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Comb binding continues to be one of the most popular book binding formats used today. There are many reasons for this. Let me list off just a few of those reasons:

Price -  Comb binding supplies are THE cheapest available today. You can buy a box 100 1/4″ diameter supplies for just a few dollars. Even wire and coil can’t compete with that rate. Not only are the supplies inexpensive, but the machines are affordable as well. You can find our comb binding machines here and comb binding supplies here.

Look – Many people like the look of comb binding. It is very unique and has been used for decades, developing a certain appeal to many people.

Availability – Comb binding elements are one of the most available supplies available. You can find the online, in brick & mortar stores and much more.

Colors - Comb binding supplies come in a wide range of color, including red, green, blue, brown, black, clear, white and much more.

Adding / Removing – Comb binding elements are extremely easy to re-open, allowing you to easily add and remove pages.

Recycling – Comb binding supplies can be re-used over and  over again, making it possible to bind multiple books for years using the same element.

Comb binding is commonly used to bind booklets, reports, presentations and other documents. The two most common types of comb binding machines are electric and manual comb binders. Manual comb binders are generally used for low to medium-volume binding and electric machines are used for medium to high-volume binding.

So how do you actually use a comb binding machine? This guide will show you how to comb bind a booklet in 8 easy steps.

How to Use a Comb Binding Machine

Step 1. Set up the comb binding machine prior to use. This may involve adjusting the margin depth (how far the holes are punched in the paper), side margin guides (where the holes punch in the paper left to right) and the selectable punching pins (If equipment, will allow you to disable specific holes). There isn’t usually too much involved in setting up the comb binding machine.

Step 2. Take the paper you plan on punching and gather it into a stack. This is a personal preference, but I like to keep the cover and the back cover separate.

Step 3. Take about 10-20 sheets (depending on your machine’s punching capacity) and begin punching each stack of paper. If using a manual punch, pull the punching arm. If using an electric punch, press the punching button or foot pedal. This process usually only takes a few seconds. Repeat this process until all the paper has been punched.

Step 4. Take all your paper and jog it together, aligning the edges. This can be done manually by tapping the paper on a table or by using an electric paper jogger (found here). This will make it easier to insert the combs.

Step 5. Place the comb element you will be using on the machine’s comb opener. Open the comb by pulling or pushing the comb opening lever. Most electric comb binding machines still have a manual comb opener.

Step 6. Once the comb is open, insert the open fingers of the comb through the punched paper. Be sure you get all 19 fingers through each of the 19 punched holes. Also be sure the fingers make it all the way through the holes. It is easy to accidentally mist a few pages.

Step 7. Release the comb opener, allowing the comb’s fingers to naturally recoil back into their natural position.

Step 8. You have just finished comb binding your first book. You are now ready to repeat the process (if needed).

This is where you can find everything you need to start comb binding:

Machines:

• Manual Comb Binding Machines
• Electric Comb Binding Machines
• Stand-Alone Comb Openers

Supplies:

• 19-Ring Color Plastic Binding Combs
• Clear Covers
• Binding / Report Covers

So there you have it! While it may seem a little intimidating at first, comb binding books is actually pretty easy. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact one of our comb binding specialists by calling 1-800-543-5454.

There are many types of binding available today, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.  While most are fairly simple to operate, the one that seems to hold that “mystery” or “confusing” effect is the Velobind machine.  You’ve seen them here and there, and you’ve always wondered what they do, but you haven’t actually seen what they can do.  This article will explain the benefits that come with this style of binding, as well as a tutorial on how they work.

How They Work

Like most other binding machines, the first thing you need to do is punch the holes.  Simply insert the paper into the allotted punch location and the hard part is over.  Most Velobinders operate the punch with either a foot pedal operation or a simple touch of a button, and the Velobind System III can do both.

Most machines will be able to punch up to 15-25 sheets of paper.  Once your punch is made, you will need to manually insert your binding strip into each hole.  After that, snag the back portion of the binding strip and place it into the posts.  Many Velobind machines come with a pin that shows you exactly where to place your binding element for the next phase.  Simply line it up with that pin and lay your paper flat on the machine.  When you’ve completed that part, lift the heating bar and lower it onto your paper.  At this point the machine will do the rest.  It will heat up and melt the posts off and cut off any excess.

Here is a short, yet effective, video that will show these steps in action: VeloBind Machine Video Demo

Velobind Strengths

• - Durable and solid bind.  Velobinding is very popular for law offices and construction companies for this reason.  It would be most unfortunate to have any vital information for your client or an important building schematic lost because of the binding not holding properly.  That problem is eliminated with the Velobind machines.
• - Large capacity.  Velobind soars when it comes to being able to bind large documents.  With the ability to bind up to 3″ thick of material, these machines are on a level all their own.  Comb and Coil binding only bind up to a little over 2″ thick.

Velobind weaknesses

• - Laying the document flat.  Unlike your Coil binding, the Velobind machines cannot lay 100% flat on the desk.  This isn’t a huge issue, however, unless you like to have your hands free when going through your documents or reports.  Turning the pages is still easy, however.
• - Debinding.  Most of the lower end Velobind machines cannot be undone, making your project permanent.  So, if you ever need to add or take away pages from your report, you may be out of luck.  The Velobind System III, however, does have a built-in debind function that is completely automatic.

Overall, these machines are great for the price, especially due to their durability and longevity.  We have a model that’s been in our showroom for over 10 years now and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down whatsoever.  The models we carry are from GBC and can be found here:

While GBC is typically not my favorite manufacturer, they have done a great job with these machines.

Officezone also carries all the supplies needed for Velobinding, such as the strips (in multiple colors and sizes), as well as a wide assortment of covers.  If you have questions, need to make an order, or would like an official quote, make sure to contact us by phone (800-543-5454) or by e-mail regarding all your binding needs.