MyBinding Knowledge Base
How do I choose between Paper or Plastic Covers?
Paper or Plastic? This is a question that you might expect at the checkout at the grocery store. However, it is also a questions you should ask yourself if you are searching for the right presentation cover for your needs. Nearly all presentation binding covers fall into one of two categories; paper and plastic. This article is designed to help you better understand the strengths and weaknesses of paper and plastic binding covers along with the different options that are available for your presentations and proposals.
Binding covers made from paper are some of the most popular covers available on the market. Paper presentation covers are a popular choice for companies that are looking for an elegant and professional appearance. They are available in a huge variety of colors and textures to fit almost any need and can often be matched to a company’s logo or color scheme. Some of the most popular varieties of paper covers include; linen weave (with an embossed linen pattern), grain (with a leather grain pattern), regency (with a vinyl coating for a leather like look and feel), twill (with a fine ribbed pattern) and metallic covers (with a sparkling metallic look). Some of these varieties are available in dozens of colors while others are available in just a few. Some of these paper stocks are available in multiple sizes while others are available in a limited selection of sizes. Depending on the sizes and colors that you need, this may help to make your decision a little bit simpler.
While many users prefer the look and feel of paper stocks, others opt for the durability offered by plastic binding covers. These companies prefer the protection from moisture, heat and tearing that plastic covers offer. Plastic presentation report covers are available in two primary styles:
- Many companies choose to use a clear plastic coversheet on the front of their documents or reports to protect the contents and allow their clients to see the printing on their title page. Clear cover sheets are available in thicknesses ranging from 4mil economy grade to ultra heavy duty 15mil sheets. Clear covers are somewhat prone to scratching and are often packaged with tissue in between each cover to prevent scratching. They also tend to generate lots of static and can be difficult to separate.
- As an alternative to clear view covers, other companies choose polycovers. These are made out of poly plastic and are available in thicknesses between 12mil and 19mil. These covers often have an embossed pattern such as leather grain, crystal, sand or stripe. They are available in transparent, translucent and opaque colors. This makes them perfect for either the front or the back of documents and reports.
< Over the years, a number of customers have asked me whether they can use twin loop wire with their plastic comb binding machine. These customers often don’t want to have to buy a brand new machine but like the look and feel of twin loop wire binding. However, the answer to their question isn’t as simple as it seems. You see, they actually do make twin loop wire that is designed to work with the plastic comb binding hole pattern. With that said, if you want to use these wires you are going to need a way to close the wires. What is Spiral-O Wire? Let me explain a little bit more…There is a product that we carry called Spiral-O Wire. This wire has 19 loops and is designed to work with the hole pattern from a plastic comb binding machine. Spiral-O Wire is sometimes called Wire Combs or Ibico Wire and was originally designed for use with some of the older Ibico binding machines. A number of the older Ibico plastic comb binding machines also included a twin loop wire closer on the front of them to allow users to use both plastic combs and wire. This 19 loop wire was designed for this purpose. What Equipment is Needed? As the Ibico brand has been phased out by GBC and all of the older Ibico plastic binding machines have been replaced with new models, they no longer have the twin loop wire closer on the front of them. This presents a problem in trying to use these spiral-o wires since you can’t use the wires without a way to close them. One of the only options left is to purchase a Twin Loop wire closer. However, since twin loop wire closers are not incredibly cheap this option usually only appeals to users who have larger electric plastic comb binding machines. Otherwise, it is often advisable to simply buy a low end 3:1 pitch twin loop wire binding machine (the supplies are cheaper). This being said, if you have one of the older Ibico binding machines that has a wire closer included you are in luck. The Spiral-O binding supplies that we carry will work perfectly with your machine and you will be able to use both plastic combs and wire depending on your needs. These Spiral-O binding supplies are available in Black, Silver, White, Blue and Red and in sizes up to 1″ in diameter. If you aren’t sure what type of wire binding supplies that you need to work with your machine simply give us a call. Our trained sales representatives will be glad to help you find the correct supplies for use with your machine.(Read More)
