DFG Office ECoil46 Coil Binding Machine Review

The DFG Office ECoil46 coil binding machine is a compact binder that is capable of creating coil-bound books up to 20mm thick (approximately 172 pages of 20 lb. paper) using a manual punching mechanism and an electric inserter. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features offered by the Office ECoil46 and provide some insight on the applications for which it is suitable.

Punching

The Office ECoil46 from Digital Finishing Group (DFG) is a 4:1 pitch coil binder (four holes per inch) that has a manual punching mechanism with a 15-sheet punching capacity. It has a 11″ maximum punching length, but features an open throat with an alignment pin to accommodate larger document sizes (up to 21″ in length). With 46 fully-disengageable pins, the Office ECoil46 eliminates partially-punched holes on any document size, including specialty papers.

For added precision, the DFG ECoil46 has a built-in side margin guide that helps to ensure perfectly-centered holes on every document, regardless of length. It also has an adjustable depth margin for increased durability and a polished finish on both thick and thin books, because it allows you to set the amount of space between the holes and the edge of the sheet.

Binding

The DFG Office ECoil46 has 6″ electric coil inserter built into the top of the machine, which dramatically increases binding productivity. The inserter itself is a rubber roller that is activated by a foot pedal and advances the coil through the holes in the document as it spins. To use the coil inserter, begin by threading the coil through the first few holes of your document by hand. Use the foot pedal to engage the inserter motor and place the coil spine against the roller so that it spins the coil and feeds it through the holes in your book. To finish the bind, use a pair of coil crimping pliers to trim the excess from the ends of the book and add a crimp to secure the pages in place. The electric coil inserter is capable of inserting 4:1 pitch coils up to 20mm (3/4″) in diameter (larger coils can be inserted manually).

Coil-bound books offer a number of unique features as compared to other traditional binding styles, such as the ability to turn pages 360 degrees. Documents bound with coils also lay flat when opened, which makes coils a preferred binding method for coursebooks, presentations, and reports since they allow for easy note-taking.

In Review

Coil binding is one of the most popular binding methods for businesses and organizations of all types, because it offers variety and durability at an affordable price point. For those looking for a cost-effective binding machine for light-duty binding, the DFG Office ECoil46 is a great choice. The manual punching feature helps to keep the machine’s cost low, while the electric coil inserter helps to increase binding productivity. The ECoil46 has fully-disengageable pins and an open punching throat, so it can accommodate virtually any paper size with ease. Although it won’t stand up to high-volume usage in a production environment, the DFG Office ECoil46 would make an excellent addition to any home, small office, or school with low-volumen coil binding needs.

How Do I Print Single-Color Clear Covers with the Foilfast P21x Printer? (Windows Users)

Whether you’re binding your documents using binding wires, 19-ring plastic combs, spiral coils, or Velobind binding spines, it’s the cover of your book that will make the first impression on the reader. There are few more powerful ways to enhance the look of your reports than by binding with customized binding covers. Below are the step-by-step instructions for printing single-color clear binding covers using the Foilfast P21x Printer from Powis Parker (for Windows users):

Note: When you choose to print your cover using the single-color mode, the printer will ignore the colors used in your original artwork and will only print in the designated foil color. For example, if you original artwork is black, but you select red foil in single-color mode, then your image will be printed with red foil. Similarly, if your artwork has multiple colors, then using single-color mode will cause the entire image to print in the designated color of foil.

Instructions (Using Non-Adobe Software)

  1. Choose “Print” from the “File” menu of the program that you are using.
  2. The main “Print” dialog box will pop up automatically. In the “Printer Name” menu, select the Foilfast printer and then click the “Properties” button.
  3. When the “Properties” dialog box appears, verify that “Foilfast ClearCover” is the selected option in the “Media Type” box. In the “Print Mode” box, select the “Single Ink” option. Note: The “Undercoat” box will be automatically checked when “Foilfast ClearCover” is selected as the “Media Type.” An undercoat is required when printing on clear covers, so be sure to leave this box checked. Also, ensure that a Foil Primer cartridge is loaded into the printer before proceeding.
  4. If you are printing in any color other than gold, click the button next to the desired color on the “Select Cartridge(s)” menu.
  5. After all settings have been adjusted as indicated, click the “OK” button.
  6. The “Print” dialog box will appear again. Verify that the size of your cover matches the setting in the “Properties” dialog box, and adjust the number of copies to match the number of covers required.
  7. Load a clear cover into the feed tray. Note: Clear covers should be loaded one at a time to help prevent jamming and misfeeds.
  8. Click the “Print” button to begin printing your customized clear covers.

Instructions (Using Adobe Software)

  1. Choose the “Print” option from the “File” menu.
  2. The “Print” dialog box will appear automatically. Select the Foilfast Printer from the “Printer” selection menu, then click the “Setup” button.
  3. A warning dialog box will appear that will ask if you want to continue or if you want to return to the “Print” dialog box. Select the “Continue” option.
  4. The “Print Setup” box will display. Ensure that “Foilfast ClearCover” is selected in the “Media Type” box. In the “Print Mode” section, select the “Single Ink” option. Note: Leave the “Undercoat” box checked, as a primer layer is required when printing clear covers. Be sure that a Foil Primer cartridge is loaded into the printer before printing.
  5. If you will be printing your image in any cover other than gold, then select the desired color under the “Select Cartridge(s)” section.
  6. Click “OK” after all settings have been adjusted.
  7. Once the “Print Setup” box appears, click the “Print” button.
  8. The “Print” dialog box will appear. Ensure that the paper size shown in the “Printing Preferences” box matches the size of your covers, and adjust the number of copies as required.
  9. Load a clear cover into the paper feed tray. Note: Loading your covers individually will help prevent jams.
  10. Click the “Print” button to begin the printing process.

How Do I Bind with the CombMac-24E Comb Binding Machine?

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Pull out the disengageable pins as necessary to avoid punching any partial holes.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Place your comb behind the Comb Binding Fingers so that the open side faces upward.
  7. 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.
  8. Align the holes in the document with the prongs of the binding comb and insert the pages with the front cover facing toward you.
  9. Once all of the pages have been placed onto the comb, return the Comb Binding Handle to the starting position.
  10. Lift your completed document straight off of the machine.

Six Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Coil Binding Machine

Before buying a coil binding machine, it’s worth taking some time to research the different models that are available in today’s marketplace to ensure that you are getting the most appropriate machine for your needs. With the wide array of coil binders offered, identifying the best coil binding machine for you can seem overwhelming. Below are six of the most important factors to consider when comparing coil binding machine models.

  1. Punch Capacity – The punch capacity of a machine is a measure of how many pages can be punched in a single pull. For example, a 20-page punch capacity indicates that the machine is capable of punching 20 pages at a time, so documents that are larger than 20 pages will need to be punched in 20-page increments. This metric is usually measured in terms of regular 20 lb. bond paper, so the capacity will be reduced if thicker paper or cover stock is being punched.  Simply put, the greater the punch capacity, the more quickly you will be able to punch your documents (since you will be able to punch more sheets per pull and will therefore have to break documents into fewer sets).
  2. Punch Operation – There are two methods for operating the punch – manually and electrically. Manually-operated punches require that the user pulls a handle to operate the punch. Electric punches are operated with either a foot pedal or a button. Once depressed, the dies automatically pierce the sheets. Manual punches are reliant on the pressure applied by the operator, so there is a greater chance for fatigue. Because of this, manual punch machines generally have lower punch capacities than electric punch models.
  3. Coil Inserter – A coil inserter is a motorized roller that is used to help automate the coil insertion process. When the coil is placed against the roller while it is spinning, the coil twists and advances through the holes in the document. While it is possible to insert plastic binding coils by hand, an electric coil inserter greatly increases the speed at which coils are inserted. As a result, selecting a machine that has a built-in coil inserter is highly recommended for production environments.
  4. Punching Length/Open Throat – Though most people will only be binding letter-sized documents, some users may have a need to bind larger sheets. Not all coil binding machines are capable of punching sheets larger than 11″, so it is important to take note of the listed maximum punching length. The maximum punching length indicates the longest sheet size that can punched in a single pull, however machines that have an open throat have can accommodate longer documents in multiple punches. An open throat allows the excess page length to extend beyond the punch so that the unpunched portion can be turned around, reinserted into the punch, and punched in a second pass.
  5. Disengageable Pins – Disengageable pins allow the user to selectively disengage punching dies in order to leave some holes unpunched. This is extremely useful when working with unusual document sizes or specialty paper (such as three-hole punched sheets). Entry level coil binding machines generally do not offer disengageable pins as a feature, while more powerful models usually have partially-disengageable (selected pins can be disengaged) or fully-disengageable pins (all pins can be disengaged).
  6. Coil Crimping Pliers – In coil binding, the ends of the plastic coil must be cut and crimped to keep it from twisting out of the holes. The most common way of crimping the ends of the coil is to use a pair of coil crimping pliers, which simultaneously trim and bend the coil. Many coil binding machines include a set of coil crimping pliers, but it is worth taking note of this when planning your purchase so that you can purchase a set if needed.

Five Ways for Parents to Use Binding

When most people think of binding, they picture bound reports and proposals designed for business applications, but binding also has many uses within the home environment. Below are five ways for parents to use binding to stay organized, share important information, and even provide fun activities for their children.

  1. Babysitter’s Guide – Whether you’re working with a new babysitter for the first time or have been using the same sitter for years, a bound babysitter guide keeps all of your important information in one convenient location. Using a word processing program, create sheets that list emergency contacts, helpful hints (such as favorite games, nighttime routines, etc.), special needs (dietary restrictions, allergies, medications, etc.), and even your favorite local pizza shops. Bind the sheets together using your preferred binding method for an easy-to-use booklet. To involve your children in the process, allow them to create the cover by giving them a blank sheet of cardstock and their favorite art supplies.
  2. Personalized Yearbooks – Have you been looking for a way to organize your child’s homework and art projects? Try creating a custom yearbook! At the end of each school year, gather their best tests, reports, artwork, and other assignments and bind them together using your binding machine. Place a copy of that year’s school picture onto the cover along with a label listing the name of the school, the grade, and the school year, and you’ll have a keepsake you’ll treasure for many years to come.
  3. Medical Records – Staying on top of immunizations and other medical records can be difficult, especially when you have multiple children. Try using your binding machine to make your own bound medical record books to keep all of their medical information organized. Begin by designing a few basic templates (with columns for date, doctor’s name, and other notes) for immunization records, prescribed medications, and surgeries using your preferred word processing or graphic design program. Print out a few copies of each template and bind a book for each of your children. Add an entry onto the appropriate sheet following each doctor’s visit, and you’ll find that keeping your medical records organized is easier than ever.
  4. Original Storybooks – Creating original, one-of-a-kind storybooks for your children will make reading extra special. Whether you choose to involve your child by letting them help you write the story and provide illustrations, or write your own story that features your child as the lead character as a surprise gift, you’ll find that making your own professional-looking bound storybook is easy. Just prepare the pages using a word processing program or graphic design program (or a combination of the two), and then bind them together using your favorite binding style. You can even leave some pages blank to allow your child to illustrate the story as they go.
  5. Vacation Activity Book – Traveling with small children can sometimes be stressful, but planning ahead and creating a vacation activity book will help provide entertainment during long car rides or flights. Print sheets featuring their favorite paper-based games, such as tic-tac-toe, mazes, word searches, or coloring book images (either create your own or find them online), and bind them together using your binding machine. These simple and inexpensive vacation activity books make traveling a breeze!

What is Pre-Punched Binding Paper Used For?

Many binding supply retailers offer pre-punched binding paper in the most common hole patterns. They are most commonly sheets of 20 lb. paper, and are generally sold either by the ream (500 sheets) or by the case (5,000 sheets).

For those who want to do their own professional-looking document binding but aren’t able to invest in a full-function binding machine, pre-punched paper makes it possible. By using the pre-punched paper with a stand-alone wire closer or comb opener, or a pair of coil crimping pliers, it is possible to create a quality bound document with ease.

Though pre-punched paper is popular with users who don’t own a binding punch, it is also frequently used in high-volume production environments. Since the pre-punched sheets can be run directly through digital copiers or printing presses, they save a great deal of time when compared to the amount of time required to both print and punch documents in-house.

How Does an Electric Coil Inserter Work?

Electric coil inserters are an effective way to increase productivity in any binding environment. Instead of having to manually twist coils into place, electric coil inserters allow users to quickly and efficiently spin plastic binding coils into punched documents. The coil inserter consists of a small, motorized roller that has a rubberized coating which grips the coil as it spins and advances it through the holes in the document. Many coil binding machines feature a built-in coil inserter, but they are also sold as stand-alone units for high-production environments.

To use an electric coil inserter, begin by manually inserting a coil through the first 3-4 holes in the document. Depending upon your model, the inserter will either have an on/off switch (and will be continuously on when in the “on” position”) or a foot pedal that will activate the inserter when depressed. Lightly touch the coil to the roller while it is spinning, and it will move the coil through the holes. Once the coil reaches the desired position within the document, simply pull the coil away from the roller and turn it off. Crimp the ends of the coil with a coil crimping tool to complete the bind and finish your document.

Four Ways to Get Organized with Binding

If getting organized is one of your resolutions this year, then you’ll love these four organizational ideas that utilize your binding machine.

  1. Custom Day Planner – Using your favorite word processing or page layout program, create a blank template that is tailored to your specific needs. Unlike mass-produced planners, these custom pages give you the ability to add sections that are specific to your business or activities. Once the template is completed, print out as many double-sided copies as desired and bind them together to create the ultimate custom planner.
  2. Training Materials – Every organization has a set of training materials that have been created over the years. Make it easy for your employees or coworkers to stay on top of company procedures by binding your own training manuals. Simply gather the most frequently referred to documents, such as price lists, product brochures, and company policies, and use your binding machine to create easy-to-use guidebooks for everyone in your office.
  3. Calendars – Did you know that you can use your wire binding machine to bind your own calendars? Using free, downloadable calendar software or your favorite graphics program, create the pages for your calendar, add a notch to the center on the binding edge with a half-moon punch, then bind them together with twin-loop wire (inserting a wire calendar hanger before closing the wire). This is especially useful for organizations that need unusual calendar layouts (such as Monday through Sunday or work week-only).
  4. Log Books – Have you found yourself having difficulty keeping track of company-specific expenses or appointments in past years? Try creating your own custom log books to help you stay on top of your own information or that of your employees. Use your favorite word processing or page layout program to design a blank template for tracking expenses, listing client information, appointment notes, or whatever other information you may need to log, then turn it into a booklet with your binding machine.

How Does the FlexiPunch-E Modular Binding Punch Work?

The FlexiPunch-E is a modular binding machine that allows you to punch the four most popular binding patterns with a single machine, using easy-to-change punching dies. The video below showcases the benefits of this versatile binding system, and provides a step-by-step overview of the binding process.