MyBinding Knowledge Base
How to Use Your GBC SureBind System With Plastic Comb Binding Punch?
SureBind was designed to be compatible with GBC plastic comb binding systems. This means paper and covers can be punched on any GBC plastic comb binding punch and bound using the GBC SureBind System, which increases production by gaining higher punching capabilities and allowing two operators to work at the same time.
SureBind strips were designed to fit or align with the rectangular holes produced by a plastic comb binding punch. The GBC SureBind strips fit through every other hole of the 19 hole punched paper. The first pin is located at the end of the first hole and the second pin is located at the beginning of the third hole. These posts take the ‘play’ out of the document and keep it from moving between the strips after being bound. All other posts fall in the center of the rectangular holes. Take a piece of paper punched with the rectangular holes and feed a SureBind strip through the holes to see exactly how it aligns.
You already know how to punch paper with all of GBC’s plastic binding machines, so the actual punching should not be a problem. You have to make some very important adjustments on the plastic binding unit before you punch the paper to be used with Surebind.
First, adjust the side guide on the comb binding machine so that the 19 holes are perfectly centered on your 11” sheet.
Next, adjust the back guide depth setting on the plastic comb binding unit to the middle setting. Note: to increase the productivity of the plastic binding unit, only use ten punch pins for SureBind. This allows you to increase the thickness of the lift you are punching, because you are using fewer dies, creating less pressure and stress on the internal parts of the punch. You can increase the punching capacity from 10% to 50%, depending on which GBC punch you are using. If you start punching with hole #1, pull the punch pins out on dies #2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 as they are not needed. Be aware, not all GBC plastic comb binding machines allow access to all 22 die pins. Always start disengaging pins by starting with what would be the 2nd die pin, and start pulling out every other pin that is accessible to you.
< 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)
