MyBinding Knowledge Base
How do I Thermal Bind Coated/Glossy Paper?
Binding coated/glossy paper is tricky when using a thermal binding or perfect binding system because the glue does not adhere well to the shiny coat. In the end, thermal binding works because it attaches to the paper fibers, to which our photo paper is covering. So we’re left with either using a different method of binding, OR we can expose the paper fibers for the glue to stick to. This is where we introduce the Powis Parker Fastback Splitter. It’s only purpose is to simply and effectively expose the edges of your pages so you can proceed to use a glue based binding. The machine creates micro cuts along the edges, which when bound you cannot see. That’s it! To thermal bind coated paper, you have to expose the paper fibers that are covered by the gloss, then proceed as normal to create your project.You can experiment with other options of exposing the edges--maybe by sanding the edges with sandpaper while your project is clamped? Mostly we find options like this impractical, and in a production setting the splitter makes it simple and easy.
< 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)
