By definition, a binding machine is a machine that is used to collect sheets of paper to make a book (memory, files, reports, etc.). This is equipment that comes in different types. For our part, we are going to focus on a spiral binding machine .
Very popular with a large number of users (professionals, students, individuals, etc.), this type of binding brings together many qualities. If you plan to buy one, we invite you to follow our buying guide which will inform you about the criteria to consider. We also guide you in the use of your spiral binding machine . This will allow you to use it wisely. This way you can optimize its longevity. And for more information on the subject, we will also take the time to answer practical questions. It must be said that before validating their purchase, consumers ask themselves a lot of questions. It will not be your case after reading our article.
How to choose a spiral binding machine?
A binding machine has many advantages for its user. In summary, this method ranks among the most practical at the moment. In particular, it allows your works to open 360°. With this machine, the aesthetic performance of your files is also optimized.
If you really want to acquire the ideal spiral binding machine , you must theoretically know what a spiral binding machine is and then determine its different variants. By definition, a spiral binding machine is a machine that uses rings of different kinds (plastic, metal, helical, etc.) for assembling sheets. It borrows the mechanical system which consists of first perforating the papers and then binding them.
For the following, you may have guessed it, we will focus our guide on the types of spiral binding that exist. This will allow you to choose the machine that will best meet your expectations.
5 variants of spiral binder will be discussed, namely:
Plastic or metal spiral binding machine
A plastic spiral binder and a binder that uses plastic rings to bind punched sheets. A metal spiral binder is therefore a desktop device that adopts metal rods. You can find 2 different types. The first is almost identical to the plastic rings, the second is called “helical”. What differentiates them is that plastic chopsticks are easier to handle. It is easier to undo plastic rings if you make a mistake.
Manual or electric spiral binding machine
A manual system requires the use of a lever to punch. Equipped with indicator lights, the electronic type is more ergonomic and in most cases semi-automatic. The device will still need your intervention for the manipulation of some buttons. It is very suitable for professional use. Each type being practical like the other, unlike the second which is a little more expensive. Indeed, the most efficient are more than 1000 dollars.
industrial spiral binding machine
An industrial spiral binding machine is also semi-automatic . Of course, it is also larger. Obviously, it is adopted to process large quantities of papers. It saves considerable time. Note that the perforation is manual. The binding is done instantly after depositing your file already perforated in the device. What must be said is that this model is intended for binding service providers or large factories.
How to use a spiral binder?
In case the information provided during the sales proposal is not enough for you, below is a guide that will give you more information. If you are thinking of opting for a spiral binding machine , know that it is very easy to use. In general, you just have to be more careful when making a binding, especially if you use metal rings.
The binding is certainly adopted to organize its documents. On the other hand, it is also intended for the composition of works which is not yet final. If the plastic rings are easier to undo, the metal variants are less so. This is where you have to be most vigilant.
For more details on the gestures to have during your work, we will go through the following steps.
Gather all the files to be linked
Before moving on to punching your documents, first remember to gather all the sheets to be processed. Once they are collected, you must order them well in advance so that there are no page breaks or possible errors. As for the spiral binder , place it on a flat surface so that your gestures are carried out with the greatest precision. This will avoid repeating tasks in the event of a defect.
Switch to perforation
When you start punching, it makes more sense to start with the first few pages. At each intervention, you will have to press the corresponding lever. Once the papers have been processed, lay them on their fronts and so on. Remember to follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. If he advises 10 sheets per perforation, this is the volume to be respected. All your documents are now perforated and well aligned, you will finish with the binding.
Finish with binding
Once your document is punched and in order, the final task to be carried out is its binding. Take the ring that you have previously chosen and put it on the teeth of the binder. To dismiss them, just grab the appropriate lever. It is after that you will arrange your perforated sheets there. Finally, to have your document in hand, all you have to do is release the ring. Take a last look to see if there are any missing pages.
Spiral Binder FAQ
❓ Does a spiral binding machine come with a starter pack?
A spiral binder that is sold with a starter pack is certainly more advantageous than one supplied without any accessories. There are of course machines that are offered with additional components but this is not always the case. We will take examples. Presented at an attractive price, the professional A4/A5 binding machine from General Office does not offer additional accessories. The Pulsar+ 300, on the contrary, comes with a starter kit which consists of 10 documents. Basically, what is left for you to do is to choose your model according to your needs.
❓ Are the rings easy to spread on a spiral binder?
What is obvious is that you are not going to spread them with your hands, the task may be a little hard in this context. You will use your hands well but it will be to press the spreader lever. The rings, once properly installed on the teeth of the spiral binding machine, will be able to open well to accommodate your previously perforated sheets. To have your document in hand, you will release the rings with the same lever but by orienting the latter in the opposite direction. And so yes, on a spiral binder, the spacing of the rings is very easy.
❓ Is it possible for the sheets to tear off when punching on a spiral binding machine?
In the modes of use, we have already seen the different attentions that must be had when carrying out punching and binding. For a quality result, it will first be necessary to properly align and arrange the sheets to be punched in the machine. When you press down on the punch lever, push it all the way down. If you follow the instructions well, you can do a hole punch and a perfectly flawless binding. Indeed, it is particularly recommended to respect the capacity of punching (8 to 12 sheets per step) and binding (120 to 400 sheets).
❓ Is it possible to use plastic and metal rings on the same spiral binding machine?
On the one hand, when the plastic rings and the metal rings are the same size, it is quite possible to use them on a single spiral binding machine. This scenario can be done with the Pavo Smartmaster Plus model. On the other hand, when your machine is strong enough, this option is quite possible. You should also know that there are a variety of plastic spiral binders that are not compatible with metal rings. This is the case of the professional A4/A5 binding machine from the General Office brand. In short, you must be well informed about the coveted model before buying it.
❓ What is the capacity of a spiral binding machine
The capacity of a spiral binder differs greatly depending on the brand. At the same time, it will be necessary to register 2 elements: the punching capacity and the binding capacity. On average, a spiral binder can punch between 8 to 12 sheets per revolution. Its binding capacity is around 100 to 400 sheets. For an acquisition adapted to your needs, you will therefore have to determine the scope of the model that you are about to adopt. To give you some illustrations, the General Office professional A4/A5 binding machine can handle up to 450 sheets if Pavo Smartmaster Plus is limited to 350 sheets.
Leave a Reply