MyBinding Knowledge Base
What are the difference between Utility and Prestige Linen Thermal Binding Covers?
When using a thermal binding machine, you have many choices for covers. A commonly asked question from our customers is what is the difference between standard thermal binding utility covers and the higher-priced Prestige Linen Thermal Binding Covers. Each option features linen weave backs and spines and look very similar. However, there are a few things that set the Prestige Linen Thermal Binding Covers apart from the regular Utility Covers. Here is a short list of the differences.
- Available Sizes: Thermal Binding Utility Covers only come in spines of ½” thick or smaller. For the majority of users, this size will be just fine. However, if you’re looking for a larger cover, the Prestige Linen Thermal Covers come a wide as two inches.
- Lead Time: Generally, MyBinding.com keeps Thermal Binding Utility Covers in stock, making them able to ship at any time. Prestige Covers offer a variety of customizable options that Utility Covers do not. Therefore, they are made to order and can take up to two weeks to ship.
- Front Cover Options: Utility covers come in a single style. They feature a linen weave back cover and spine with a 6mil clear front cover. By contrast, Prestige linen covers offer a variety of front cover options. You can choose from a clear 10mil cover, frosted 10mil cover, plain linen weave cover, and a plain linen cover with a window.
- Color Options: Both cover choices offer a decent selection of color options. Prestige Covers do have the edge in this category, offering extra colors that aren’t available in the Utility style. This point alone may tip your decision one way or the other if you are looking for a very specific color.
< 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)
