SmartLoad 12 Review: A Compact, Easy-to-Load Roll Laminator

Roll laminators are great for laminating large posters and display materials or bulk runs of documents, but what about users that just run documents 12″ wide or smaller? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the SmartLoad 12, which is the perfect size for laminating letter-sized documents and costs about half as much as other comparable roll laminators.

The Basics

Nearly all roll laminators are thermal, which means that they utilize heat to seal the edges of the laminate film and fuse the layers together. Depending on the machine, the heat is applied by either heated rollers or heat shoes, which are long, flat, aluminum plates. Regardless of the type of heating element, all laminating machines utilize rollers to help ensure secure adhesion, eliminate air bubbles and move documents through the machine.

Benefits of the SmartLoad 12

The SmartLoad 12 laminator has three primary benefits – cost, size, and ease of use. With many roll laminators costing in the thousands, the SmartLoad 12 has a reasonable price point of less than $400. The SmartLoad 12 laminator is designed to be compact, so it is small enough to fit in any environment (and it weighs only 30 lbs.). Loading and threading film onto most roll laminators can be somewhat difficult, but the SmartLoad 12 has an innovative “smart load” design that significantly reduces the film loading time while preventing the user from loading the film upside down. There’s no mandrel to load the roll onto – just snap the SmartLoad film roll into the machine and thread the film through the rollers.

The SmartLoad 12 has a maximum laminating width of 12″, which makes it a perfect choice for individuals and organizations that laminated letter-, legal-, and menu-sized documents. It has a fixed laminating speed of 3′ per minute, and a quick warm-up time of only one minute. It uses a heat shoe, and features an adjustable temperature that enables it to laminate films ranging from 1.7 mils thick to 10 mils thick. The SmartLoad 12 also includes a convenient built-in horizontal trimmer and feed alignment guide, as well as a one-year warranty.

In Review

The SmartLoad 12 roll laminator is a small machine that’s packed with big features. It may be limited to laminating documents 12″ wide or less, but with a fast warm-up time, built-in trimmer, innovative film loading system, affordable price point, and one-year warranty, it’s one of the most attractive small format roll laminators on the market. If you frequently laminate letter-, legal-, or menu-sized documents, then be sure to take a look at the SmartLoad 12.

How Do I Find the Best Comb Binding Machine for Me?

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 comb binding 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.

What are Twin Loop Wires?

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.

What are Poly Binding Covers?

Poly binding covers (also called polycovers) are made from durable polypropylene, and are most often used as a back cover on bound documents. Because they are made of sturdy, opaque plastic, these covers are also frequently used on legal or financial documents. They are available in a number of colors, opacities, thicknesses, and textures, including decorative finishes such as diamond plate and hologram.

There are six, distinct poly cover finishes available: crystal, grain, hologram, leather, stripe, and sand. The most popular texture is leather, which is offered in two thicknesses (16mil and 20mil), a plethora of creative colors, and features a glossy finish similar to that of treated leather. Crystal texture covers are made of 16mil, translucent polypropylene, and have a diamond plate finish. Hologram covers are semi-transparent, with a reflective, holographic finish in a 16mil thickness. Grain texture covers are opaque with a medium texture, satin finish, and are available in a robust, 19mil thickness. Sand texture covers are opaque with a fine texture, satin finish, and come in a 12mil thickness. Striped covers are translucent, featuring a fine, grooved texture in a 12mil thickness.

What are Plastic Binding Combs?

A plastic binding comb is a round binding spine that has 19 plastic prongs which are opened and inserted into the corresponding holes your document. 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.

How Do I Use Coil Crimpers?

When binding with spiral coils, the ends need to be crimped in order to secure the document and prevent the coil from twisting out of the holes. The most common way to cut and crimp the ends of plastic binding coils is by using a pair of specially designed hand-held pliers. Coil crimping and cutting pliers perform two distinct actions – they cut the coil so that it fits the document that is being bound and they crimp the end of the coil so that it stays in place.

To use the coil crimping pliers, hold them so that the red dot on the top of the pliers faces away from your palm. Hold the bound document so that the coil that needs to be crimped is at the top. Insert the pliers so that the lower jaw is below the coil rung that you want to crimp and the top jaw is positioned above it. Squeeze the handles to cut the coil and continue to apply pressure until the pliers are completely closed in order to crimp it. Repeat the process on the other end of the coil to finish the bind.

Spiral-O, PaperLock, and Comb Binding: One Punch Pattern, Three Binding Options

When it comes to binding styles, the most common punch patterns only work with a single binding method. In this post we’ll explore Spiral-O, PaperLock, and comb binding – three distinct binding options that can be used in conjunction with the 19-hole comb binding punch pattern.

Comb Binding: 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 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.

Spiral-O: The Basics

Spiral-O wires look similar to traditional twin loop binding 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.

PaperLock: The Basics

The PaperLock binding system uses adhesive-backed paper strips to create secure, eco-friendly bound documents. Though the machine itself does not perform any punching, it utilizes the same 19-hole punch pattern as traditional comb binding. To bind with the PaperLock system, begin by inserting your pre-punched document into the binding slot and clamping it in place. Insert the appropriate size of PaperComb into the holes and remove the adhesive backing, then use the Overturning Panel to flip the comb onto the document. Once the comb has been turned onto the spine, simply pull the binding handle down to complete the bind. After you have loosened the clamp, retrieve your finished document from the binding slot.

Like presentations bound with plastic combs, documents bound with the PaperLock system lay completely flat when opened, making them ideal for reports and proposals. Because the spine is flush against the surface of the paper, the resulting documents are easy to stack, file, and mail. PaperComb spines are secure and tamper-proof by nature, however you can add an extra layer of protection by signing or applying a company stamp across the seam of the bind – a feature that is unique to this binding style. Since the binding spines are made of paper, they are Earth-friendly and biodegradable, which is why a growing number of environmentally-conscious organizations have begun to use them in place of traditional comb binding spines made of plastic. Unlike plastic combs which require users to stock a broad range of sizes to accommodate different documents, PaperCombs can bind as few as four pages or as many as 200 with only three sizes. They are available in many attractive colors that will compliment any corporate brand identity.

In Review

If you already own a comb binding machine and are interested in alternate binding styles, then be sure to take a closer look at Spiral-O wire and PaperLock PaperCombs. Using the punch that you already use for comb binding in conjunction with a wire closer or the PaperLock binding system, you can create three distinct binds without having to purchase additional, full-function binding machines.

Four Earth-Friendly Binding Solutions

A growing number of businesses are looking for ways to be more ecologically aware, which includes seeking out more “green” binding supplies and methods. Below is a list of four Earth-friendly binding solutions for organizations of any size:

  1. Paper Binding Covers – Available in a wide variety of vibrant colors and attractive finishes, paper binding covers are an Earth-friendly alternative to traditional poly binding covers. They’re made using up to 20% recycled materials and up to 30% post-consumer waste, plus they are completely recyclable.
  2. Aluminum Screw Posts – Aluminum screw posts (also called Chicago screws or binding posts) are a reusable binding solution that allows you to easily make revisions to any swatch book or other document. They are made from 100% aluminum, so they can be recycled, but their reusable nature gives them a long functional lifespan.
  3. PaperLock PaperCombs – The PaperLock binding system is designed to work in conjunction with your traditional comb binding machine, and provides an eco-friendly alternative to plastic binding combs. PaperLock PaperCombs are made of paper, so they can be recycled with ease.
  4. Fastback Binding Strips – Fastback binding strips by Powis Parker are innovative thermal binding spines that offer a number of “green” features. The strips are paper-based and contain up to 50% recycled material, including up to 25% post-consumer waste. Their adhesive compounds are specially designed to be environmentally neutral, meaning that they won’t pollute landfills or water tables.

What is a Modular Binding Machine?

A modular binding machine is a specialized type of binding system that allows the user to easily change between different punch patterns within a single machine. Instead of having a built-in punch, modular binding machines have self-contained punching dies that are inserted into the machine. The punching dies are available in a wide array of punch patterns, including common patterns such as 4:1 coil, 19-hole comb, 2:1 wire, 3:1 wire, and 3-hole, as well as specialty patterns like 5mm coil, 6mm coil, 11-hole VeloBind, wire with half-moon notch (for calendar-making), and round-hole wire. Because they are capable of punching all of the most common binding hole patterns, modular binding machines are an excellent choice for quick-print shops and offices that perform a variety of binding styles.

The only limitation of these machines is that they generally only have punching capabilities and do not offer any inserting features. There are many cost-effective add-on modules – such as wire closers, comb openers, and coil inserters – that can be used in conjunction with your modular binding system to provide a complete binding solution. If you have a need to bind in multiple different styles but don’t want to purchase separate machines for each method, then a modular binding machine is definitely worth the investment.

What are Screw Posts?

A screw post (also called a binding post or a Chicago screw) is made up of two separate pieces – a threaded post attached to a head and a cylinder attached to a matching head. To create a bound item, a hole is first punched through the documents to be bound. The cylinder is inserted into the hole, and then the threaded post is inserted into the cylinder and tightened. Because the heads are of a larger diameter than the hole, the documents remain securely bound between them. To make changes within the bound document, simply unscrew the threaded post from the cylinder, insert your revised documents, and reassemble the screw post.