Connections
How Do I Choose the Right Binding Machine for My Print Shop?
In this series of posts, “How do I choose?”, we will help you take a little of the guesswork out of selecting the best print finish product for your print shop or office. It’s sometimes difficult to find the right machine to fit your needs when there are so many models.
It all has to come together sometime. All those pages in the presentation, the employee manual, the book, the instructional guide, the schematics… They’ve all got to have some sort of binding to meet the customers budget, the readers needs and a style that looks good. But, what kind of binding machine do you need?
Well, the answer to this one is a little trickier. You may even want more than one machine. First you need to determine the type of binding that you think you’ll use most often.
- Comb binders – cheap, effective. Plus, combs can be opened to add/subtract sheets.
- Coil/Wire binders – Comes in a variety of colors and materials. Allows the reader to lay the book open flat and turn pages a full 360-degrees.
- Unibind binding machine – Quick, slick and permanent. A steel spine at the back of the cover allows the paper edges to sink into a heated resin.
- Perfect bound machines – Most paperback books at your local retailer are bound with this method. It’s glue-based and leaves a nice sturdy spine.
Once you’ve chosen a couple binding methods that you’d like to offer at your shop, consider flexibility, speed and cost.
You’ll certainly find flexibility with a combo system. A single purchase will allow you to do both comb, wire or coil (depending on the machine). However, keep size in mind. With comb or coil systems, you may not want to limit yourself to standard 8 1/2″ x 11″, so investigate the machines that can accommodate 14″ or 17″ sheets. Speed is affected by manual or automatic operation and the number of sheets that can be punched at one time.
The most crucial consideration however, is the question of cost. What you can sell and what your customers are willing to pay for may limit your choices. A perfect binding system is expensive initially, but costs little in upkeep. The Unibind thermal system itself is inexpensive considering the nice end product, but supplies are comparitatvily high, per piece. So, remember not to merely look at the machinery that makes the binding happen. Look at the plastics and metals that make up the binding.
MBM Bookletmaker Jr. Semi-Automatic Bookletmaker
This is not your average semi-automatic weapon. The MBM Bookletmaker Jr. has a deadly combination of features combined with a nice price. If you’re often making booklets 40 pages or less in your office and you’re looking for a quick way to process in-house rather than outsourcing, this little guy is for you.
How is it Used?
The Bookletmaker Jr. Semi-Automatic Bookletmaker is an entry-level machine with space saving, compact design. The automatic paper centering, dual staple heads and fold rollers add to the speed of use, helping you crank out up to 250 sets an hour. It takes standard sizes (8 1/2″ x 11″ to 11″ x 17″) and you don’t have to go to the shooting range to practice.?
And How Much Does it Cost
The MBM Bookletmaker Jr. Semi-Automatic Bookletmaker is $809 at Lloyd’s. We’ll throw in free shipping and a gift with your purchase.
MBM Binderymate 2 Wire Stitcher
I like the option of the Binderymate 2 Wire Stitcher has to switch from a saddle stitch to flat so easily. And, you can’t help but being impressed by the ISP wire-fed magnetic stitching head. It’s patented. If it’s worth a patent, it probably works well.
How is it Used?
The Binderymate 2 is operated by a foot pedal and will mount easily to most work tables. You’ll be able to stitch 60 pages at a time (depending on the stock you’re using), and the transparent guard will keep you safe without getting in your way. I like that its also flexible enough to accommodate sizes as small as 2″ x 2″ to 11″ x 17″. If you’re looking for a dual head stitcher, this Binderymate Wire Stitcher can be easily converted to connect a twin machine.
And How Much Does it Cost
The MBM Binderymate 2 Wire Sticher is $2,195 at Lloyd’s. We’ll throw in free shipping and a gift with your purchase.
MBM Autobook Automatic Bookletmaker
I think this machine is where Stephen King got his start. Yeah, I think before it went to the big publisher, his first manuscript was stitched together on MBM’s Autobook Bookletmaker. Then again, I could be wrong.
How is it Used?
The Autobook Automatic Bookletmaker is very easy to use. It will put two staples at a time in your choice of five positions. Its capacity is 15 pages at a time, 8 1/4″ x 10″ to 12″ x 17″ to create booklets that are up to 60 pages (depending on the stock you’re using). You’ll run those pretty quick with the automatic setup and paper centering. The setup includes 6 pre-set booklet sizes and 6 programmable. Plus, color coded fold stops and LED readout add to the ease of this machine. The Autobook Bookletmaker does everything but act as a literary agent.
And How Much Does it Cost
The MBM Autobook Automatic Bookletmaker is $1,169 at Lloyd’s. We’ll throw in free shipping and a gift with your purchase.
MBM 55 Single Spindle Tabletop Drill
Chances are, if you’re working on a job that requires drilling, you’ve got a pretty big stack to go through. The MBM 55 Single Spindle Tabletop Drill will help you speed through those jobs.
How is it Used?
The speed and power of the MBM 55 Single Spindle Tabletop Drill is born from its 1/2 horsepower motor. You’ll also move quickly because the easy-glide table moves on bearings, side guides are self-centering for quick changes, and a quick-release clamp holds your project in place. The MBM 55 Single Spindle accommodates 7/64 to 1/2 inch drill bits and drills to a depth of 2″. Two high quality bits (1/4 and 5/16 inch) included with your order along with sharpener and honing stone. This is a nice machine.
And How Much Does it Cost
The MBM 55 Single Spindle Tabletop Drill is $1,169 at Lloyd’s. Plus, we’ll throw in free shipping and a gift with your purchase.