The Akiles DuoMac binding machine is a full-featured, dual-function binding machine that is available in a wide array of combinations to fill the needs of any office or production environment. Each DuoMac binding machine is custom-built to pair two popular binding styles, including 4:1 coil and 3:1 wire, 4:1 coil and 2:1 wire, comb and 4:1 coil, comb and 3:1 wire, comb and 2:1 wire, and 3:1 wire and 2:1 wire (also called the WireMac Duo). Depending upon the binding styles selected, the DuoMac also includes the necessary finishing equipment, such as a wire closer, comb opener, or coil crimping pliers. Below are step-by-step instructions for binding with the Akiles DuoMac binding machine, including each of the specialized finishing modules:
Assembly
- Before using your DuoMac for the first time, you’ll need to assemble it. Begin by placing it onto a sturdy work table.
- For models that include comb binding capabilities, install the comb binding unit onto the back of the machine using the included hardware.
- Remove the screw from each punching axle by turning it clockwise. Connect each of the punching handles to the punching axles so that the longer handle is on the front axle and the shorter handle is on the rear axle. Ensure that the handles are in a vertical position on each axle before tightening each screw in a counterclockwise direction.
- For models that include either 3:1 wire or 2:1 wire binding capabilities, attach the included handle onto the wire closer (using the same instructions listed above).
Set-Up
- Insert your unbound document into the Diameter Scale. Based on the Diameter Scale reading, the recommended depth margin, wire closer setting, and wire, comb, or coil size will be indicated on the Master Selector.
- Set the Depth Margin Control to match the color-coded depth indicated by the Master Selector. Note: It is important to set the depth margin appropriately based on the size of your document in order to allow the pages to turn easily. The thicker the document, the greater the depth margin that is required.
- If binding with either 2:1 or 3:1 binding wires, use the Wire Closer Control to set the wire closer as indicated by the Master Selector to match the diameter of the wire being used.
Punching
- Align the Side Margin Control to the match the sheet size of your document. If your inner pages and covers vary in size, it is recommended that you punch them separately as the side margin settings may vary.
- If necessary, disengage punching pins to eliminate any partially punched holes. To disengage a die, simply pull the corresponding metal arm forward.
- Insert up to 20 pages (based on 20 lb. paper) into the appropriate punching throat, aligning the pages to the side margin.
- Pull the corresponding handle to forward to engage the punching mechanism, then return it to its upright position to complete the punch.
- Repeat as necessary until all of the pages of your document have been punched.
Wire Binding
- Place a twin loop binding wire onto the wire holder (located on the front of the wire closing unit).
- Insert your punched document onto the wire, working from the last page to the front cover. The back cover should be inserted onto the wire last with the inside of the cover facing up. This will help to hide the seam of the wire after binding.
- Lift the document and the wire off of the wire holder and place it into the wire closer so that the opening of the wire sits flush against the bottom of the closing channel.
- Firmly pull the wire closer handle forward to close the wire.
- Pull the document out of the wire closer and turn the back cover over to complete the bind.
Comb Binding
- Place a plastic binding comb onto the comb opener so that the rings of the comb are between the tines of the opener. The open side of the comb (the side on which the rings are not attached to the plastic) must be facing up.
- Slowly pull the comb binding handle forward to open the comb. Once the comb had been opened enough to allow pages to be inserted, release the handle.
- Tap the document onto a flat surface to align the edges. Holding the document firmly to keep the pages together, place it onto the prongs of the comb with the front cover facing down.
- Once the tines of prongs of the comb have been inserted through all of the pages of the document, return the comb opener handle to its upright position to close the comb.
- Lift the document straight up to remove it from the comb opener and complete the binding process.
Coil Binding
- Align the pages of your punched document by tapping it against a table or other flat surface.
- Manually insert the plastic binding coil into the first 4-5 holes of the document.
- Holding the document against your work surface with your left hand, use your right hand to spin the coil forward and advance it through the holes.
- Once the coil has been inserted into all of the holes of the document, use the included coil crimping tool to trim away the excess and crimp the coil to secure the pages in place. Be sure to crimp both ends of the coil to prevent the coil from unwinding.