Plastic comb binding is one of the most
popular binding styles used by companies around the world.This article will provide you
with five tips for making it even easier.
Plastic comb binding is one of the most
popular binding styles used by companies around the world. The low
supply cost, ease of use, professional look, and versatility make it an
ideal choice for all types of companies. Producing documents using comb
binding is actually very simple. However, this article will provide you
with five tips for making it even easier.
Plastic binding spines are available in sizes as small as
3/16" and as large as 2". Spines that are 1-1/8" or smaller are round
in shape and combs that are 1-1/4" or larger are oval. Oval combs have
special locks to help keeping the weight of the book from causing the
book to become unbound. Although 3/16" spines are available, they are
usually more hassle than they are worth. These ultra small elements are
difficult to use and many machines are not even compatible with them.
Do yourself a favor and stick with combs that are 1/4" or larger.
If
you want to bind a document with a binding length that is shorter than
eleven inches you should be able to cut down the spines using a sharp
pair of scissors. If you don't want to take the time to cut down the
combs, you can also buy them pre-cut to the correct length. However,
for producing smaller sized books you will want to make sure that your
comb binding machine has disengageable dies so that you can stop one of
the punch pins from creating a half hole on the edge of your document.
If
you are planning on using plastic covers with your documents, make sure
that you don't punch more than two covers at a time. Punching more than
two sheets of plastic at a time can cause your punching pins to become
dull or can even ruin your machine. If you are using standard flush cut
covers you should consider punching the covers along with the pages
from your documents. Punching the covers with paper will usually lead
to a higher quality punch pattern and will help preserve your binding
punch.
If you have a punch that has a depth of punch margin
control make sure that you use it. If you are binding smaller documents
set the depth control so that the holes are closer to the edge of the
paper. This will help to ensure that your pages move freely. If you are
binding thick documents set the holes so that they are further from the
edge so that they will not easily tear out of the bind.
When
using your comb opener to insert the pages onto the spine, split your
document into smaller sections. Splitting your document into small
sections will make it easier to line up the holes with the fingers.
This will also allow you to open the spine part way to insert the first
pages onto the document and then open the spine further to insert the
rest of the pages onto the comb.
Keeping these five things in mind when using plastic comb binding will
help to make comb binding easier and more enjoyable. Try these things
for yourself and discover just how easy plastic comb binding can be.
Jeff McRitchie is the designer and Director of Marketing for MyBinding.com. He has written over 100 articles on binding machines, binding covers, binding supplies,laminators,laminating supplies,paper handling equipments,binders,index tabs, and shredders.
