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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.