While most binding machines are capable of binding documents that are larger than 1″ thick, very few machines are able to handle ultra-thick 3″ documents. The GBC SureBind System 3 binding machine can not only bind 3″ documents, but makes binding them surprisingly easy, thanks to automatic electric punching and binding features. Below is an overview of the binding process with the GBC SureBind System 3:
- Begin by pushing the “On” button to power up the machine.
- Loosen the Punch Edge Guide Knob and adjust the guide so that the line on the decal corresponds to the line on the Punch Platen that matches your document size. Positioning the Punch Edge Guide ensures that your document will be properly punched and will not extend beyond the binding strip on either end.
- Select the desired punch mode. To select the “Automatic Punch Mode,” simply press the Auto Punch Button. If you will be using the “Manual Punch Mode,” do not press the Manual Punch Button until after the paper has been inserted (in the next step).
- Insert your document into the Punch throat. If you are using the “Automatic Punch Mode,” insert the pages just to the right of the Punch Edge Guide. If you are using the “Manual Punch Mode,” insert the document so that the pages are flush against the Punch Edge Guide. Note: The GBC SureBind System 3 has a 22-sheet maximum punch capacity (based on regular 20 lb. paper), so documents that have more than 22 pages will have to be punched in sets.
- Next, punch the sheets. If you are in the “Automatic Punch Mode,” sliding your document to the left (so that it is aligned with the Punch Edge Guide) will activate the punching cycle. To punch manually, simply press the Manual Punch Button. Note: It is recommended that you punch a test sheet before attempting to punch your document. Fold the punched test sheet in half and check that they are aligned along the edge of the sheet and with each other.
- Repeat the punching steps as necessary until all pages of your document have been punched.
- Press the Bind Button to place the machine into the standard binding mode (designed for documents larger than 1″ or for small reports that will need added binding strength) or press the Fast Bind Button to place the machine into the fast binding mode (designed for documents 1″ or smaller).
- Insert the bottom strip (the strip that has holes) into the Strip Recess so that the textured side is facing down and the small hole in the strip is aligned with the Locating Pin. When the strip is positioned properly, the hole closest to the left end of the strip will be aligned with the vertical line on the Backstop.
- Place the punched document onto the Bind Platen so that the document is face up (with the first sheet on the top) with the left edge aligned to the Bind Edge Guide. The punched edge should be flush against the Backstop. Note: The Bind Edge Guide is properly adjusted when the punched holes of the document are aligned with the strip holes and the left edge of the document is flush with the Bind Edge Guide.
- Insert the top strip (which has the pins) through the holes in the document and the bottom strip. Press the top strip down firmly until it rests against the top sheet of the document. Note: The SureBind System 3 is only compatible with 10-pin binding strips.
- Lower the Pressure Bar so that it is pressed against the top binding strip and the document stack.
- The binding cycle will begin automatically. The binding process takes approximately 16 seconds in standard mode and 10 seconds in fast mode. Once binding has been completed, the Pressure Bar will raise automatically.
- Your bound document can now be removed from the machine.