MyBinding Knowledge Base
How do I know what cartridge to use with my Xyron Laminator?
Xyron laminators are easy to use and are perfect for both personal and professional applications. When you use one of these devices, all you need to do is insert a cartridge, place your item in the feed opening, and crank the handle. It couldn’t be easier. There are just a few things about the different types of cartridges you need to know in order to choose the right one for you.
- Two-sided laminate. These cartridges will encapsulate your documents and make them look like they were processed with a traditional pouch or roll laminator. Most cartridges provide glossy laminate although you can find matte film if you look hard enough.
- Repositionable adhesive. This adhesive is really helpful if you’re going to be making stickers, labels, and/or signs. The adhesive is applied to one side of your document and you’ll be able to stick it anywhere and then move it later on. Keep in mind that there might be some residue left behind when you move your sticker or sign.
- Permanent adhesive. These cartridges are pretty similar to repositionable adhesive cartridges except the adhesive is permanent. You should use one of these cartridges when you don’t think you’ll need to move your stickers or signs after they’ve been applied to a surface.
- High-tack adhesive. If you’re going to use your stickers, signs, or labels a lot, high-tack adhesive might be right for your needs. This adhesive is extremely strong and is perfect for those items that require a high-quality adhesive.
- Laminate/adhesive cartridges. These are some of the most versatile cartridges available. When you use one, your document will be laminated one side and have adhesive on the other side. Both glossy and matte laminate is available, as are repositionable, permanent, and high-tack adhesives.
- Magnet cartridges. If you have a Xyron Creative Station laminator, you might be able to use magnet cartridges to create your very own magnets. One of these cartridges will apply a magnet to the back of your document and laminate the front.
These are the cartridges that are available for Xyron laminators. You should consult your machine’s instruction manual to determine which cartridges can be used with it.
< 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)
