What should I know about copier tabs?

Using copier tabs is an excellent way to keep materials organized.  However, with four different styles and multiple options for each one, it can be confusing to know which is right for you.  Here is a guide to help you choose the best copier tabs for your needs.

  • One thing that will help you narrow your decision is what type of tab capable machine you have.  Many machines are built for use with a specific tab style.
  • If you’re not limited by your machine, choose the collation style that will work the best for you. The collations can be one of four ways.  The most common are Single Reverse Collated Copier Tabs.  These are arranged in the reverse order they will appear in your finished product.  The next most popular are Double Reverse Collated Copier Tabs.  Similar to the first, these also come in descending order but each tab is doubled.  Straight Collated Copier Tabs are in ascending order and Uncollated Copier Tabs come with only one tab position per box.
  • Next, decide the cut you prefer.  To help with this, count up the number of sections you have. You’ll want to be able to use all of the tabs but you can choose how many per bank.  For example, a document with 15 sections could either have three banks with five tabs each or five banks with three tabs each.  Consider how you want the tabs to look in the finished material.
  • What paper weight do you prefer?  Most copier tabs come either in 90lb bond or a slightly heavier 110lb bond paper stock.
  • Do you want Trilar coating on the tabs?  This option covers the tab in a toner-receptive coating that allows printing directly on the tab.  It also provides a wipe off surface and gives your document a more professional look.  Trilar tabs come in clear or multicolored.  They are also called Mylar, plastic, or laminated tabs.
  • Another potential option is to have the binding edge reinforced.  This adds extra strength to the edge that will be bound, most often the 11″ edge opposite the tabs.  This can be especially helpful if the items will be in a three ring binder and/or used often.
  • Speaking of three ring binders, one final option we’ll mention is drilling.  You can get your copier tabs drilled with three holes for use in a three ring binder.  Some copier tabs are available with a variety of drilling options for use in several different binding machines.
Related Knowledgebase Articles
Can I use wire with my comb binding machine?
Krish Technologies posted this on Jul 8, 2015

< 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)

How to clean my roll laminator?
posted this on Jul 8, 2015

(Read More)

How can I change the film on my roll laminator?
Production MyBinding posted this on Jul 8, 2015

(Read More)

How to fix a jam on my pouch laminator?
posted this on Jul 8, 2015

(Read More)

What should I look for in a Laminator?
posted this on Jul 8, 2015

(Read More)

How do I use a carrier with my Pouch Laminator?
posted this on Jul 8, 2015

(Read More)

How should I use my pouch laminator?
posted this on Jul 8, 2015

(Read More)

How do I choose the right Laminating Pouch?
posted this on Jul 8, 2015

(Read More)

How do I laminate something with a Roll Laminator?
posted this on Jul 8, 2015

(Read More)

What are my options for binding half-sized documents?
posted this on Jul 8, 2015

(Read More)