MyBinding Knowledge Base
What is the Difference Between the Akiles Coilmac Plus Machines and the Non Plus Versions?
Akiles Coilmac spiral binding machines are some of the highest quality pieces of coil binding equipment on the market today. However, one of the primary questions that we get here at MyBinding is concerning the difference between the regular models and the plus versions. This video will help you understand what the differences are so that you can decide for yourself whether it is worth spending a little bit more money for the plus version. However, in a nutshell the primary differences are that the plus versions offer oval hole punching, fully disengageable pins and 44 holes instead of 43. The oval holes make it easier to insert the coils onto your documents and the fully disengageable pins make it easier to punch custom sized sheets and special documents. These features are often worth the small premium that is charged between the models. Watch the video and decide for yourself whether it is worth it to upgrade.
Here is the audio transcript for this video:
Welcome to MyBinding video. This video is made to help you understand the difference between the regular and the plus models of the CoilMac line. Akiles makes four CoilMac machines, the M, ER, ECI, and EPI, and their corresponding Plus versions. Side by side, each model looks to be very similar. They have the same features but have two major differences.
The first, the shape of the punch. On the regular models, that is the M, ER, ECI, and EPI, the holes that are punched are round and they are 4mm in diameter, punching four holes for every one inch. On all four of the corresponding Plus models, the holes that are punched are oval-shaped, 4mm wide and 5mm tall, also with a 4:1 pitch. The oval holes are more popular because they tend to work better with thicker documents and lay out more naturally along an 11-inch length. Also with oval holes, the beginning threading that you must do by hand is much easier.
The second major difference is the disengaging punch dies. All Plus models have fully disengageable punch pins. This allows for a clean punch with virtually any document length and without fear of half holes punched. While all of the regular models have only five disengageable pins, which allows you to work with the most standard sized of documents.
Those are the two major differences. Now you're on your way to choosing the right machine. For more comparisons, demos, reviews, and how to's, check out MyBinding.com.
< 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)
