The DFG Titan Coil is a well-constructed
binding system aimed at filling the needs of medium sized organizations
who want to have the ability to bind their own documents in the spiral
coil style. These are a few of this machine's strengths and weaknesses
as we see them.
The DFG Titan Coil is a well-constructed
binding system aimed at filling the needs of medium sized organizations
who want to have the ability to bind their own documents in the spiral
coil style. Here are a few of this machine's strengths and weaknesses
as we see them.
Strengths:
By any measure, the Titan Coil would have to be considered
one of the most durable and rugged spiral coil binding systems out
there. All of the components are made of heavy duty steel, and we can
see no reason why this machine would not last for years. DFG is a
relative newcomer on the market and one way in which they appear to be
making a name for themselves is in the rugged construction of their
machines. The Titan Coil is no exception.
For the
longest time, binding machine manufacturers have claimed that it was
impossible to include fully disengageable dies on coil binding systems
on account of the punching pins being located so close together. DFG
has finally addressed this problem and have included this long sought
after feature on the Titan Coil. Combined with its open throat design,
this makes the Titan Coil capable of punching documents of just about
any size, small or large. When going smaller, just disengage some of
the dies to get a clean punch, and when processing larger documents,
you can just use a fairly easy two punch process.
We also very much liked the inclusion of a measuring guide on the side
of the machine. It is incredibly easy to use, and very useful for
determining the right coil size that you will need for your document.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when you are punching
the holes for your document is how far from the edge of the sheets your
holes are. For thicker documents, you want the holes further in, and
for thinner booklets, just a bit closer to the edge is appropriate. To
make this easier, the Titan Coil includes a depth if punch margin
control.
Weaknesses:
Although we are always in favor of a spiral coil binding
machine including an electric coil inserter, the one on this particular
machine is not the best we have ever seen. Whereas we greatly prefer
the ease of use provided by coil inserters that have two spinning
rollers, the Titan Coil's inserter has only one. Plus, the inserting
mechanism is only around six inches long. All in all it would have to
be considered much less effective than some other inserters out there.
A little bit surprising considering the durable construction of the
rest of the machine, the foot pedal that you use to operate the coil
inserter doesn't seem to be on par with the rest of the machine. We
would like to see it a little bit larger, and of better construction,
as with moderate to heavy usage, you are almost certain to have to
replace it at some point in the life of the machine.
The chip tray on this machine seems small to us. You will have to make a point of emptying it on a regular basis.
DFG (Digital Finishing Group) is a fairly new manufacturer of binding
machines and in our interactions with them their customer service can
leave something to be desired. These machines are built well and don't
often break down. However, if you do have a problem getting help from
the manufacturer can at times be difficult.
If you are interested in more information about the DFG TitanCoil Binding Machine you should really check out MyBinding.com.
They offer a great price on this machine and they even offer Free
Shipping on all orders over $75. Plus, they carry one of the largest
selections of Coil Binding Supplies
on the internet. You can choose from more than fifty different colors
and twenty-seven different sizes. The possibilities are almost endless.
