The GBC MP2500ix interchangeable die punch
(previously the Ibico 640ID) is one of the most impressive modular
binding punches on the market.This article will provide you with some simple instructions for
using your GBC MP2500ix punch.
The GBC MP2500ix interchangeable die punch
(previously the Ibico 640ID) is one of the most impressive modular
binding punches on the market. It is a perfect punch for small to
medium offices and small print shops. This punch, when combined with a
piece of GBC modular finishing equipment creates a versatile production
system. This article will provide you with some simple instructions for
using your GBC MP2500ix punch.
Select a die set for your MP2500ix and
insert fully into the system. You may first have to remove a die set
already in the system.
Determine the number of holes
required for your document, and deselect any pins not required. The
pins are located under the Selector Pin Lid.
The edge
guide on the MP2500ix punching table has a number of alignment markings
that correspond to the correct Edge Guide position for a variety of
punching patterns and paper sizes. To adjust the Edge Guide to the
proper cover/paper selection, ie. 11" x 8-1/2" to center the holes in
the paper from top to bottom of the binding edge, loosen the Edge Guide
Knob by turning it counter-clockwise. Slide the Edge Guide to the
correct alignment mark that corresponds to your selected punching
pattern and paper size. Tighten the Edge Guide Knob to lock the Edge
Guide in place. Please note, the markings for the location of the Edge
Guide are approximate, and you may have to slightly adjust the Edge
Guide within the area of the marking to obtain correct centering. It is
important that the Edge Guide be properly positioned for the size
paper/cover you are punching.
Turn the system on by
pushing the ON/Off switch at the back of the unit to ON (I). Verify
that the Power light is on. Select a small list of paper, and place it
vertically into the Punch Throat. Slide the stack of sheets all the way
to the left, against the Edge Guide. Activate the punch cycle by either
pressing the Palm Switch or the Foot Pedal. Remove the punched
material. To determine if the Edge Guide is set correctly, fold a
single sheet of the punched paper in half along the punched edge. Match
the holes up - if the corners of the paper match with no overlap - the
space above the first hole is the same amount of space above the last
hole, the alignment is correct. If not, readjust the Edge Guide (very
slightly - a small move can make a big difference) and repeat the
process until the edges are squared. The punch is now ready to use.
For Velobind, follow the preceding procedure, but when you fold the
paper in half along the bind edge, the two holes closest to the "V" of
the paper are your center points. If the paper is aligned at that
point, the Die Set is properly centered.
Because
of its open end Punch Throat design, the MP2500ix can punch
non-standard sheet sizes that are larger than the maximum width of the
paper that can be punched in one operation. Not that multiple steps are
required to punch these larger sheets of paper. Some experimentation
will be required to determine the correct position for the Edge Guide.
You may need to remove some of the Punch Pins for proper punching of
some combinations of paper sizes and punching patterns. This can be
quickly and easily accomplished by following this guideline - firs
remove the Die Set you will be using
Determine the punch pins to be removed - note, you will be punching the
paper two times - first one half, then the other. To prepare for this
operation, first place a single sheet of the non-standard size paper to
be punched beside the dieset. Carefully fold the sheet in half. Holding
the half sheet up to the pins, determine which pins will be required to
punch HALF of the paper.
Remove the extra
punch pins by gently pressing down on the top rail of the Die Set.
Unlatch the hook end of the Pin Retainer Rail (beside the Die Set
Handle) and swing it free from the top of the Punch Pins. Pull the
Punch Pins out that are not required. Reattach the Punch Pin Retainer.
Reinstall the die set by sliding the die set into the machine as previously instructed.
Test
several sheets of paper by punching one half, turning the paper around,
then punching the other half. Adjust the Edge Guide and/or number the
Punch Pins as needed to acquire the desired results.
The
640ID uses a variety of easily interchangeable Die Sets, which
versatility is one of the main features that makes this system so
desirable, as it allows the operator create many different images with
the select bind styles. Note: each punching style listed below requires
a separate Die Set, with the exception of the 2-4/3-5-7 Die Set, which
is for Looseleaf Binding styles. A decal on the handle of each
interchangeable die set indicates the punching pattern.
Jeff McRitchie is the designer and Director of Marketing for MyBinding.com. He has written over 100 articles on binding machines,binding covers,binders,laminators,binding supplies,laminating supplies,paper handling equipments,index tabs, and shredders.
