Plastic comb binding machines have been around since the 1950’s and are basically the same as when they were first invented. So what makes them so popular?
The main reason that the comb binding machines have survived so long is that the pages will open flat and can easily be folded back. This makes them very good for documents which have to open flat, such as training manuals. While other binding systems, especially the book type binders will also open flat, they do need to be smoothed flat with your hand, just the same as a book. To most of us, this is not a problem. But if you want your document to easily open flat, then the comb binder might be the right system for you. However, there may be other features that are important to you such as:
Appearance: If the plastic comb binding looks too old fashioned for you, or if you want to make a good impression, you should investigate more modern binding systems. After all, your document will be judged to some extent by its appearance, so presentation quality is important.
Filing: The plastic comb bound document is hard to file because of its bulky spine. Often people tear the pages from the spine and clip them together for filing. This does not add impact to your document.
Ease of Binding: Because comb binding is over 50 years old, it is a very tedious, manual operation. There are multiple steps to bind a document. Firstly you have to punch holes in the paper for the plastic comb to be threaded through. Most machines will only allow you to punch a few pages at a time so depending on the pages in your document, this step can take a while. Also be very careful to insert all the pages fully into the punch, otherwise you will have the holes punched at an angle and they will not bind. You would then have to reprint and then start punching again. After you have finished punching you must now open the plastic comb, which has 21 rings, and thread the pages onto the comb. It is best to do a few pages at a time.
Editing a Document: Often when a document is bound, either a mistake is found or an updated page needs to be inserted. With the comb binder, this can be very slow to edit. You have to un-thread the pages from the comb and then punch the new page(s) and re-thread all the pages again. It is almost easier to start from the beginning.
Take a look at this video to see how Comb Binding Compares to thermal binding
If you would like to trial of a thermal binding machine CLICK HERE
