MyBinding Knowledge Base
Comparing the GBC CombBind C12 and C20 Comb Binding
GBC has always made innovative plastic comb binding machines and they’ve done it again with the brand new CombBind C12 and C20. These are state-of-the-art products that make comb binding quick and easy and are set to replace several of GBC’s old machines. (The products being phased out are the C55, C75, and C110.) But what exactly can these products do and which one is right for your office? Let’s compare the C12 and C20 to find out.
Punching and binding capacities: The C20′s punching and binding capacities are better than the C12′s. The C20 can punch up to 20 sheets at a time and bind documents containing 320 pages. The device can open and close combs that are 1.5” thick or less. Meanwhile the C12 can only punch 12 and bind 200, and it will work with combs that are up to 1” thick. (Both devices have color-coded spine selectors.) The C20 definitely has the advantage in this category. (Note: neither device has disengageable dies. However, both can handle letter-sized paper and oversized covers.)
Ease of use: Both of these machines are easy to use and they have instructions printed right on them for quick reference. Each one also has an ergonomically friendly handle that’s great for both right- and left-handed users. However, the C20 has the upper hand in this category because it features a low-force punch. This makes it extremely easy to punch your paper even when you’re punching at full capacity. Also, the punch is vertical so your paper will always be perfectly aligned before you punch it.
Size and appearance: These two items are pretty similar in size. The C12′s approximate measurements are 18” (width) x 8” (height) x 17” (depth) while the C20′s are 22” x 9” x 19”. Either one of these products will fit into small workspaces due to their compact size. And both of these machines look great. They’re sleek, black, and very modern-looking. The color-coded spine selector adds a nice burst of color to both of them.
Odds and ends: The C20 has an easy-to-empty chip tray that the C12 lacks. However, both machines have suction cups on the bottom so they’ll stay in place during use.
Price and warranty: Both of these products come with a one-year warranty but they have very different prices. The C12 is the less expensive one – it will set you back less than $115.00. Meanwhile, the C20′s price point is set at just over $200.00. You’ll need to take a look at your budget and decide which item is more affordable for you.
As you can see, the GBC CombBind C12 and C20 are great comb binding machines. However, the C20 definitely has an advantage over the other device due to its larger punching and binding capacity and low-force punch. However, it’s also more expensive and price can definitely be a consideration when purchasing a product such as this. Whichever one you choose, you can be confident that you’re getting a first-rate machine that will provide you with a way of producing professional-looking documents.
< 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)
