- Written by
Jeff McRitchie
- Posted at 11:48 am
There are many different kind of offices machines that make life easier for millions of professionals all over the country. Whether it’s a computer or fax machine, photocopier or printer, office machines enable people to get their work done quickly. One type of office device that gets used frequently but is rarely discussed is the binding machine. Binding machines enable workers to produce professional-looking bound documents for a variety of different uses (i.e. meetings, sales materials, employee handbooks, etc.). There are different types of these devices available including plastic comb (one of the world’s most popular bookbinding methods), twin-loop wire, thermal, spiral, and so on. This Hub is about some of the most prominent binding machine manufacturers so you can become familiar with them and the types of products they make.
- Digital Finishing Group. This is a pretty new company that’s also known as DFG and they’ve been putting out some really terrific products such as the PC200, a color coil binding machine. All of DFG’s products are well-constructed and easy to use, so they’re great for both beginners and more experienced users.
- General Binding Corporation. In the binding machine world, GBC is the undisputed leader. This company got its start way back in the 1940′s and is currently based in Lincolnshire, Illinois. GBC produces various types of binding machines including VeloBind devices which utilize hot knife-technology to create securely bound documents. However, the company is most famous for their plastic comb binding machines. In fact, comb binding is sometimes referred to as GBC binding because of the numerous machines and supplies the company produces. Plastic comb binding is great for lots of different types of documents, plus it’s inexpensive and easy to do, hence its popularity. In addition to their comb binding machines, GBC makes twin-loop wire and spiral devices. They also offer a ProClick lineup of machines that are compatible with ProClick supplies. ProClick spines stand out because they can be re-opened so you can edit your documents at a later date. Since GBC makes so many different types of products, they’re definitely a go-to name for people interested in bookbinding.
- Fellowes. Fellowes is another company that’s been around for a long time, having been started by one Henry Fellowes in 1917. Initially, the company became famous for its high-quality Banker’s Boxes. Over the years, they’ve expanded their product lineup to include various office supplies (paper cutters, mousepads), laminators, paper shredders, and binding machines. Fellowes always seems to be putting out new devices such as the Helios 60, a thermal binder that can handle documents that are up to 600 pages long. The company makes a nice assortment of plastic comb and wire binding machines as well, and these machines have become a hit with offices across the country. Many of these devices have whimsical names such as the Starlet and the Galaxy, both of which are plastic comb binders. Fellowes also makes a terrific assortment of bookbinding supplies including wire spines and thermal covers.
- Fastback. Fastback binding machines are made by Powis Parker, a company that’s headquartered in Berkeley, California. Fastback devices can provide either tape or perfect binding, so you’ll be able to create high-quality documents that look like they could be sold in a bookstore. This company’s products include the Fastback 15xs which can bind a document in less than 40 seconds. It’s compatible with many of the supplies the company manufactures including their Perfectback strips which can be used to create paperback books. Fastback even makes a lineup of foil printers so you can give your documents a unique look. These machines, such as the FoilFast Printer, can print directly on to your documents which makes using them very convenient. Fastback machines deserve some consideration if you really want to impress your readers with professional-looking books.
- Rhin-O-Tuff. Durability is definitely a feature you should look for when choosing a binding machine. Rhin-O-Tuff, a manufacturer that’s based in Boise, Idaho, makes extremely durable machines that can stand the test of time. The products made by this company are great for busy workplaces that bind a lot of documents on a regular basis. Also, the machines tend to be modular so you can pick and choose different devices to make an entire binding system. While Rhin-O-Tuff doesn’t make thermal binders, it does make devices for just about every other binding method.
- Tamerica. If you want a binding machine of the highest quality, check out the products that are manufactured by Tamerica. This company has operating since 1985 and sells their products throughout the United States and even Latin America. Tamerica makes machines that can be used for a number of bookbinding methods including plastic comb, wire, and SecureBind which is essentially the same as VeloBind. The company even makes some modular products such as the Duramax, which is a modular punch with interchangeable punching dies.
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