a great choice for individuals or organizations that are looking to create custom documents featuring team or company colors. The coil design also allows booklets to lay flat when opened, and for the cover to be folded back so that only a single page is visible. Plastic coils are very durable, and are the only mechanical binding spine that can be inserted by hand.

For information on which size coil to use for your project, refer to this coil binding chart. To see the selection of coil sizes and colors offered by Lamination Depot, visit our coil binding supplies section.

Coil Binding Machines

Coil binding is based on two individual processes – punching the documents that are to be bound and insertingthe binding coil into the punched documents. Both of these processes can be accomplished using either manual or electric means, however manual inserting is only recommended for low-volume binding (or for binding with coils over 22mm). Many coil binding machines perform both processes, but it is important to read the description thoroughly because some machines only punch while others only insert coils into punched documents.

When researching machines that perform punching (either with or without an inserter), there are a number of factors to consider. The primary difference between available models is whether they are manual or electric, which has a major impact on the speed at which the operator is able to complete a job (with electric punches being much faster). Some punches only punch letter-sized paper, while others can accommodate larger sizes. The punch capacity (the number of sheets that can be punched at one time) ranges from 10-55 sheets, and some machines offer the ability to selectively disengage some or all of the punching pins (which allows the user to punch non-standard paper sizes or specialty paper, such as three-hole paper). Many machines include an adjustable depth margin, enabling the operator to move the placement of the holes relative to the edge of the paper. A number of professional-level machines punch oval holes instead of circular holes, which makes for easier coil insertion and more fluid page turning for readers. Select machines include other punching patterns in addition to the 4:1 pitch coil pattern, making them a cost-effective option for organizations interested in performing multiple binding styles (such as comb and wire).

Electric inserters utilize small rollers that spin and advance the binding coil through the holes of the punched document. Depending on the model, the roller ranges from 4 to 11″ in length and is generally operated by a foot pedal. Select models also include an electric coil cutter and crimper to streamline the production process, while others include a pair of manual cutting and crimping pliers. Basic, low-volume machines do not always include pliers, so they will need to be purchased separately as they are required for completing a coil bind.

To learn more about any of the coil binding machines available at Lamination Depot, visit our coil binding equipment section.

In Review

Coil binding is a popular, easy-to-use mechanical binding method that results in booklets that lay flat and can be folded backwards. The plastic coils used to bind the pages together are durable, inexpensive and available in the largest selection of colors of any binding spine style. With both manual and electric punching and inserting options available, it is possible to achieve a professional-looking, bound document within practically any budget. It is the only mechanical binding style that can be preformed manually, but because manual inserting is time consuming, it is recommended only for low-volume users. Electric punching and inserting can greatly increase binding speed and reduce operator fatigue, so it is recommended for high-volume production environments.