How Do I Punch Documents with the Akiles VersaMac Modular Binding Machine?

The Akiles VersaMac modular binding machine features interchangeable punching dies which allow you to punch in a wide variety of popular punching styles without having to invest in independent binding machines. Below is a step-by-step guide to punching documents with the VersaMac binding machine:

  1. Before attempting to punch any document, ensure that the punching die has been fully inserted and that the die clamp is in the locked position.
  2. Turn the machine on using the power switch. Both LED indicator lights on the Manual Control Panel (“Die In” and “Power”) should light up.
  3. Align the Side Margin Control (located to the left of the machine) to the correct position based on the sheet size being punched as well as the punching die being used.
  4. Insert up to 55 sheets* into the punching throat, starting on the right side of the machine and sliding them to the left until they align with the Side Margin Control.
  5. Activate the punching mechanism by either stepping on the food pedal or by pressing the Manual Punch Switch that is located on the Manual Control Panel.
  6. Continue punching in sets until all of the pages of your document have been punched, then bind the sheets using the corresponding spine style. To avoid damage to the machine, be sure to empty the waste drawer frequently.

*The maximum single-punch capacity ranges from 35 to 55 sheets (based on 20 lb. paper), depending upon the punching die being used. Akiles recommends punching 25 sheets per punch in order to maximize the lifespan of the machine and the punching dies. When punching thicker stock, always reduce the number of sheets per punch to maintain performance.

How Do I Change the Die on the Akiles VersaMac Modular Binding Machine?

The Akiles VersaMac modular binding machine is versatile binding machine that is designed for high-volume use and features interchangeable punching dies for added flexibility. Below are the steps for changing out the punching die on the VersaMac binding machine:

  1. Begin by turning off the power. Never change a punching die while the power is on, and only turn the power on after the punching die has been fully inserted and the die clamp is in the “locked” postion.
  2. Lift the lever on the die clamp and turn it counterclockwise to release the punching die. While turning the level, make sure that the lever does not hit the Depth Margin Adjustment bar to avoid damaging the machine.
  3. Gently pull on the punching die handle to slide the installed punching die out of the machine. When the punching die is approximately halfway out, use both hands to hold the die and remove it completely. Each die weighs over 10 lbs. and care should be taken to avoid dropping or damaging it.
  4. Use the included cleaning brush to remove any paper debris from the punching throat and other open areas on the machine.
  5. Insert the desired die into the Die Set Channel located on the right side of the machine, sliding it completely into the machine.
  6. Turn the die clamp clockwise to secure the punching die in place.
  7. Turn the power switch on. The indicator light for “Die In” will turn green if your die has been properly inserted.
  8. Adjust the depth margin position based on the document that will be bound. Each die (with the exception of the Velobind and 3-hole dies) has four punching depth settings – 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, and 5mm. Adjustments are made by pulling or pushing the Depth Margin Control Bar to the left or right side of the machine.

How Do I Disengage the Pins on the Akiles VersaMac Modular Binding Machine?

The Akiles VersaMac modular binding machine is professional-quality binding machine that is both durable and user-friendly, featuring interchangeable punching dies in a wide variety of patterns. Below is a step-by-step overview of disengaging the punching pins on the VersaMac binding machine:

  1. Remove the die from the machine.
  2. Identify the pins that need to be disengaged using the Punch Ruler Guide. The Punch Ruler Guide provides a visual representation of the most common sheet sizes so that pins that would leave partially-punched holes can be easily identified.
  3. Remove the punch pin retainer cover by pulling it upward to unlock one side first, then continue lifting to remove the other side.
  4. Use your fingers to remove the desired pin(s) from the die set.
  5. Re-install the punch pin retainer cover onto the die set, making sure that both sides are securely locked in place.
  6. Insert the die into the machine to begin punching with your adjusted hole pattern.

Troubleshooting Your Akiles VersaMac Modular Binding Machine

The Akiles VersaMac modular binding machine is a powerful, professional-quality binding system that uses interchangeable punching dies to provide the utmost in versatility. Below are helpful tips for troubleshooting the most common problems experienced while using the VersaMac binding machine:

Problem:

  • The Power Indicator Light located on the Manual Control Panel is not on.

Possible Solution:

  • Ensure that the power cord is securely plugged in to both the machine and the wall, and check that the power switch is in the “on” position.

Problem:

  • The circuit breaker has been tripped due to using a different electrical voltage than the one specified on the VersaMac’s label.

Possible Solution:

  • Plug the machine into an outlet that uses the correct voltage and press the Circuit Breaker Reset Switch to reset it.

Problem:

  • The Die-In Indicator Light located on the Manual Control Panel is not on.

Possible Solution:

  • Make sure that the punching die has been fully inserted into the machine and that the die clamp is in the “locked” position.

Problem:

  • The top cover is open and the safety sensor has been activated.

Possible Solution:

  • Close the top cover to deactivate the safety sensor.

Problem:

  • The Manual Reverse Driver has been inserted into the machine and the safety sensor has been activated.

Possible Solution:

  • Remove the Manual Reverse Driver from the machine to deactivate the safety sensor.

Problem:

  • The foot pedal has been pressed but the punching mechanism does not activate.

Possible Solution:

  • Ensure that the foot pedal cord has been properly plugged into the machine.

Problem:

  • The punching action stopped before the punching cycle ended.

Possible Solution:

  • Clear the jam using either the electric jam release or the manual jam release. To use the electric jam release, simply press the Reverse (Anti-Jam) Switch located on the Manual Control Panel repeatedly until the motor and the punching pins have been returned to the starting position. If the electric jam release process does not work, you’ll need to utilize the manual reverse procedure. Begin by turning off the power to the machine and inserting the Manual Reverse Driver into the hole located on the left side panel of the machine. If the punching action stopped before the pins reached their fully-extended position, turn the Manual Reverse Driver counterclockwise to pull the pins out of the sheet. If the punching action stopped after the pins reached their fully-extended position, turn the Manual Reverse Driver counterclockwise to pull the pins out of the sheet. Remove the sheets from the punching throat and pull the Manual Reverse Driver out of the machine. You may also need to reset the Circut Breaker Reset Switch locating on the back on the machine.
  • After clearing the jam, insert a few less sheets into the machine and initiate the punching process.

Problem:

  • The punching die is not properly installed.

Possible Solution:

  • Make sure that both sides of the Pin Retainer Cover are securely locked in place, and that the punching die has been fully inserted into the machine with the clamp in the “locked” position.

Problem:

  • The punching action is noisy and the pins lack lubrication.

Possible Solution:

  • Remove the punching die from the machine, then carefully apply the anti-rust lubricant (included with the VersaMac) onto each of the punch pins in the die set. Re-install the punching die and punch a few sheets of scratch paper to remove any excess lubricant.

Problem:

  • The waste drawer is overfilled.

Possible Solution:

  • Empty the waste drawer.

Five Helpful Tips for Binding With Your Fastback 9 Binding Machine

The Fastback Model 9 thermal binding machine from Powis Parker is a compact binder that is small enough to fit on your desk, yet powerful enough to bind documents in as little as 35 seconds using patented LX strips. Below are five helpful tips for binding with your Fastback 9 binding machine:

Powis Parker Fastback 9 Binding Machine
  • Before binding, jog your document by tapping the pages against a flat surface several times to ensure that they are even. The edge of the LX strip should align with the edge of your document when it is placed into the binding recess.
  • For best results, the grain of the paper should run parallel to the binding edge of the document. Note: If the grain runs parallel to the long side of the sheet, the paper is “grain long.” When the grain runs parallel to the short side of the paper, it is “grain short.” To determine the grain of a specific paper type, lightly hold a sheet between your fingertips along the short edges and allow it to bow. Then, hold the sheet along the long edges and allow it to bow. If it flexes more easily along the long edge (while being held along the sort edges), then your paper is grain long. Most copy paper is long grain, but it is highly recommended the you test your paper before doing any large production runs.
  • Coated papers, and papers with heavy ink or toner coverage may experience problems during binding. If you have documents with heavy ink or toner coverage, always do a test bind first to ensure that your documents will bind properly.
  • After the binding cycle, be sure to place your document entirely upright, with the bound side down, against one of the two rear book support fences for at least five minutes. If your document is not allowed to cool properly, the spine may become crooked. The strength of the adhesive increases over time, with the maximum adhesion strength occuring 24 hours after binding. Note: When placing multiple documents in the front cooling compartment, do not allow it to become overloaded. The front document should not hang off of the metal step.
  • Minor glue build-up on the heaters is part of normal use. To clean the heaters, begin by turning off the machine and unplugging it. Allow the heaters to cool, and then wipe off any glue using a dry, lint-free cloth. Cleaning solution is not necessary.

Troubleshooting Your Powis Parker Foilfast P21x Printer

The Foilfast P21x printer from Powis Parker offers users an easy and cost-effective way to create custom binding covers on demand. Below are helpful tips for troubleshooting the most common problems experienced while using the Foilfast P21x:

Problem:

  • The cartridge is stuck in the carriage.

Possible Solution:

  • Turn off power to the machine, then open the front cover and remove all cartridges on the cartridge holder plates. To reset the carriage, close the front cover and turn the power back on.

Problem:

  • The power does not come on when the power button is pressed.

Possible Solution:

  • Ensure that the power cord is plugged firmly into both the outlet and the printer. If the power cord is plugged into an extension block or power strip, make sure that it is turned on.

Problem:

  • The foil printing is light, distorted, or has gaps.

Possible Solutions:

  • Stop the printer, then remove and reinstall all of the cartridges. Before reinstalling the cartridges, take up any slack that exists on the ribbons. If a particular cartridge continually causes problems, try exchanging it with a different cartridge.
  • The print head may need to be cleaned. It is also recommended that you clean the platen after cleaning the print head. Note: If anything is stuck to the platen, carefully remove it before cleaning to prevent damage.

Problem:

  • The printer will not print, or stops unexpectedly during the printing process.

Possible Solutions:

  • Ensure that the printer is turned on before attempting to print.
  • Make sure that the front cover is closed properly.
  • Press the “Ready/Insert” button and verify that the ready light comes on.
  • Check that the printer cable is fully inserted into the wall and the machine. Ensure that nothing is putting pressure on the cable, and tighten the fastening screws and clamps to secure the cable in place.
  • Remove the sheet(s) of cover stock from the machine. If any pages are caught within the rollers, open the front cover and push down on the release lever before gently removing the sheet.
  • Recheck the printer settings in the application that you are printing from. Note: If you are using the parallel port for printing, you will have to set the printer port to LPTI instead of the PPI_LPTI port.
  • Use the Installation Disc included with your printer to install the print drivers onto your computer.
  • If the guage in the “Print” dialog box does not progress or the “Out of Sheets” message appears repeatedly (when sheets are loaded), your printer cable may need to be replaced.
  • If you are using a printer selection switch or a print buffer, you may find that printer operations are unreliable with bi-directional interfaces. Use one-way communication to ensure best operation.
  • The longer that the printer cable is, the less stable the single becomes. Select a cable length that is not excessively long to maintain a strong signal between your computer and the Foilfast printer.
  • Ensure that you are using the correct cartridges. The Foilfast printer is only compatible with Foilfast brand foil cartridges.
  • The cartridges must be inserted into the printer so that the “B” side faces up.
  • One or more foil cartridges may need to be replaced. When a cartridge has run out, black and silver stripes will be visible on the ribbon. If the cartridge ran out while printing, it will automatically continue printing where it left off once a new cartridge is inserted.
  • The Foilfast P21x printer requires work space on the hard disk while it prints. Always make sure that your hard disk has ample free space before attempting to print to avoid problems.

 Problem:

  • The printer is not printing, or is extremely slow.

Possible Solutions:

  • Make sure that you have enough free space on your hard disk. Note: The printer requires free disk space to operate, but the space will be released once printing has finished.
  • When your computer has very little free memory available for print processing, printing may take a long time or even fail. Close as many applications as possible and try printing again.
  • Working with color images requires a large amount of memory for both the application and the data itself, which may leave insufficient memory for printing. Make sure that your computer has enough memory to process and print the images that you are using.
  • General protection fault errors can be caused if your computer has insufficient memory for color printing or if part of the hard disk has become corrupted. Try decreasing the size of the file that you are printing and/or scanning the hard disk before printing again.
  • The time required for printing can dramatically increase if the available free space on your hard disk is extremely fragmented. Clean up your files and run a defragmenting utility to defragment your hard disk.
  • Some applications have color printing enable/disable settings, while others do not support color printing at all. Refer to the manual for the application that you are using and check the color settings, adjusting as necessary.

Problem:

  • The printer makes unusual noises when the power is turned on, and the error lights blink.

Possible Solutions:

  • If this is your first time using the unit, you may have packaging material remaining in the printer carriage or packing tape adhered to the case. Refer to the manual for detailed instructions for removing all of the packaging materials.
  • Make sure that none of the foil cartridges have become dislodged from the cartridge holders. Open the front cover of the printer to verify that all of the cartridges are installed correctly.

Problem:

  • Paper is not feeding into the machine correctly, or does not eject from the sheet feeder properly.

Possible Solutions:

  • The cover material that you are using may not be compatible with the Foilfast printer.
  • If the cover is curled, it may cause the machine to jam. The sheet should be curled the opposite way by hand to flatten it out before it is used.
  • If your cover has a cut or folded corner, it may not activate the position sensor or sheet length sensor properly, resulting in feeding and printing problems.
  • There needs to be a small margin (approximately 0.02″) between the feed guide and the sheets themselves to allow the sheets to feed.
  • The sheets may be overloaded in the paper feeder. Do not insert more than ten composition covers, one clear cover, or one Foilfast title sheet. Note: Composition covers should be 16-18.5 points thick, and clear covers should be between 6.5-7.5 points thick. Other cover thicknesses may work, however they are not recommended and may cause damage to your machine’s feeding mechanism in addition to potentially voiding your warranty.
  • Do not place anything onto the output tray as this can cause exiting sheets to jam.
  • The cover sheets must be fanned at least once before they are loaded into the sheet feeder. If the sheets are not fanned, they may stick to one another, causing multiple sheets to feed into the printer at once.

Troubleshooting Your Fellowes Galaxy e-Wire Wire Binding Machine

With its powerful, electric punch and binding capacity of up to 130 pages, the Fellowes Galaxy e-Wire is suitable for frequent use in an office setting. Below is a list of helpful hints for troubleshooting common problems with the Galaxy e-Wire wire binding machine:

Problem:

  • The green power indicator light is not on.

Possible Solution:

  • This usually indicates that the machine is not turned on. To turn on the Fellowes Galaxy e-Wire, simply switch the power button on the back of the machine (next to the plug inlet) to the “on” position.

Problem:

  • The standby indicator light is red.

Possible Solution:

  • The machine has overloaded during the punching process. To release the punching dies and reset the machine, press the punch button. Repeat this process until the punching cycle is complete.

Problem:

  • The wire binding spine won’t close tightly enough to create a secure bind.

Possible Solution:

  • If the wire closer is set at too large of a diameter, the wire will not close appropriately. Adjust the closure lock setting to match the size of your wire binding spine.

Problem:

  • The edges of the holes are damaged during punching.

Possible Solution:

  • Damaged holes can indicate that the machine is being overloaded. If you are punching plastic covers, try punching them with a few sheets of regular paper to reduce damage around the holes. If you are only punching paper, try reducing the number of sheets that you are punching.

Problem:

  • The waste tray leaks.

Possible Solutions:

  • The waste tray may not be correctly inserted and/or need to be emptied. Ensure that the tray is emptied and remove any debris that is blocking the tray from being fully inserted.
  • The “burst feature” may have been activate. Empty the waste tray and close the “burst feature.”

Problem:

  • The punched holes are not located centrally on the document.

Possible Solution:

  • The edge guide, which controls the placement of your document within the punching throat, has not been properly set. Adjust the edge guide to match the size of your sheets before punching.

Problem:

  • The machine will not punch any documents.

Possible Solution:

  • This may be caused by blockage within the machine. Empty the waste tray and check for blockage in the punching throat.

Problem:

  • The punched holes are not parallel to the edge of the paper.

Possible Solution:

  • If debris is stuck below the punching dies, then the holes may be misaligned. Use a piece of stiff cardboard to clear the paper entry, sliding it back and forth until all debris is pushed into the waste tray.

Problem:

  • The ends of the document have partially-punched holes.

Possible Solution:

  • The sheets are not properly aligned within the punching throat. Adjust the edge guide and punch test sheets to ensure proper placement, repeating as necessary until the holes are in the desired positions.

Problem:

  • The sheets fall out of the document after the wire binding spine is closed.

Possible Solution:

  • The wire has not been properly closed. Re-insert the document into the wire closer and repeat the closing process to improve the closure of the spine. If you are binding multiple documents of the same size, adjust the setting on the closure lock to a smaller diameter.

Troubleshooting Your Fellowes Helios 60 Thermal Binding Machine

The Helios 60 thermal binding machine from Fellowes is an easy-to-use thermal binder capable of binding up to 600 pages per binding cycle. Below is a list of tips for troubleshooting the most common problems with the Helios 60:

Problem:

  • The red LED light on the ‘Power-On’ button does not turn on.

Possible Solutions:

  • Ensure that the power cord is plugged in to both the wall socket and the socket located on the rear of the machine. Try testing the socket with a different piece of equipment and/or plugging the machine into another socket.
  • If the socket is working and both ends of the plug are firmly inserted, the main power switch located on the back of the machine (next to the power socket) may need to be turned on.

Problem:

  • The machine is plugged in and turned on, but the green light that indicates that it has reached operating temperature does not turn on, even after a long warm-up period.

Possible Solution:

  • If the machine is located in a hot and/or humid area, the internal thermostat may not function properly. Move the machine to a cool, dry area and allow the machine to warm-up again.

Problem:

  • The sheets inside the binding cover are loose and unglued, even after the binding cycle is completed.

Possible Solutions:

  • The thermal binding cover being used may be too thick to bind the documents. Use the built-in binding guide to determine the correct binding cover spine size for your document. To repair the document that was bound using the wrong cover size, try tapping the document repeatedly against your work surface and running them through the binding cycle again.
  • If the document was bound using the correct spine size, then the timer setting for the binding cycle may be incorrect. Check the setting, adjust as necessary, and run the document through the binding process again.

Problem:

  • The sheets are glued into the spine, but are still loose.

Possible Solutions:

  • The cover size may be too small for the number of pages in your document. Use the built-in document sizing guide to determine the appropriate cover width and re-bind your document, using a large spine size if necessary.
  • The binding cycle timer may be set incorrectly, or may need to be extended. Check that the timer is set correctly based on the thickness of your document and run your book through the binding cycle again.
  • If a document is left on the heating element after the binding cycle is completed, pages may become loose. Always remove your document promptly at the end of the binding process.

Eleven Helpful Tips for Binding with the Fellowes Helios 60 Thermal Binding Machine

Thermal binding is one of the most rapidly-growing binding styles on the market today, primarily due to its ease of use, durable binds, and professional appearance. The Helios 60 thermal binding machine from Fellowes is a compact and user-friendly thermal binder that is capable of binding documents in as little as 60 seconds. Below are 11 helpful tips for creating bound documents with the Fellowes Helios 60:

  1. Always use the appropriate size of binding cover to bind your document. Using a cover that is either too large or too small for your document can lead to improper binding.
  2. Thermal utility covers work best when they are filled to capacity, with little to no space before and after your document. For best results, consider including blank sheets to fill the thermal cover to capacity. This can also be helpful for bound presentations and proposals because the blank sheets provide additional space for note-taking.
  3. Whether you’re binding just one document or doing a more substantial run, be sure to always perform a test bind using a similar size and thickness of thermal covers before binding your final product.
  4. The Fellowes Helios 60 has an angled heater mechanism that helps to ensure that the document is correctly aligned with the document support during the binding process.
  5. The adhesive that lines the spines of thermal binding covers works best when used with thin, uncoated types of paper. If you are binding with thick and/or coated paper types, take extra care during binding to ensure satisfactory results.
  6. If you discover that the sheets have not been fully glued to the spine of the thermal binding cover after the binding process has been completed, the document can be run through the binding process a second time to improve the adhesion.
  7. You will achieve your best binding results if the pages of your document are well-aligned and in good contact with the adhesive-lined spine. To ensure that your sheets are aligned, simply place them into the thermal binding cover and tap the cover against your working surface, with the spine side down. Repeat this process immediately after the thermal binding cycle finishes (while the glue is still warm and pliable) to further secure the pages.
  8. When the machine is first turned on, it will automatically perform a ‘System-Check’ function. The control panel will illuminate LED indicator lights in sequence to check
    their operation.
  9. The Fellowes Helios 60 is capable of automatically determining the optimum binding cycle period and self-adjusting, so there is no need to manually input the cycle period. When you open the document clamp and load the documents that you are binding, the machine will calculate the required binding settings and adjust itself accordingly.
  10. In addition to holding your document in place during the binding process, the document clamp also operates as a ‘Heat Shield’ that prevents operators from accidentally touching the heating plate.
  11. If the machine is inactive for 30 minutes, the ‘Auto-Off’ function will automatically place it into standby mode, which is indicated by the ‘Power-On’ LED flashing green and red. To return the machine to regular operating mode, simply press the ‘Power-On’ button.