MyBinding Knowledge Base
Comparing the GBC Magnapunch and the Rhin-O-Tuff HD7700
Rhin-O-Tuff’s line of heavy duty punches (HD7700 Ultima, HD7000, and HD6500) along with the MagnaPunch are the most prominent of table top production punches on the market today. All of these punches are capable workhorses for a production environment; however there are several key differences. Most users will end up deciding between the MagnaPunch and the HD7700 Ultima.
The HD7700 Ultima is perhaps the strongest table top punch on the market today. It has an exceptionally high punch capacity compared to the MagnaPunch and a comparable punching cycle. The punching cycle on the MagnaPunch is an impressive ½ second, while the HD7700 is not far behind at 2/3 second cycle. In a production environment, that difference is not noticeable as it would take longer to grab the next lift to punch.
The greatest strength of the MagnaPunch is the fact that the die sets do not have locks or levers to keep them in place. This means that a die set can be changed in seconds. The HD7700 Ultima features Rhin-O-Tuff’s patented Quick Change Die System, enabling die sets to be removed is a matter of seconds as well. While the MagnaPunch certainly has the edge in the time savings factor of changing the die, the difference is minimal at best. Of greater importance is the fact that the die lock system of the MagnaPunch is prone to failure, creating a host of potential problems. The common solution in most production shops is to tape the die set in place. The Quick Change Die System ensures that the dies are always secure and will not float as MagnaPunch dies are prone to do as well.
In today’s market place, space is as important as cost and time savings. Most table top punches claim to be “modular” in design, enabling the user to stack a binding unit on top of the punch. The HD7700 Ultima, as with all HD Rhin-O-Tuff punches, is truly modular with a large flat surface that is ideal for stacking a binding module. The goal of a modular system is to stack the binding module on top of the punch when not in use for space savings or when producing a short run of books for a single user. However, when a larger production run arrives, the user can separate the punch from the binder and create separate stations for two users, cutting production time in half. The MagnaPunch claims to be modular in design, but features a composite cover that is tall, curved and has ridges and does not have a surface that is conducive for stacking a binding module on top.
The HD7700 was designed to be tough and easy to use. The HD7700 Ultima features an adjustable edge guide, controlled by a knob on the side of the machine to ensure that it is always square. The MagnaPunch has an adjustable edge guide as well, and is adjusted with a thumbscrew then moved and squared to the page by hand.
Perhaps the biggest difference between the HD7700 Ultima and the MagnaPunch is that the MagnaPunch has a horizontal punching surface while the HD7700 is vertical. A horizontal punch makes punching longer documents easier as the table offers support to the paper. The vertical punch of the HD7700 is ideal for most regular paper sizes as paper can be dropped into the punch, automatically justifying the punched edge of the page.
While the HD7700 features 14″ punching capacity for all dies, the MagnaPunch is only 11.7″ for most patterns. The HD7700 will handle most European and legal size documents in a single punch, while the MagnaPunch needs to be punched twice.
The last difference is that the MagnaPunch features a continuous duty motor. Similar to an engine in a car, the MagnaPunch motor is running while the machine is turned on. The result is a loud punch at idle and a very loud punch during the punching cycle. The HD 7700 Ultima features a very large electric motor and is quiet until the punch is activated. The actual punch is much quieter than that of the MagnaPunch, making it a much better fit for an office environment.
< 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)
