MyBinding Knowledge Base
How To Operate A Comb Binding Machine?
Here is a transcript of this video:
Welcome to MyBinding How To videos. Today we're answering the question how to operate a comb binding machine. Certainly one of the most popular and economic ways of binding a book, presentation, or project, is with plastic combs. There are a number of comb binding systems on the market; let's look at one, all of its parts, and how it works.
First, let's look at all the basic parts of a common comb binding machine. Almost all comb binding systems will have a punch, either electronic or manual, that punches holes through your entire project consistently. In terms of binding, there will be a lever that is the comb opener. It opens the plastic combs, and allows you to thread the project through and close the comb around it. Most comb binding systems have margin control knobs or dials. And some systems even have depth of margin control knobs that allow you to change the margin size according to size of project. Many comb binding systems will have measuring tools that will help you choose the right size comb for the thickness of your specific book. And since the chips must fall, a waste bin is built into the machine.
On this EcoBind C made by Akiles, let's watch a step-by-step demonstration of a book being made. Beginning with the covers, place them faced down on the punched side into the throat of the machine. This is where the side margin control and depth of margin control comes into play. You set them so all punches will be consistent throughout your project and you make your punch. This is certainly where electronic punching and punch capacity make all the difference. Spend the time that you need to punch through the rest of the papers in your project.
And now we have arrived at the binding part. First is comb selection. This is where you use the built-in measuring tools to make sure you get the right size comb for the thickness of your book. Once you have selected your comb, you feed it onto the teeth of the comb opener. You use the lever on the machine to open the teeth of the comb. Now it's time to thread your project over the teeth of the comb. This is a little tricky at first but you'll get the hang of it. Close the teeth of the comb with the same lever and you're all set.
Certainly all binding machines and systems work differently but that's basics of how to use a comb binding machine. For more articles, how to's, demos, and reviews on all things binding, 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)
