MyBinding Knowledge Base
How do I bind a document with small sized 2:1 pitch wire?
One of the greatest challenges in choosing a wire binding machine is the fact that you are required to choose either 3:1 pitch (3 holes per inch) or 2:1 pitch (2 holes per inch). If you select a 3:1 pitch wire binding machine you are limited to binding books that are 9/16” or smaller. In the past, if you selected a 2:1 pitch small sized wire binding machine you would be limited to books that were 5/8” thick up to 1-1/4” thick. But with the introduction of new smaller sized 2:1 pitch wire, a 2:1 pitch wire binding machine can now be used to bind books as small as 1/4”.
This new small sized 2:1 pitch wire works the exact same way as the larger 2:1 pitch wires that you use with your machine. Simply punch your documents, insert the documents and binding covers onto the C shaped wire and use your twin loop wire closer to close the wire into a circle. The 2:1 pitch small sized wire is fully compatible with all of the 2:1 pitch wire binding machines that we carry. If you already have a 2:1 pitch wire binding machine, you will need to check and see if the wire closer is adjustable for smaller sizes. Some 2:1 wire binding machines on the market do not allow you to adjust the wire closer for sizes smaller than 5/8”.
With this new option it is no longer necessary to have two wire binding machines if you want to bind both large and small sized books. Even though it is possible to use a single machine for this purpose, many individuals still opt for a machine such as the Akiles Duo Combo which allows you to bind documents with both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch wire. These customers often like the look of the smaller holes and more tightly looped wire that you get with the 3:1 pitch binding spines. Plus, the cost of 3:1 pitch small sized wire is less than 2:1 pitch small sized wire which allows users with a 3:1 pitch wire binding machine to save money on supplies over time.
The option of using small sized 2:1 pitch wire for binding your documents is ideal for the office that binds more large books than small books. If you are looking to purchase a new wire binding machine and you bind primarily small sized books and only occasionally need to bind larger reports, I would suggest purchasing the Akiles WireMac Duo as it will save you money on supplies over time and will provide you with more options in binding your documents, reports and presentations.
< 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)
