How do I bind a document using a Modular Comb Punch?

Fixed die modular binding punches are designed for users who have outgrown a combo binding machine but don’t need the ability to punch multiple hole patterns. These punches are designed for higher volumes of punching and for use with a stand alone finisher. Here are some simple directions for using a modular comb punch.

Prior to punching your document, determine the number of holes required for the document (depends on the side of the document that is to be bound – 11″ edge requires 19 holes – 8 1/2″ edge requires 15 holes).

1. Deselect the Die Pins you do not want to punch by lifting the Selector Pin Lid and pulling the pins up.

2. Set the Depth-of-Punch Lever (on the left side of the punch) to either under or over 9/16″. This refers to the diameter of the comb element being used. Plastic binding is the only bind style that uses this measure, and its main purpose is to adjust the margin from the edge of the paper to the holes being punched so the element is properly filled. If the margin is punched too deep into the paper for a small element (i.e. 1/4″), the pages will not open or turn easily because there is not enough room inside the element. Conversely, if the margin is punched too shallow for a large document (i.e. 1/2″), the pages could tear out if the document was roughly handled or dropped.

3. Using a test lift of paper (or covers if using oversize covers), insert the sheets into the Punch Throat, moving them until they are flush against the Edge Guide and all the way into the bottom of the Punch Throat. Hold the sheets in place with one hand.

4. To punch, press the Punch Button or Foot Pedal.

5. Now, take one sheet of the punched material and fold it in half to check for hole alignment. If it is squared you’re ready to continue punching the document.

6. When the punching is complete, remember to lift the front lid up, remove the chip tray, and trash the debris.

Note: As mentioned earlier, Comb Binding frequently uses oversize covers. This simply means the covers are manufactured 11-1/4″ X 8-3/4″ (instead of 11″ x 8-1/2″), leaving an 1/8th inch margin at the top and bottom of the document and a 1/4″ excess margin on the unbound 11″ side of the document. This is to prevent dog-earing of the material contained within the covers of the document. It also makes the document look neater, as the pages do not stick out when the element moves in the punched holes. This does not happen with our other bind styles, as the holes are smaller, and there is less movement of the binding element.

What this means to you, is that the Edge Guide must be reset to “center” the holes of the oversize cover. Follow the same steps for setting the Edge Guide and checking the setting that you just completed. If you were punching a number of documents using oversize covers, you would set the Edge Guide for the paper, punching all the paper – then set the Edge Guide for the covers and punch all the covers.

Both Wire Binding and Coil Binding are set up using steps 1 through 5 – since the covers are flush cut with the paper (no oversize), there is no need to reset the Edge Guide.

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Can I use wire with my comb binding machine?
Krish Technologies posted this on Jul 15, 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)

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