Ask Ozone

Question

Hi, I am with the assessor office.  We need to get a burster that will take different size paper from a tractor feed and separate it.  We do a high volume of paper during different times of the year.  Could you let me know which one of your machines can handle a high volume, not constantly but occasionally, and handle different sizes of paper and cards, taking off the sides also.  thanks

Theresa S.

Answer

You need the model FD 676 High-Volume Burster from Formax. The FD 676 is a high-volume industrial burster. This is one tough machine designed for heavy use. It comes with integrated forms slitters that can trim the sides of each form. Most of our customers like this feature so that they can remove the tractor-feed holes from their forms. The Formax FD 676 can slit, separate, and stack forms in a neat pile. This model is capable of bursting an impressive staggering 30,000 feet per hour. A convenient exit conveyor comes standard with his model.

Question

I am in the market for a check-signing machine.  Looking at Widmer S-3 or SX-3.  Not sure what the difference is.  Appreciate if you would let me know.  Thank you.

Beth W.

Answer

The difference between the Widmer S-3 and SX-3 check signer is the platform size. If you take a closer look at the S-3 product image, you’ll notice a little table where you rest your check (or document) for stamping. The platform on the SX-3 model is slightly larger than the S-3. It simply is a more accommodating version for those who are stamping large-format checks or documents.

The Widmer S-3 provides a hands-free method of stamping signatures or data onto checks. The convenient action of inserting the check triggers the electronic printing feature. No buttons to push or handles to pull. Our customers provide samples of their signature. A custom engraved die plate is then created for the machine. The S-3 check signer saves you significant time and effort.

Question

We are looking at replacing our current binding machine.  We need something with high qualities yet reasonably priced.

Sharon B.
Answer

To begin, we should ask a few important questions. What are you binding? How many sheets do you need to punch at a time? In addition to paper, do you plan to punch and bind report covers? Do you plan to create professional-looking presentations such as sales proposals? If so, a nice wire binding machine is your best choice. Our customers tell us they prefer the professional look of a wire-bound presentation. Spiral, or coil binding can offer a similar result as well.

What kind of volume do you plan to produce? If you intend to use your binding machine on a daily basis, then plan to budget for at least a $400 investment. If you are binding documents on a lesser scale, you can probably get by with a $150-$200 binding machine. Your best option would be to contact our customer service department to further explain your document binding needs. We can then recommend the best binding machine, at a reasonable price for you.

The best type of laminator ultimately depends on how much you want to laminate. Both roll and pouch laminators have many similarities. For example, both types of machines can process a wide range of film thicknesses. Both can preserve and protect documents and photographs for decades on end.There are some significant differences between these two types of laminators, however.

Pouch Laminators are ideal for people who typically only laminate a few items in a day. If you plan to do a high-volume laminating project, a pouch laminator can only laminate one item at a time. You typically save significant time when using a roll laminator.

Pouch laminator film requires more of an investment when compared to roll film. Several pouch laminator models work best when you use a protective carrier. A carrier ensures optimum performance and longevity. You do not need to use a carrier with a roll laminator.

Roll Laminators are best for anyone who plans to laminate in large quantities. Most of our customers who choose a roll laminator include schools (from elementary to universities), government offices and business. Roll laminators are fully capable of laminating more than one item at a time. This can translate into significant time and supply savings.

Here are some handy step-by-step instructions on how to make your very own spiral-bound notebook.

The first and most important thing to do is to make all of the necessary adjustments to your coil binding machine. This may seem a waste of time, but the effort ensures a professionally looking bound document. These minor machine adjustments typically include dialing in the desired margin punch depth and disengaging punch/dies to prevent half-punched holes.

Next, organize the paper you need to bind. This stack may also include a report cover and bottom cover. Now, take a hold of the set of sheets you will punch. The maximum amount of sheets that you can punch at a time depends on the machine model used. Office Zone recommends you punch 80% of the maximum amount specified by the machine manufacturer.

After you have punched the stack of paper and covers, line up the newly punched holes. Spin the plastic coil through the holes. This may be done by hand, or if you have an electric binding machine you can quickly install the binding element with the automatic coil roller inserter.

Finally, crimp off the excess coil with a pair of coil crimping pliers. Be sure to twist the coil so that the binding element does not work its way out of the document. Congratulations! You are ready to coil bind your next document.

One last thing, a binding machine is completely useless without binding supplies. Here is a list some of the recommended supplies you will need for coil binding:

• Binding covers

• 4:1 pitch coil or 5:1 pitch coil

• Coil crimping pliers

Question

Can you please recommend a few different paper folders that will fold up to 3 at a time without me loading each individual paper? I would like to be able to put two stacks in the machine and have them fold each one together.

Please let me know.

Janet T.

Answer

We recommend two models. If you are looking for a high-speed paper folding machine that can literally withstand continuous operation every day, the Formax FD 38X Automatic Tabletop Paper Folder is an excellent choice. We have personally tested the FD 38X. This is quality machine that will last for decades with the proper care. It includes a patented multi-sheet feeder that lets you manually insert up to four sheets of stapled paper for folding at a time.

If you are working with a modest office equipment budget, the model 10560 Letter Folder by Dahle is a good option. The Dahle 10560 folds up to three sheets of paper at a time. This is a low-volume machine, but it still does quite well at folding multiple sheets at a time. Unfortunately, there is not a paper folder on the market today that will pull and fold sheets from two separate stacks. You still have to feed the paper manually. However, you could upgrade to a paper folder/inserter to automate the process. You would simply disable the envelope inserting feature on the machine.

Question

Hi I’m printing some cards on an ink jet printer and would like to purchase the material I can put over the sheets to have some IDs made. Which product on your site should I be looking at? Is there some kind of lamination I place on the paper and heat to make it like an ID? I don’t have an ID printer.  Please advice, thanks!

Omar G.

Answer

We recommend a pouch laminator and large lamination pouches. The size of film you will need is 9″ x 11 1/2″. Office Zone offers the largest selection of pouch lamination film available online, including an extensive selection of large lamination pouches. Our quality lamination film is made from the best materials, and is compatible with most hot pouch laminators (just as long as the selected laminator can process the specified film mil thickness).

Once you have your pouch laminator and film ready, all you need to do is insert the sheet into the lamination pouch and run it through the machine. You can then trim your ID cards down to size with a rotary paper trimmer.

We get this question almost every week. The answer really depends on what you need to do. For example, if you work in a small office where sales presentations (and other similar items) are needed on a weekly basis, we recommend the Intelli-Bind IW250 Wire Binding Machine.

First of all, the Intelli-Bind IW250 is an affordable binding machine. It won’t break your company’s budget. The unit may be used to bind proposals, marketing booklets, reports and more. This wire binder is capable of punching up to 15 sheets of standard 20-lb. bond paper at time. Another reason why this wire binding machine is a preferred choice is simply the fact that it binds documents with wire. Our customers tell us they love the professional appearance of wire-bound presentations.

If you have a slightly larger budget to work with, the Akiles WireMac is a solid recommended choice. The WireMac is a durable wire binding machine designed to punch and bind throughout the work day. Once Akiles binding machines go out our door, they don’t come back. These machines are engineered to last for decades.

In past years, competing manufacturers have attempted a dedicated auto feeder unit on their paper shredder. The results were disappointingly less than successful. Today, however, one shredder manufacturer has actually succeeded in the office shredder auto-shredding arena. The new Formax FD 8500AF AutoFeed Shredder features a unique auto feeder that saves you significant labor and money.

Now you can actually load a large stack of paper into a shredder, press the start button and walk away. The FD 8500AF with its dedicated auto feeder is an impressive sight to behold. Take a look at this video demonstration from the manufacturer’s Web site.

No more time wasted by you or your staff standing in front of a shredder, slowly feeding thin stacks of paper into the machine at a time thanks to the FD 8500AF. Its auto feed hopper has a 175-sheet capacity, and is compatible with larger 11” x 17” size paper.

The shredder also has a traditional hand-feed opening (16 inches) that lets you insert up to 18 sheets of paper at a time. The FD 8500AF boasts several commercial-grade features including a steel cabinet, large ample waste bin, AC geared-motor, heat-treated steel blades, easy-to-operate LED control panel, and load indicator.