What is the Difference Between the Akiles Coilmac Plus Machines and the Non Plus Versions?

If you're comparing Akiles CoilMac models and trying to understand what the "Plus" designation actually buys you, the answer is more substantial than a simple feature upgrade — the Plus models represent a meaningfully different approach to the coil binding workflow that translates to real time savings, improved consistency, and reduced manual effort at any production volume. This guide explains every difference between the Plus and non-Plus CoilMac versions so you can make an informed purchase decision rather than guessing from the model name alone.

For pitch guidance that applies to all CoilMac models before reading the machine comparison below, see our dedicated pitch article at what pitch you need for coil binding.

What Is the Akiles CoilMac Line?

The Akiles CoilMac is a family of desktop and semi-commercial spiral coil binding machines produced by Akiles — a mid-market binding equipment manufacturer known for build quality that exceeds what the price point typically suggests. The CoilMac line is specifically designed for spiral coil binding, combining a hole punch and a coil insertion mechanism in a single machine to streamline the coil binding workflow. Models in the line vary in punch capacity per pass, coil diameter range, whether they support electric coil insertion, and the key differentiator we're focusing on here — whether the model is a standard version or the enhanced Plus version.

The CoilMac family covers everything from light-duty desktop office machines to semi-commercial machines suited for print shop and high-volume professional environments. All CoilMac machines produce the same 4:1 or 5:1 pitch hole pattern (depending on which die is installed) and support the full range of spiral coil diameters within their rated range. For a broader overview of the coil binding supplies that work with all CoilMac models, see our guide at what coil binding supplies you should have.

The Key Difference — Electric Coil Insertion

Non-Plus models — manual coil insertion

Non-Plus CoilMac models include the hole punch mechanism but require manual coil threading — you insert one end of the coil at the document's first hole, then manually rotate and guide the coil through every subsequent hole until it exits the last hole at the other end. For a standard letter-size document with 44 holes (at 4:1 pitch), this means manually feeding the coil through 44 individual hole positions in sequence. With practice, an experienced operator can thread a coil in 30 to 60 seconds per document. For occasional production volumes, manual threading is entirely adequate and the non-Plus models offer a compelling price-to-capability ratio.

The practical limitation of manual threading becomes apparent at volume. Threading a coil manually through 44 holes is a repetitive, somewhat tedious task — fine for one document, manageable for five, and genuinely time-consuming when you're binding 30, 50, or 100 documents in a session. Manual threading also produces some inconsistency: the starting angle of the coil, the threading speed, and the force applied vary slightly between documents, which can produce minor variations in how cleanly the coil runs through the document in the finished binding.

Plus models — electric motorized coil insertion

CoilMac Plus models add an electric motorized coil inserter integrated into the same machine body. Rather than manually threading the coil through each hole, the operator presents the coil's leading end to the machine's electric insertion mechanism, positions the document's punched edge against the coil path guide, and presses the insertion button. The machine drives the coil through all holes automatically in 3 to 10 seconds — dramatically faster than manual threading and completely consistent from document to document.

The electric insertion mechanism on Plus models is the same fundamental technology as standalone electric coil inserters like the GBC CC2700, but integrated directly into the CoilMac's machine body rather than requiring a separate device. For offices that are considering both a CoilMac and a separate electric inserter, the Plus model is almost always the more economical and space-efficient choice. For comparison with the GBC CC2700 standalone inserter approach, see our dedicated guide at how to use the GBC CC2700 coil inserter.

Other Differences Between Plus and Non-Plus

Production throughput

The throughput difference between Plus and non-Plus models is significant at any production volume above approximately 10 documents per session. An experienced operator on a non-Plus CoilMac can bind approximately 20 to 30 documents per hour including punching, threading, and crimping. The same operator on a CoilMac Plus can bind 50 to 80 documents per hour because the electric insertion step is 5 to 8 times faster than manual threading. For any environment where coil binding production sessions regularly exceed 15 to 20 documents, the Plus model's throughput advantage translates directly to measurable time savings.

Operator fatigue and consistency

Manual coil threading is more physically demanding than it looks when done repeatedly over extended sessions. The fine motor repetition of guiding a coil through dozens of small holes per document, multiplied across dozens of documents per session, causes hand fatigue that affects both speed and accuracy toward the end of long production runs. The Plus model's electric insertion eliminates this fatigue factor — the operator's role in the insertion step is positioning the coil and document, not driving the coil through. The result is consistent insertion quality from the first document to the last in any production run.

Price premium

CoilMac Plus models carry a meaningful price premium over their non-Plus equivalents — typically 30 to 60% more at comparable punch capacities. For the purchase decision, the relevant question is whether the volume of coil binding you perform justifies this premium. For occasional users binding a few documents per week, the non-Plus typically makes more financial sense. For any office binding 50 or more documents per week, the Plus model's time savings justify the price difference within the first year of use. For context on the Akiles brand and how CoilMac compares to other brands' coil equipment, see our brand comparison at what binding brands to consider for your office.

CoilMac Models Available in Plus and Non-Plus

CoilMac-ECI and CoilMac-ECI Plus

The ECI designation indicates electric coil insertion — so the CoilMac-ECI is actually the base non-Plus model with electric insertion relative to the fully manual model, while the ECI Plus adds additional capabilities. Model naming in the CoilMac line can be confusing — confirm the exact specification of any specific model directly with Akiles or an authorized dealer, as the product line evolves and this article focuses on the Plus vs. non-Plus distinction rather than current model availability.

Confirming current availability

The CoilMac product line is periodically updated — new models are added, older models are discontinued, and specifications change. Before purchasing, confirm the current model lineup with Akiles directly or through an authorized Akiles dealer. The Plus vs. non-Plus distinction described here is a consistent design philosophy across the CoilMac line, but specific model names and specifications should be verified against current inventory.

How to Decide Between Plus and Non-Plus — Step-by-Step

Step 1 — Estimate your weekly coil binding volume

How many coil-bound documents do you produce in a typical week? Under 20 → non-Plus is likely adequate. 20 to 50 → either could work; consider whether the time savings justify the premium. Over 50 → Plus model is strongly recommended.

Step 2 — Calculate the time cost of manual threading at your volume

At approximately 45 seconds per document for manual threading, 50 documents per week equals approximately 37.5 minutes of threading per week, or about 30 hours per year. Calculate the labor cost of those hours at your operator's rate. Compare to the price premium of the Plus model amortized over 3 years. The Plus almost always wins this comparison at 50+ weekly documents.

Step 3 — Assess production session length

Do you typically bind documents in short scattered sessions throughout the day (5 documents at a time) or in concentrated production sessions (50 documents in a row)? Concentrated sessions favor the Plus significantly more than scattered sessions because the fatigue and throughput advantages compound across the session length.

Step 4 — Confirm pitch requirements

Both Plus and non-Plus models are available in 4:1 and 5:1 pitch configurations. Confirm which pitch your documents require before purchasing — the electric inserter on Plus models is configured for a specific pitch and must match your punch die. For pitch selection guidance, see our pitch comparison at what pitch means in coil binding.

Step 5 — Request a demonstration before purchasing

For any equipment purchase at this price point, request a demonstration or sample output from a dealer. Watching the Plus model's electric insertion in action — compared to a manual threading demonstration — makes the throughput and consistency difference immediately tangible.

Quick Reference — CoilMac Plus vs. Non-Plus

Troubleshooting

Electric inserter on Plus model stops partway through a document

The coil diameter may be too large for the hole size, or a specific hole is torn or partially punched creating resistance. Inspect the hole at the stop point. If a hole is damaged, re-punch those pages. If all holes are clean, confirm the coil diameter is within the machine's rated range for the document thickness.

Manual threading on non-Plus is taking longer than expected

Threading speed improves significantly with practice, but there's a limit. Ensure coil loops are gently opened before threading — a coil with loops that haven't been spread is significantly harder to thread than one where each loop was slightly pre-opened. For 4:1 pitch at 44 holes per letter sheet, threading should take 30 to 45 seconds with practice.

Coil isn't running smoothly through the document after electric insertion

Either the holes aren't perfectly aligned (stack was uneven when punched) or the coil diameter is slightly too large for the punched hole size. The electric inserter maintains consistent threading force — if the coil doesn't run smoothly, the issue is with the holes rather than the insertion. Re-punch with a smaller per-pass batch size.

Can't determine whether a used machine is Plus or non-Plus

The Plus model has a visible electric motor housing or insertion mechanism integrated into the machine body near the coil path. The non-Plus has no powered mechanism at the coil path — only the punch mechanism has a motor (for electric punch models) or lever (for manual models). Check the product label on the machine back or underside for the model number.

Plus model is available but budget only allows non-Plus

The non-Plus produces identical finished binding quality — the difference is purely in threading speed and consistency, not output. If budget is the constraint, start with a non-Plus and add a standalone electric inserter like the GBC CC2700 later if volume justifies it. The coil quality and binding appearance are identical between both methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Plus version worth the price premium for a small office?
For a small office binding fewer than 20 coil documents per week, the non-Plus is likely the better value. The Plus model's advantages — speed and fatigue reduction — matter most at volume. For context on the full coil binding system and what supplies both models use, see what coil binding supplies you should have.

Does the Plus model still require manual crimping?
Yes — electric insertion drives the coil through the holes, but crimping the coil ends to prevent unwinding is always a manual step with hand crimping pliers. Both Plus and non-Plus models require the same manual crimping step after insertion. For complete crimping technique, see how to use coil crimpers.

Can I add electric insertion to a non-Plus CoilMac later?
Not as an upgrade to the existing machine — the electric insertion mechanism is integrated into the machine body design of Plus models. If you start with a non-Plus and later need electric insertion, you'd need to either add a standalone electric inserter (like the GBC CC2700) or upgrade to a Plus model. For the standalone inserter approach, see how to use the GBC CC2700.

Do both Plus and non-Plus CoilMac models support 4:1 and 5:1 pitch?
Yes — the pitch is determined by the punch die installed in the machine, not by the Plus/non-Plus designation. Both versions are available with 4:1 or 5:1 dies. Confirm the pitch of the die installed when ordering, as it determines which coil you can use.

How does the CoilMac Plus compare to other brands' electric coil binding machines?
The CoilMac Plus is generally well-regarded in the mid-market segment — it competes primarily with GBC electric coil systems and offers comparable or better build quality at similar price points. For a full brand comparison including coil binding equipment, see binding equipment brands to consider.