Akiles DuoMac C51 Plastic Comb and 5-1 Pitch Spiral Coil Binding Machine Review

Overview:

Sometimes just one binding style isn't enough. From internal documents to client presentations, binding needs and materials change depending on the project. The answer? The Akiles DuoMac binding machine. The DuoMac line allows you to combine two different binding styles quickly and easily into one machine with plastic combs or 5:1 pitch spiral coil, for maximum flexibility.

Features:

Among its many, innovative features, this versatile machine has the only plastic comb / 5:1 pitch spiral coil combination machine available on the market, including a punch for the plastic comb pattern and for the 5:1 pitch spiral coil pattern, with a comb opener to help page insertion. In addition, the DuoMac C51 includes a wire closer , like other DuoMac wire binding machines, allowing you use it for binding documents with 19 loop spiral-O wire.

With most binding machines built to offer one binding style, the DuoMac C51 offers three completely different looks for your documents - from cost-effective plastic-comb binding for combs from 3/16" to 2" in diameter, to .5:1 pitch spiral coil binding. This 5:1 pitch (or 5 holes per one inch) is a special variety of spiral coil more tightly wound than standard 4:1 pitch coil. Many prefer this style for its tightly wound professional look.

Finally, the DuoMac C51 includes the same great features as are found in other Akiles binding machines such as depth of punch margin controls, continuous punching guides and multiple handle operation for added control and functionality. These features are the hallmark of Akiles binders and make the DuoMac C51 a best-in-class option.

Limitations:

Although this machine is extremely versatile and offers many benefits, there are a few noteworthy limitations. Though this machine has almost everything else you could want in a binder, it is noticeably missing an electric spiral coil inserter. For users who do a great deal of spiral coil binding, the addition of a stand-alone inserter such as the Roll-A-Coil is highly suggested.

With so many features added to single machine, it can be a little confusing to operate and takes on the appearance of an octopus (a four-armed octopus, that is). It also has a fairly large footprint, which can make storage inconvenient. It is not the machine for you if you are looking for easy, tuck-away storage.

The spiral-o wire binding and 5:1 pitch coil binding that the machine uses are not nearly as common as other binding systems. This can be a problem when it results in increased lead times, which can sometimes happen. This is especially true when attempting to order non-standard colors or sizes of wire binding material.

Construction:

The Akiles Duomac C51 is extremely well-built, made almost entirely of metal and is designed to stand up in a professional environment. In fact, these machines are often chosen by print shops, binderies, copy centers and corporate offices, for maximum volumes and high quality binding ability.

In addition, the Duomac C51 includes a free pair of coil crimpers for finishing your 5:1 pitch coil bound documents. These coil crimpers are necessary and highly effective for cutting and bending the ends of the coil for a perfect finish - every time.

Recommendation:

TheAkiles DuoMac C51 is highly recommended for users who are looking for a high quality 5:1 pitch coil binding machine or a comb binding machine. This machine includes all of the features you will need to bind with combs, coil and wire. In addition, the DuoMAc C51 is an excellent machine at an excellent value.

If coil binding is your preference, you will probably want to you purchase a stand-alone coil inserter. Also, unless you are looking specifically for the 5:1 pitch coil, you might want to consider the Duomac C41 which offers the same features with a 4:1 pitch coil punch instead of the 5:1. It just depends on your binding needs, but both choices work well and are easily available. Either way, you will end up with a highly efficient, well-constructed and versatile binding system that you can use for years to come.

For more information or to purchase the Akiles DuoMac C51 Plastic Comb and 5:1 Coil Binding Machine visit MyBinding.com

Jeff McRitchie is the director of marketing for MyBinding.com. He writes extensively on topics related to Combination Binding Machines, Binding Covers, Bookbinding Supplies, Binding Machines, Binders, Index Tabs, Laminators, Laminating Pouches and more.

promotional pads pride mobility scooters

Top Tips on Buying a Wire Binding Machine

Wire binding machines are becoming one of the more preferred forms of binding for booklets and reports. Wire binding machines, often referred to as twin-loop wire binding, use a special type of wire element to keep dozens to hundreds of sheets bound together. The tricky part of finding the right wire-binding machine is sifting through the different terms and determining which of the three wire binding hole formats is the right one.

To start, wire binding machines are available in three different hole formats / alignments. These are referred to commonly in the binding industry as the "pitch." The three pitches wire binding comes in are 3:1, 2:1 and Spiral-O. The 3:1 pitch format has three holes punched per inch of paper. The 2:1 pitch format has two holes punched per inch of paper. The Spiral-O format has a total of 19 holes along the 11-inch side of an 8 ½ x 11-inch sheet of paper.

These three different hole formats use three entirely different types of binding elements. These elements are not interchangeable between different format machines. The "pitch" terminology, with regards to wire binding, is probably the most difficult thing to learn. Once you realize there are three different punching patterns, and what they are, you are ready to start looking at individual machines. Be aware that, however uncommon, some wire binding machines include multiple punching dies that allow them to punch 2:1 & 3:1 or a combination of all three.

The pitch you choose depends on the look you prefer and how thick the books need to be. There is give and take between the punching formats. A 3:1 pitch has more holes, and thus more loops. Many people like the "tight" look of the 3:1 pitch. A 2:1 pitch, because the holes are spaced farther apart, is perfect for binding thicker books and allows the pages to turn more easily. The Spiral-O is a good format if you will also be comb-binding books. The 19-hole punch format of the Spiral-O wire is exactly the same as comb binding.

Once you have determined your preferred wire binding "pitch," you will need to determine how many sheets you want to be able to punch at a time and whether or not you want electric or manual punching in your machine. For high-volume jobs, it is usually recommended to go with an electric machine. Electric punches help cut down on fatigue. Manual punch machines are perfect for low- to medium-volume jobs.

Some wire binding machines feature something called disengageable or disengaging punching dies. This feature allows the user to selectively disable specific punches to accommodate odd sizes of paper. It helps to eliminate half holes on the edges of paper. If you only plan on punching and binding standard 8 ½ x 11-inch paper, this feature is not necessary.

Once the holes have been punched by the wire-binding machine, the binding element is inserted through the holes. The wire binding machine, by use of a wire closer, bends the wire-binding element shut. The end result looks professional. Most wire binding machines will include a wire closer. This is a great binding machine to use in a copy shop, college, school, church or business.

Many ask which brand or model is the preferred choice. While there is no "best" binding machine, the brand Akiles has grown a name for itself as some of the more reliable and dependable binding machines on the market. For more information on wire binding machines, please contact OfficeZone.com.

Dave Stuart is an industry expert on binding machines.

exotic contact lens cheap crazy contact lenses vampire contact lenses