Jeff McRitchie

Reviewing the Akiles DuoMac 321 Combination 3:1 and 2:1 Pitch Wire Binding Machine

The Akiles DuoMac 321, offering some nice flexibility in binding styles, is positioned as a binding solution for businesses and organizations that want the ability to bind documents in as many as five binding styles. Here is a quick list of the DuoMac 321's advantages and disadvantages.

Strengths:

1. A nice addition to the Akiles line of combination binding machines, the DuoMac 321 gives you the ability to punch two completely separate hole patterns, giving you a total of five different binding styles. On the three to one side, you can use either three to one pitch double loop wire, spiral coil or the GBC Proclick system. The two to one option gives you the possibility of the corresponding twin loop wire and specialty 2.5:1 pitch spiral coil as well. Five different styles is some great flexibility, and definitely makes the DuoMac 321 a machine worth checking out.
2. Both of the punching throats on this machine are fourteen inches wide, are open, and feature fully disengageable dies. This means that any document that is fourteen inches or fewer in length can be punched in one step, and that anything longer can be punches using a two step process. Continuous punching guides mean that any documents that are longer than fourteen inches can be punched using a relatively simple two step process. You simply punch one side, flip the document over, and punch the other side.
3. There are a couple of buttons on the right side of the DuoMac 321 that allow for depth of punch margin control. This is a very important feature that allows you to tell the machine how far from the edge you want the punched holes to be. For larger documents, it is important to punch the documents further from the edge in order to ensure that your book will have a certain amount of durability and strength. If the punch is too close to the edge, you will find that the pages are too easily torn from your book, and the pages won't turn as easily. Smaller documents, on the other hand should be punched closer to the edge in order to ensure functionality.
4. We found the wire closer that is included on the front of the machine to be of impressively high quality and see no reason why it wouldn't provide you with years of accurate service. There is also a handy wire hanger on the front of the DuoMac 321 that helps immensely with the binding process.

Weaknesses:

1. It is a little disheartening that the DuoMac 321 does not include a spiral coil inserter. If you are doing low volume work you shouldn't have much problem inserting the coils by hand, but if you are getting this machine to do more than maybe a handful of books per day, you really should look into purchasing a standalone inserter to go along with the DuoMac 321.
2. For the inexperienced user, the look of the DuoMac 321 can be a little off-putting. There are a number of levers, handles, and buttons to contend with, so you may find yourself scratching your head a little bit to start out with, However, once you get the hang of it, it is a very easy machine to use.

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