How Do I Bind Books with the Coverbind Personal Binding Machine?

The Coverbind Personal Binding Machine is a compact, manually-operated thermal binding system that creates professional-looking books in just seconds. Using covers that have adhesive-lined spines, the Coverbind Personal Binder securely binds up to five books per cycle – ranging in thickness from 1/16″ to 1/2″ – with no punching or gluing necessary.

Below are step-by-step instructions for binding a book with the Coverbind Personal Binding Machine:

  1. Use the built-in cover size selector located on the upper right corner of the machine to measure the thickness of your book.
  2. Select a thermal binding cover that has the spine width indicated by the cover size selector and place the pages of your document inside. Jog the pages by tapping the spine of the book against the table to ensure proper alignment.
  3. Place the cover into the binding channel with the spine side down. Depending on the thickness of each book, you can place up to five books into the binder.
  4. Press the red button on the lower right corner of the machine to start the binding cycle. The red indicator light will be illuminated while the cycle is in progress and will turn off automatically when the cycle is completed (approximately 60 seconds).
  5. Remove each book from the binding channel and tap the spine against the table in order to ensure that the pages settle into the adhesive while it is still warm.
  6. Place the books into the cooling rack with the spine side down, leaving them to cool for at least two minutes before opening them. Once cool, the binding process is complete.

How Do I Bind Books with the TB-C20A Comb Binding Machine?

The TruBind TB-C20A Comb Binding Machine is a budget-friendly comb binder that is both easy-to-use and durable. The fully-disengageable punching mechanism is capable of punching up to 20 sheets at a time (based on 20 lb. paper), and can accommodate documents up to 11.81″ in length. The TB-C20A comb binder has a built-in comb opener that works with standard, 19-ring plastic combs. With a three-position adjustable depth margin, this model can bind books up to 2″ thick (approximately 425 pages).

Below is a step-by-step guide for binding a book with the TB-C20A binding machine:

  1. Begin by setting the depth margin of the punch based on the size of the book that is being bound. The depth margin can be placed in three positions – 2.5mm, 4.5mm, and 6.5mm – using the sliding bar on the left side of the machine. As a general rule, thicker books require a greater punching depth margin than thinner books.
  2. Set the side guide to match the sheet size of your document. To adjust the side guide, loosen the black knob that holds it in place and slide the guide to the desired position. Once the guide is in place, tighten the black knob to secure it.
  3. Disengage pins as necessary to prevent any partially-punched holes. To disengage a die, pull the corresponding silver lever straight out from the machine until it stops. If you need to re-engage a previously disengaged die, push the silver lever back into the machine until it stops.
  4. Insert up to 20 sheets (based on 20 lb. paper) into the punching slot, aligning them to the side guide and the back of the punching throat.
  5. Pull the handle toward the front of the machine to punch the pages, then return it to its starting position to complete the punching process.
  6. Continue punching your document in sets of up to 20 sheets until all pages have been punched.
  7. Place a plastic binding comb into the comb opener with the open side facing up.
  8. Gently push the machine handle away from you to open the comb, stopping when the comb is open enough to insert your punched pages.
  9. Insert the punched pages of your document onto the open comb, starting with the front cover and working back.
  10. Once all of the pages have been placed onto the comb, pull the handle forward to close the comb. To remove the book from the comb opener, lift it straight up from the machine.

How Do I Clear a Jam in My Rhin-O-Tuff OD4012 Modular Binding Machine?

The Rhin-O-Tuff OD4012 Modular Binding Machine offers comb, coil, and wire punching capabilities using the E-Z Change Die System. This model features fully-disengageable pins on all dies, with an open throat and a robust 30-page punching capacity. The OD4012 is efficient and user-friendly, requiring minimal settings and adjustments for any project.

While the OD4012 rarely jams when used correctly, it has a built-in reverse function that automatically lifts the pusher bar and punch pins to their starting positions if the punching cycle is not completed within a preset amount of time. The most frequent cause for this type of jam is attempting to punch too many sheets at once. If the reverse function engages, allow the machine to attempt to return to its starting position before removing the jammed sheets. Once the pins have been retracted, turn the machine off and begin removing the jammed paper. The easiest way to release the jammed pages is to pull one or two sheets at a time from the bottom of the stack.

If the punch is unable to reset itself automatically, you will need to perform a manual reverse using the included reversing tool. Below is a step-by-step guide to performing a manual reverse on the Rhin-O-Tuff OD4012:

  1. Turn the machine off and unplug the power cord from the wall.
  2. Locate the silver plug on the left side panel of the machine (located to the rear of the panel). Gently remove the plug by prying it out with a small, flat tool.
  3. Insert the end of the reversing tool into the open hole until it aligns with the end of the motor shaft.
  4. Rotate the tool 5-10 counterclockwise turns, until the punch pins have been fully retracted.
  5. Remove the jammed pages from within the punching throat, pulling 1-2 pages at a time from the bottom of the stack until all pages have been cleared.
  6. Pull the reversing tool out of the machine and replace the silver plug.
  7. Plug the machine into an outlet and turn it on.
  8. Test the punching mechanism by attempting to run a punch cycle without any paper in the machine.
  9. Once you have verified that the pins successfully returned to their starting position at the end of the cycle, continue punching your document (slightly reducing the number of inserted pages).

Lamination Depot Receives Second Honor as Orange County Business Journal Fastest-Growing Company

The Orange County Business Journal has released its annual Fastest-Growing Private Companies list, which recognizes Orange County-based companies that are experiencing the highest growth in revenue. Lamination Depot makes its second appearance on the list – ranking no. 102 after debuting at no. 110 in 2012.

To evaluate the growth of a business, the Orange County Business Journal compared the revenue generated from July 2012 through June 2013 to that of the same period two years ago. Lamination Depot had a two-year revenue growth of 62.2%, increasing sales from $2.5 million to $3.4 million.

“Orange County is home to such a diverse and impressive range of businesses, including emerging brands, long-established ventures, and everything in between,” says Paul Godfrey, Founder and President of Lamination Depot. “It is an honor to be included amongst this distinguished group of businesses for two years in a row, particularly in a time that has been challenging for many industries. By staying focused on our core business values – customer service, fast turnaround, and exceptional value for money – we’ve been able to continue to grow our customer base both locally and nationwide.”

To learn more about the Orange County Business Journal or their annual Top 150 Fast-Growing Private Companies list, visit www.ocbj.com.

Lamination Depot Makes Back-to-Back Appearances on Inc. 5000 List of Fast-Growing Companies

Inc. magazine has ranked laminating and binding supply company Lamination Depot in position 3,411 on their 2013 Inc. 500|5000 list, which recognizes the fastest-growing, privately-owned companies. Lamination Depot ranks no. 274 among all companies listed in the Business Products & Services category and no. 41 among Business Products & Services companies within California. This is Lamination Depot’s second appearance on the list, after their debut on the 2012 Inc. 500 | 5000.

Over the course of the evaluation period, which spanned from 2009 through 2012, Lamination Depot increased their revenue by 91%. Among the contributing factors to this growth are the additions of new product lines, an expanded outside sales force, and an increased international presence. 

Many of the company’s enhancements over the past year have been fueled by customer feedback. A broader range of shipping options have been implemented, allowing clients to select the most economical option based on their delivery needs. In addition to reducing shipping rates overall, a new promotion gives customers who place order totaling $199 or more complimentary ground shipping.

“To make the list of the fastest-growing companies two years in a row is an achievement that we hold in the highest regard – especially in a time that has been challenging for many businesses,” says Paul Godfrey, Founder and President of Lamination Depot. “We’ve stayed true to our goal of providing the best possible experience for each of our customers – from the breadth of products we carry to the ease of ordering to the time it takes an order to arrive – and that has allowed us to continue to thrive in the current economy. The feedback provided by our customers has been an invaluable resource in shaping our business for the future.”

A complete list of all Inc. 500|5000 honorees is available on Inc. magazine’s website, at www.inc.com/inc5000/. To view Lamination Depot’s complete profile, visit www.inc.com/profile/lamination-depot.

Bind Hardcover Books Using Your Fastback Binding Machine!

Binding hardcover books with the Powis Parker Fastback binding system revolves around binding a group of pages (referred to as a “book block”) with an endleaf in both the front and back using either LX Strips with the Fastback 9 binding machine or Super Strips with the Fastback 20 binding machine.

Since the inserted endleaves are glued to the cover while the spine itself is not, it creates what is referred to as a “floating spine,” which adds longevity to the book by preventing creasing and cracking along the glued edge.

Pre-fabricated Fastback hardcovers are available in both portrait and landscape orientations with either “composition” covers or “suede” covers in a variety of attractive colors.

Though there are only page maximums when it comes to the binding strips, it is important to match the thickness of a book’s block to the appropriately-sized hard cover spine to ensure a proper fit.

For a highly-customized, full-color hardcover book, one might consider the Image Wrap process. A laminated printed sheet is cut to size using the appropriate hardcover guide then wrapped around covers with pre-applied adhesive with the help of the Powis Parker Image Wrapper. After endleaves are added to each side of the “book block” and the double sided adhesive sheets included with the covers are applied to each side of the cover’s interior, the “book block” is then inserted.

Neither type of cover actually goes inside the machine – only the “book block” bound with either the LX Strips or Super Strips.

To give your hardcover book a truly professional finish, create an indentation near the book’s spine using the Pro-Bind Hardcover Crimper to allow for easy page turning and to prevent unsightly creases on the cover.

If you have any questions about Fastback binding or how to make your own hardcover books, feel free to ask us within the comments section – we’re happy to help you!

Upgrade Your School or Office Security with Expiring Visitor Badges!

Identifying authorized visitors is vital to both student and staff safety. Security and staff members can easily identify authorized visitors with expiring, color-changing visitor TIMEbadges.

Lamination Depot now offers a variety of manually-issued, time-elapsed visitor ID badges. Choose a one-step adhesive-backed badge that is activated by removing the release liner and pressing the front and back sides together, or create a secure, highly customized badge by combining your choice of FRONTpart and BACKpart.

We even offer a badge specifically designed for schools which consists of an adhesive-backed badge (that says “School Visitor,” “Student,” “Substitute,” or “Volunteer”) and a time-elapsed cover that lasts either 4 hours (half-day) or 8 hours (one-day) – more customization translates to higher security!

Some TIMEbadges have a “clip-on” option. Though clips are sold separately, we do have a few options to choose from – the most popular being our metal clips with clear PVC straps.

If you are looking for ways to increase security on your school campus or within your offices, we have solutions for you. Feel free to ask us which badge combination is right for you within the comment section!

Laminating & Binding Leader Hosts Free Educational Event for Businesses

Laminating and binding supply company Lamination Depot is the leading laminating pouch and roll laminating film supplier in the industry, with more than 450 combined varieties in stock. They also stock a huge selection of binding and laminating machines, totaling more than 400 machines from 18 manufacturers. To help local businesses learn more about the wide variety equipment that they offer, they’re holding free Open House at their office on Friday, March 15th.

This event, being held from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, will feature hands-on equipment demonstrations, free product samples, giveaways valued at more than $1,000, and a complimentary light lunch. Featured manufacturers include Powis Parker, Rhin-O-Tuff, RENZ, Ledco Inc., and Dry-Lam, all of which will have representatives on-site to answer questions and provide in-depth overviews of their binding and laminating equipment.

“These days, businesses of all types are looking for ways to cut costs and increase their efficiency, but bringing their binding and laminating projects in-house is a huge opportunity that is often overlooked,” says Paul Godfrey, Founder and President of Lamination Depot. “This event gives business owners a chance to see the latest innovations in binding and laminating, to get a hands-on education in document finishing, and to discover how much they can save compared to outsourcing. With all of the new developments that manufacturers have made in the world of document finishing, I think that attendees will be surprised by how easy and affordable it has become.”

Lamination Depot invites individuals and organizations to attend their Open House on Friday, March 15th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. R.S.V.P.s are requested, and can be submitted via email at rsvp@laminationdepot.com or by calling 1-800-925-0054. The first 50 people to R.S.V.P. will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card upon arrival to the event. Lamination Depot is located in the Las Palmas Business Park at 1505 East McFadden Avenue in Santa Ana, California (near the intersection of the 5 and 55 freeways).

Finding a Replacement for an Existing School or Office Roll Laminator

If you’re looking to replace a broken roll laminator in a hurry and it is either no longer under manufacturer warranty or repair costs are too steep, here are some starting points before beginning your research and making a purchase:

“How frequently am I laminating?” Budget weighs heavily on decision-making, but it is also important to evaluate the return on investment: a roll laminating machine‘s price may initially be attractive, but not after it is replaced yet again in a short period of time due to heavy usage or high-volume workload. If your needs exceed your existing laminator’s capabilities, you might need to consider an upgrade – in some cases, maybe even a commercial-grade laminating machine.

“What kind of film am I used to purchasing?” If you have a large supply of previously-purchased roll laminating film and want to use it with your replacement machine, gather the film’s specifications to ensure future compatibility. In summary, you need film thickness, width, and core size of your existing film. Some machines can only laminate up to 3 mil, whereas others can handle 5 or 10 mil. Though the most popular widths for a school or office roll laminator are either 25″ or 27″ and most machines in this category have a 1″ core, there are exceptions. If you’re not sure what your machine’s specifications are, try referring to the manual; otherwise, we can absolutely help you!

For an even quicker shortcut, ask us within the comment section which machine is a suitable replacement for you, and we can provide you with a specific recommendation.

How Do I Clean My Fastback 15xs Binding Machine?

The Fastback 15xs binding machine from Powis Parker is an easy-to-use and easy-to-maintain thermal binding system that creates both hardcover and softcover books. Unlike traditional punch-and-bind machines that create large amounts of dust and paper debris, the Fastback 15xs uses adhesive-lined Super Strips for a clean and efficient binding process. Though the machine requires very little maintenance, cleaning it occasionally will help to keep it running at its optimum level of performance. Below is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your Fastback 15xs thermal binder:

Cleaning the Outside of Your Fastback 15xs

  1. If the outside of your binding machine gets dirty, you can clean the cover using a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent.
  2. Remove any adhesive residue from the inner book clamps by opening the cover and wiping it away using a cotton cloth that has been dampened with the included citrus cleaning solution.

Cleaning the Inside of Your Fastback 15xs

  1. Adhesive residue on the platen is easiest to remove when the machine is cool. Turn the machine off and let it cool completely (approximately one hour), then peel off the adhesive.
  2. If you need to clean the platen immediately and cannot wait for the machine to cool, you can still remove the adhesive by following a different process. Begin by putting on the heat-protective glove that was included with your machine. Since the surface