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Binding Machines

Selection Guide

Your Guide to Choosing the Right Binding Machine

Determining your needs is a simple process. The primary consideration is the type of look you want for your documents. Since the way you present your document says something about you, choose the most appropriate look for what you want to communicate.

There are four primary binding styles that are available:

Plastic Comb Binding	Offers the best known, traditional finish Is fast and affordable Accommodates the largest documents-up to 500 pages Opens 360° for flip chart-style presentations or easy photocopying Provides flexibility for easy page removal or addition
Thermal Binding	Offers perfect book-style finish Is fast and easy to use Allows several documents to be bound simultaneously Provides a flatter overall profile as the document lies flat for easy distribution or mailing
Wire Binding	Offers a stylish, premium metal finish Is secure and permanent-pages cannot be modified Opens 360° for flip chart-style presentations or easy photocopying

How often and where will you be using your binding system?

Occasional use	If you'll be using the system in your home or home office, binding smaller documents (fewer than 180 pages) several times a month or less, consider a Plastic Comb binding system, your most cost-effective choice.
Moderate use	For a small office binding documents no larger than 300 pages-or if you'll be using the system between two to three times per week, consider a system with electronic punching for speed and efficiency.
Frequent use	If the system will be used in a larger office or corporate setting, binding documents on a daily basis, consider a system with electronic punching for speed and efficiency. Or if you'll be binding documents with up to 500 pages, a plastic comb binding system may be the best option.

What type of documents will you be binding?

Corporate reports can have highly detailed specifications

You may need to mail them or store them flat
You might prefer a professional-looking, traditional finish
You may also need the ability to handle high volume
For corporate reports, a thermal binding system may be the right option

Presentations, manuals or sales materials may each have a different set of requirements

If you need flip chart style flexibility for presentation, consider wire binding
If you know your document will need page updates or modifications, plastic comb binding may be a good choice
If you know the documents need to lie flat for photocopying, plastic comb and wire binding are both suitable options
If your company wants to project a fresh, updated image, you may want to look at wire binding