MyBinding Knowledge Base
How do I bind a large document?
Binding large documents can be challenging especially since so many binding machines are designed for use with letter-sized paper. Whether you’re using large sheets of paper or your document is exceptionally thick, you may be thinking that there is no way to bind it. Luckily, that’s not the case. Here are a few ways you can bind your larger documents: 
- Plastic comb binding. A lot of people like comb binding because it’s relatively easy as well as affordable. This binding method is good for thicker documents since the largest combs are 2” in diameter and can bind work that’s up to 425 pages long. Also, it is possible to use larger sheets of paper with a comb binding machine provided it has these two features: an open punching throat and disengageable dies. The open punching throat will accommodate your paper and the disengageable dies will allow you to produce the right number of holes for your document. After you disengage (or engage) the appropriate dies, punch holes in your document and then bind it with the machine’s comb opener. Repeat the process if necessary.
- Coil binding. Coil binding is another popular document finishing method for a couple of reasons. For one thing, coils are available in a lot of different colors and there are even some that are environmentally friendly. Also, coils can bind thick documents that contain as many as 440 pages. You need to keep in mind though that if you choose this method, you will need to use a machine with the aforementioned open punching throat and disengageable dies. You can then spin the coil through the holes in the paper manually or with an electric coil inserter. When you’re done, you will need to crimp the ends of them after you bind your work. Crimping the coil secures the binding and is done with crimping pliers. Some people find this task a bit challenging but it gets easier with practice. (Watch the accompanying video to see how crimping is done.)
< 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)
