Using Unibind Covers in Your Thermal Binding Machine

For whatever reason, producers of thermal binding equipment have a history of spreading rumors that UniBind covers won't work in a standard thermal binding machine. One of their reasons was that thermal binding machines don't get hot enough to melt the glue found in UniBind covers. However, this is just not true. In truth, the opposite is the only issue; some thermal binding machines actually get too hot. After some experimentation with using UniBind spines and covers in thermal binding machines, I have discovered the following things.

As previously mentioned, rumors abound that thermabind machines don't heat up enough for UniBind's adhesive. But we found this to be untrue. After testing a selection of different machines, there were no problems melting the glue. However, a few other issues did arise. Here are a few things you should watch for.

1. No tested machines failed to melt the glue but some put out too much heat. The main item affected by this was steel spines covered with a leatherette finish. Excess heat can cause the finish to melt or become discolored. Thermal binding machines that feature variable temperature settings work better with the steel spines on the lower temperature setting. Unfortunately, not all machines offer this adjustment. The only other solution we found was to remove the project before the binding cycle was complete or to place a sheet of paper between the heat plate and the spine in order to protect the finish.
2. A few of the machines use flexible pieces of plastic to ensure that they are firmly inside the machine during the binding cycle. Overall, this mechanism works well with UniBind spines and covers. However, you will need to be careful when removing the document and make sure it doesn't get caught on the plastic pieces. This was mainly an issue with SteelBack spines, not SteelBooks or SteelCrystal Covers.
3. Finally, you need to remember that the capacity of your binding machine limits which UniBind cover you can use. A large percentage of the thermal binding machines on the market only bind documents up to one inch thick. As a result, you can only use UniBind covers that are a maximum of 23mm or 25mm.

If you already own a thermal binding machine, using UniBind covers and spines will open up a whole new avenue for you. SteelBook covers are an excellent option for binding photo books and hard covers without requiring a hard cover crimper. SteelCrystal spines let you show off your cover page while SteelBack spines allow you to create a custom printed cover. Overall, UniBind's entire line of covers offers great options for any office.

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Written by Jeff McRitchie
©2011 www.MyBinding.com