Comparing the Rhin-O-Tuff Pro Series 3250CL and the Akiles Coilmac EPI+ Binding Machines

Color coil binding is quickly becoming the most popular style of binding, passing the outdated binding GBC plastic comb style. The cost of the coil is comparable to that of plastic combs and the time to bind the books is similar as well. There are, however, some major differences such as: coils ability to let the pages turn a full 360 degrees, a huge selection of colors of coil to choose from, the flexibility and durability of the coil bind and the fact that most color coil is produced in the United States or Canada while nearly all (if not all) plastic combs are produced overseas. The problem has been that getting a coil binding system has been cost prohibitive compared to that of plastic comb systems. There are now several options for table top coil binding, 2 of which seem to stand out as the best combination electric punch and bind systems for coil.

Akiles was the first to innovate such a machine with the introduction of the CoilMac EPI. They recently upgraded the punch to include fully disengageable dies and oval holes and call the new version the CoilMac EPI+. Rhin-O-Tuff, a longtime manufacturer of production coil binding machines, recently introduced the 3250CL. The machines have similar price points and will both do an excellent job of producing coil bound books, but which is the best for your application?

Even though the two machines are similar in many ways, they are very different and each has its place. The CoilMac EPI+ is a feature loaded machine. Akiles has done an excellent job of adding relevant features to the EPI+, covering just about any scenario that coil binding users may encounter. The EPI+ has fully disengageable dies, enabling users to punch 8 ½” and 11″ paper as well as any custom size without having half a hole on the edge of the paper. In addition, they have built the punch with an open throat and a continuous punching pin so a long sheet of paper can be precisely punched even if the document is longer than the punch. The EPI+ also has a depth of punch control to determine how far from the edge of the paper the holes are. The new oval-hole punch on the EPI+ makes inserting coil faster and easier than traditional round holes. The coil inserter consists of a driven roller and a non driven support roller that are activated by a foot pedal. The foot pedal also activates the electric punch by flipping a switch. The EPI+ has a large capacity chip tray and a 1 year warranty.

While the CoilMac EPI+ was designed to cover virtually any coil binding situation, the 3250CL was specifically designed to make coil binding super simple for the most common application. The 3250CL is specifically engineered to punch 11″ and 8 ½” paper with no set up. The 3250CL has push button controls, eliminating foot pedals and other unsightly features. Rhin-O-Tuff tapped HP to assist in the design of the system and the result is a durable, attractive and easy to use system that looks more like a laser printer than a binding machine. The 3250CL features an industry best 3 year warranty and is made in the US.

Both punches are designed to accept an astounding 25 sheets per punch while competitive machines handle only 10 to 15 sheets at a time. They also both have an incorporated U shaped channel to aid in the insertion of the coil.

Choosing between the two punches can be a difficult choice. While you will get a great system with either machine, one may be better suited for your applications. In general, the 3250CL is designed for an office environment as it has super simple controls and a very attractive design. The CoilMac EPI+ is great for quick print and print for pay applications as well as for users who will need to produce documents of varying sheet sizes.

To purchase the Rhin-O-Tuff 3250CL Pro Series Coil Binding Machine or the Akiles EPI Plus Electric Oval Hole Coil Binding Machine visit MyBinding.com. We are one of the largest dealers for Akiles and Rhino Tuff binding equipment on the web and are always happy to answer any questions that you might have.