BINDING MACHINE COMPARISON CHART

Whether you prefer plastic coils over plastic combs, 3:1 over 2:1 double loop wire, or thermal binding over VeloBind, USI offers a punch and bind machine for all your binding needs.

We know the variety of punch and bind machines available makes choosing the right one for your particular needs a difficult task. But Only YOU can decide what will be the right binding machine and style to meet your needs. To help you evaluate the different methods easily, we''''ve created the easy-to-read binding machine comparison chart shown below. Keep in mind the following as you make your decision:

1. The Look
   Each type of binding will give you a different finished result. If you have a preferred "look", select the binding style that dresses your document accordingly.

    

2. Your Volume
   Select the binding machine that works best with the number of pages and the total number of finished "books" you need to put together. A lower volume binding machine (8-12 sheet punch capacity) should be sufficient to bind just a few books each day. A binding machine with a higher punch capacity (15-20 sheets) should be used if your daily volume means dozens of books are bound per day. For even larger volumes, we suggest you choose an electric punch machine with a punch capacity of 20+ sheets.

    

3. The Documents Use
   How your document is to be used will impact your decision about what type of binding style you choose and consequently, what binding machine you purchase. Different applications require different binding styles. If you are looking for a budget friendly, easy-to-use solution, plastic comb binding is the best option. But if you are looking for something more professional in presentation, double loop wire either in 2:1 or 3:1 ratio provides a more polished look. If you need your document to lie flat when opened, coil binding machines offer you this option.

    

4. Length of Service
   How long you will need the machine? Is this a one-time high volume project or will it be an ongoing short-run job? For higher volume jobs, an electric punch and/or electric binding machine will make the job more efficient.

*accomodates oversized (8 3/4" x 11 1/4") cover stock
**one and two year extended warranties available.

What is the difference between binding styles?
Need some additional information? Still not sure what the difference is between coil, comb, thermal and velo binding styles? Here is a quick definition of each of the binding methods available:

Coil Binding: When you think of coil binding, think of a spiral notebook. Shaped and wound like a spring, documents and books bound with binding coils lay flat when opened for easy note taking. Pages also turn easily and can be opened back to back. Coils are available in a variety of sizes from 1/4? to 9/16? (30 to 120 sheet capacities) and colors to match any presentation.

Double Loop Wire Binding: Documents bound by a double loop wire will not only lay flat but the pages will wrap completely around for easy reading and note taking. Presenting a neat and professional appearance, your pages won?t slide off the comb and remain securely in place.

Wire binding offers you two options: 3:1 pitch or 2:1 pitch. These options represent the number of holes punched per inch of paper. A pitch of 3:1 equals three holes are punched per inch or 32 holes total for a standard 11? piece of paper. Similarly, the 2:1 pitch means two holes are punched per inch for a total of 21 holes along the 11? side of paper. 3:1 pitch wire binding combs offer you the option of binding from 10 to 120 sheets of paper (3/16? up to 9/16? combs). Able to bind from 20 sheets to 250 sheets, 2:1 pitch wire binding combs come in sizes from ¼? to 1-1/8?.

You must match the appropriate pitch wire with the same pitch punch and bind machine.

Plastic Comb Binding: Reusable, resilient, and budget friendly, plastic comb binding is the most popular form of binding used by schools, businesses and home offices. With 19 holes punched along the standard 11? long sheet of paper, plastic binding combs bind anything from 12 to 425 sheets of paper on combs 3/16? to 2? in diameter.

Wire Comb Binding ? 19 Hole: Similar to plastic comb binding, 19-hole wire binding combs are also available. Available in sizes from ¼? to 1?, wire binding combs have a binding capacity from 25 to 210 sheets of standard weight paper.
Thermal Binding: Perfect for any small project where the utmost in professional presentation is required, thermal binding gives your proposals and reports an immaculate, finished appearance. Books bound with thermal binding are easy-to-use, mail, file and store. Thermal binding?s use of pre-glued spines is more expensive when compared to other binding methods. However, when the finish is what matters, this binding method stands ahead of all others. Thermal covers are available for 5 to 120 page bindings.

VeloBind: The most secure of all binding styles, VeloBind binding elements are ¼? wide and come in 4-prong and 11-prong strips. Books up to 3? thick can be bound using VeloBind strips. VeloBind system punches either 4 or 11 holes through which the binding strip is placed. The top of the strip is snapped into place and the machine then cuts off any excess prong length and heat seals the entire spine. Producing a stiff, secure spine on your finished document, books bound with VeloBind strips are easily filed and will not be lost when cataloged on shelves with other manuals. Thin, yet durable, VeloBind strips create professionally finished documents that are easily stacked, efficiently mailed and compactly filed.

What do these binding terms mean?
Wish you had a dictionary to explain these binding terms? Not sure of what different binding terms mean? Check out our glossary with its special section full of key binding terms designed to answer all your questions.

Still have questions?
Please feel free to contact us and ask any questions you may have. We?re here to help.