ContentLog.com http://www.contentlog.com Free content for blogs and websites Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:51:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 en Understanding the Difference Between the Four Different Types of GBC Velobind Strips http://www.contentlog.com/understanding-the-difference-between-the-four-different-types-of-gbc-velobind-strips/ http://www.contentlog.com/understanding-the-difference-between-the-four-different-types-of-gbc-velobind-strips/#comments Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:22:37 +0000 McRitchie Jeff http://www.contentlog.com/understanding-the-difference-between-the-four-different-types-of-gbc-velobind-strips/ Shopping for Velobind Binding strips can be very confusing. Many people have seen the Velobind product but don’t realize that there are actually several types of Velobind strips. However, when you go to buy Velobind strips you are expected to know what kind you need...]]> Shopping for Velobind Binding strips can be very confusing. Many people have seen the Velobind product but don’t realize that there are actually several types of Velobind strips. However, when you go to buy Velobind strips you are expected to know what kind you need. This article is designed to provide a quick overview of the four main types of Velobind Strips.

1. Velobind Hot Knife (11 Pin): The first type of Velobind strip is hot knife strips. These 11 pin hot knife strips are used by the Velobind System One , Velobind System Two and Velobind System Three Pro. The Velobind Machine takes the comb (the part with the pins sticking out) and rivets it to the receiving strip using heat. This provides a permanent and secure bind with an extremely professional look. These strips are available in a number of different colors and can also be purchase in 8.5" lengths and in 14" lengths for legal sized binding.

2. 4 Pin Recloseable Velobind: The second most common type of Velobind strip is the 4 pin Recloseable Velobind strip. These four pin strips are designed for use with the GBC Velobind V110e punch and with the Velobind V50 punch (now discontinued). With GBC 4 Pin Recloseable Velobind Strips the excess part of the comb simply snaps into the back of the receiving strip making it easy to edit your books and documents later. Four pin Velobind strips offer the look and feel of GBC Velobind without the need to purchase an expensive new hotknife Velobind machine.

3. 6 Pin Recloseable Velobind: Six Pin GBC Velobind binding strips were designed for use with the now discontinued GBC Personal Velobind System. These strips consist of a comb with six small pins that snap into the receiving strip (just like the four pin Velobind strips).

4. Velobind One Eleven Strips: GBC One Eleven Velobind Strips are designed for ues with the One Eleven 111 Velobinder. These manual compression Velobind strips have unique serrated binding prongs to ensure a permanent and secure bind. GBC One Eleven Binding strips are available in black only and in two different sizes.

In addition to these four different types of Velobind Strips GBC also makes SureBind strips which work in an identical fashion to the Velobind 11 Pin Hot Knife strips but have ten pins designed to line up with the hole pattern for comb binding. These strips are less common than traditional Velobind strips and are slightly wider.

]]> http://www.contentlog.com/understanding-the-difference-between-the-four-different-types-of-gbc-velobind-strips/feed/ How To Debind Velobind Bound Documents http://www.contentlog.com/how-to-debind-velobind-bound-documents/ http://www.contentlog.com/how-to-debind-velobind-bound-documents/#comments Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:22:11 +0000 McRitchie Jeff http://www.contentlog.com/how-to-debind-velobind-bound-documents/ One of the things that users like the most about GBC Velobind / SureBind strip binding systems is their security. Law offices, government agencies and accountants choose this binding style because it is permanent and tamper resistant...]]> One of the things that users like the most about GBC Velobind / SureBind strip binding systems is their security. Law offices, government agencies and accountants choose this binding style because it is permanent and tamper resistant. However, the security that these binding systems provide can become a problem if you ever need to add or delete pages from your document. For this reason, GBC has developed a Velobind / SureBind debinder tool. This specialized tool is equipped with a razor blade that helps you to safely remove the binding strips from your documents. Here are five simple steps to help you use your Velobind Debinder tool:

1. Place the document face down on a surface. The Velobind strip should be at your right with the formed rivet heads up.

2. Holding the document in place with the left hand and using the debinder with the right hand, insert the blade between the strip and the document cover. Make certain that the Debinder tool is snug against the right edge of the document to provide shearing leverage. Pull the Velobind Debinder tool towards you until it contacts the first stud.

3. With the debindder snug against the right side of the document and continuing to pull towards you, swing the handle of the Debinder to the right, away from the document. This automatically shears the first stud.

4. Move the Debinder to the next stud, swing to shear, pull to the next stud, swing to shear, pull to the next stud and so on. For rapid debinding, the Debinder can be pulled toward the user in one continuous motion after the first stud has been sheared. This does require a fairly strong hand, and extreme caution should be used with this method to avoid tearing the coverstock.

5. Remove the plastic strips, and debinding is complete. If you need to rebind the document you will need to use a new binding strip since the old one has been cut.

Attempting to Debind GBC Velobind and Surebind documents without the GBC Velobind Debinder tool can be very dangerous because such a sharp blade is required. If you have a Velobind machine you should definitely consider owning a Debinder tool for your office. However, it is important to note that this tool is not designed for use with 4 pin or 6 pin Velobind Strips which are Recloseable and can be reused.

]]> http://www.contentlog.com/how-to-debind-velobind-bound-documents/feed/ Using Your SureBind System With Your Plastic Comb Binding Punch http://www.contentlog.com/using-your-surebind-system-with-your-plastic-comb-binding-punch/ http://www.contentlog.com/using-your-surebind-system-with-your-plastic-comb-binding-punch/#comments Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:21:53 +0000 McRitchie Jeff http://www.contentlog.com/using-your-surebind-system-with-your-plastic-comb-binding-punch/ SureBind was designed to be compatible with GBC Plastic Comb Binding systems...]]> SureBind was designed to be compatible with GBC Plastic Comb Binding systems. This means paper and covers can be punched on any GBC Plastic Comb Binding punch, and bound using the SureBind System; which increases production by gaining higher punching capabilities, and allowing two operators to work at the same time.

SureBind strips were designed to fit or align with the rectangular holes produced by a Plastic Comb Binding punch. The SureBind strips fit through every other hole of the 19 hole punched paper. The first pin is located at the end of the first hole and the second pin is located at the beginning of the third hole. These posts take the "play" out of the document and keep it from moving between the strips after being bound. All other posts fall in the center of the rectangular holes. Take a piece of paper punched with the rectangular holes and feed a SureBind strip through the holes to see exactly how it aligns.

You already know how to punch paper with all of GBC’s plastic binding machines, so the actual punching should not be a problem. However, you do have to make some very important adjustments on the plastic binding unit before you punch the paper to be used with Surebind.

First, adjust the Side Guide on the Comb Binding machine so that the 19 holes are perfectly centered on your 11" sheet.

Next, adjust the Back Guide Depth setting on the Comb Binding unit to the middle setting. Note: To increase the productivity of the binding unit, only use ten punch pins for SureBind. This allows you to increase the thickness of the lift you are punching, because you are using fewer dies, creating les pressure and stress on the internal parts of the punch. You can increase the punching capacity from 10% to 50%, depending on which GBC punch you are using. If you start punching with hole #1, pull the punch pins out on dies #2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 as they are not needed. Be aware, not all GBC plastic comb binding machines allow access to all 22 die pins. Always start disengaging pins by starting with what would be the 2nd die pin, and start pulling out every other pin that is accessible to you.

After you have made the necessary adjustments on the Binding Machine you are using, punch the documents for binding with SureBind, and bind it with SureBind strips. If you have any difficulties, just call us and ask us for help. MyBinding carries the full GBC line of Plastic Comb Binding Machines, SureBind Binding Machines and SureBind supplies.

]]> http://www.contentlog.com/using-your-surebind-system-with-your-plastic-comb-binding-punch/feed/ GBC SureBind An Introduction to Strip Binding Systems http://www.contentlog.com/gbc-surebind-an-introduction-to-strip-binding-systems/ http://www.contentlog.com/gbc-surebind-an-introduction-to-strip-binding-systems/#comments Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:21:40 +0000 McRitchie Jeff http://www.contentlog.com/gbc-surebind-an-introduction-to-strip-binding-systems/ Strip Binding is a professional, attractive and secure means of assembling loose, written communications into professionally-bound documents. Strip binding can be accomplished via two methods; namely, SureBind and VeloBind. The end resulting product looks identical; however, there are subtle differences in the mechanical parts of the elements...]]> Strip Binding is a professional, attractive and secure means of assembling loose, written communications into professionally-bound documents. Strip binding can be accomplished via two methods; namely, SureBind and VeloBind. The end resulting product looks identical; however, there are subtle differences in the mechanical parts of the elements. Velobind is the forerunner of strip binding, having been developed in 1960. After GBC acquired Velobind, they incorporated the strip binding method into the GBC line, creating numerous other benefits of the product. VeloBind dies can still be purchased for the System Three Pro, MagnaPunch and AP-2. However, SureBind is the lead strip binding product offered by GBC / Ibico.

SureBind is strip binding with the additional benefit of working in conjunction with GBC Plastic Binding elements, which are on 9/16" centers. The major benefit is that someone already using a GBC Plastic Binding system can take a punched document and bind it with SureBind for a different look or for use with GBC’s boardroom-quality hard cases. In addition, using the strip binding method while punching with GBC Plastic binding increases the Plastic Comb binding punching productivity by 30 to 50%.

The main differences between SureBind and Velobind strips are:

-SureBind combs have 10 pins, while Velobind combs have 11 pins with corresponding holes in the receiver strips.
-SureBind pins are slightly offset to fit snugly into the holes of a plastic binding-punched documents. This maintains the integrity of the bind, preventing shifting around inside the larger binding holes. Velobind pins are spaced evenly along the strip.
-SureBind combs and strips are slightly wider than Velobind so that the GBC rectangular holes are completely covered.

Strip binding uses tamper resistant plastic strips to lock proposals, briefs, litigation, materials, forecasts, etc. (any loose papers up to 3" thick - that’s 750 sheets of 20lb bond paper!) into place. This system offers the ultimate in security for a customer’s bound documents. No unauthorized additions or deletions can be made. This unique hot knife process securely binds documents by heat riveting two plastic strips together. This permanent bind is more secure than comb binding, wire binding, coil binding or any other binding style on the market.

SureBind and Velobind strips offer the maximum in versatility, with minimum inventory requirements (only three different-sized strips bind documents from 2 pages to 750 pages). The finished document is easy to mail, file and store because of the compact nature of the strip. A strip bound document can be finished in either soft, flush cut covers or boardroom-quality hard covers.

]]> http://www.contentlog.com/gbc-surebind-an-introduction-to-strip-binding-systems/feed/ How to Bind Documents With Velobind Hard Cases http://www.contentlog.com/how-to-bind-documents-with-velobind-hard-cases/ http://www.contentlog.com/how-to-bind-documents-with-velobind-hard-cases/#comments Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:21:03 +0000 McRitchie Jeff http://www.contentlog.com/how-to-bind-documents-with-velobind-hard-cases/ Hardcases have an elegant texture and design, to provide the impressive appearance of a casebound book. One option for achieving this elegant and impressive look is by using your GBC Velobind binding machine along with Velobind hardcases. Velobind hardcases are available in five standard thicknesses from 1/4" up to 1-3/8"...]]> Hardcases have an elegant texture and design, to provide the impressive appearance of a casebound book. One option for achieving this elegant and impressive look is by using your GBC Velobind binding machine along with Velobind hardcases. Velobind hardcases are available in five standard thicknesses from 1/4" up to 1-3/8". If you look at a Velobind Hardcase, you will notice the following features:

1. The inside cover is marked with a letter (A, B, C, D or E). This letter designates the size (thickness) of document that particular hardcase will accommodate. The benefit to the customer is that they will always know what thickness hardcase they have, even if it is not in the original carton.

2. Two end sheets (fly sheets are used with each hardcase (they are packed separate in the carton containing the hardcases). These end sheets are adhesive backed, and are to be bound with the document being inserted into the hardcase. These sheets will adhere to the inside of the front and back hardcover.

Hold an end sheet so that the folded tear-off sheet faces you. Notice that there is a portion of the sheet which is exposed just opposite the fold. This "lip" is the area that will be punched in the binding process.

3. The backbone of the hardcase is made with "softfoam" adhesive spine. Lift the paper backing up slightly on the backbone (do not remove it at this time) to see the adhesive. The adhesive foam helps hold the document to the hardcase during the binding process.

Once you have the document that you need to bind in hand you need to choose the size of hardcase that is appropriate for that document. In order to determine what letter size of case you need for your document you can refer to the chart on the Backstop of the Velobind or Surebind system three pro. Take your hardcase and open it up to check what letter is stamped on it.

Place on end sheet on top of the document and one on the bottom (where you would normally place the binding covers). The folded tear off sheet should face the hardcase, itself. Also, the lip should be on the edge to be bound.

Punch the document, including the end sheets. Bind the document like any other Velobind Or SureBind bound book (the end sheets will act as covers) using a standard Velobind HotKnife Strip. Now your document is ready to be bound into the hardcase.

Take the hardcase, open it and lay it on the table (inside up). Take the document to be bound and lay it on the table. Remove the protective strip from the backbone to expose the adhesive. Take your bound document, and center the document on the back cover of the hardcase, pressing the strip portion into the backbone adhesive. If the book is not centered, carefully pick it up, and realign till centered. Fold the front cover over the top of the document, making sure that the hard case front cover and back cover are in alignment. If not, repeat process till centered. You can move the document as many times as necessary until you have pulled the fly sheets - then it is permanently bound.

If you are right handed, use your left hand to place it firmly on the top of the document where the strip is (you will want to keep it from moving within the hardcase). Then, take your right hand and reach under the inside of the front cover until you can grip the foldback sheet of the end paper. Gently pull up on it, letting the hard cover fall on the adhesive-coated end paper. Repeat this process for the back cover. One the tear-off sheet is completely out of the book, press down completely over the entire front and back cover make sure all the adhesive is adhered to the case.

]]> http://www.contentlog.com/how-to-bind-documents-with-velobind-hard-cases/feed/ The Difference Between the GBC C150 and GBC C250 Plastic Comb Binding Machines http://www.contentlog.com/the-difference-between-the-gbc-c150-and-gbc-c250-plastic-comb-binding-machines/ http://www.contentlog.com/the-difference-between-the-gbc-c150-and-gbc-c250-plastic-comb-binding-machines/#comments Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:20:37 +0000 McRitchie Jeff http://www.contentlog.com/the-difference-between-the-gbc-c150-and-gbc-c250-plastic-comb-binding-machines/ Every week it seems that customers ask me what the difference is between the GBC CombBind C150 Plastic Comb Binding Machine (formerly the Ibico Ibimatic) and the GBC CombBind C250 (formerly the Ibico Kombo)...]]> Every week it seems that customers ask me what the difference is between the GBC CombBind C150 Plastic Comb Binding Machine (formerly the Ibico Ibimatic) and the GBC CombBind C250 (formerly the Ibico Kombo). Many of these customers are confused by the fact that the two machines look nearly identical and the GBC C250 is often priced less than the GBC C150 binding machine. Here is a quick overview of the differences between the two machines.

1. Disengageable Dies: All of the punching pins on the GBC C250 are fully disengageable. This allows you to bind books that are shorter than 11" long using the GBC C250. The GBC C150 binding machine does not have any disengageable dies. This means that the GBC C150 is only designed for use with 11" letter sized documents. Since the GBC C250 also has an open throat it is possible to use it to punch document longer than 11" such as legal sized documents or even 11" x 17" presentations.

2. Adjustable Depth of Punch Control: The GBC C250 includes an adjustable depth of punch Margin control. This control allows you to select how far from the edge of the page the binding holes are placed. This is important when binding very small documents or very large documents. If the holes are too far away from the edge of the page for small documents the pages will not turn and if they are too close for larger documents the pages can sometimes tear out. The GBC CombBind C150 does not include an adjustable depth of punch control making it more difficult to use with some sizes of plastic comb binding supplies. This means that the GBC Combbind C150 is not compatible with the smallest or largest plastic combs that are available on the market.

3. Price: The GBC C250 plastic comb binding machine is the most popular manual comb binding machine available on the market. It is found in many schools and businesses across the country, and is therefore able to be bought from companies in bulk, which allows it to often be priced cheaper than the C150.

Truthfully, both the GBC CombBind C150 and the GBC CombBind C250 are extremely well built manual plastic comb binding machines. However, given the fact that the C250 offers a more complete selection of features for a lower price the GBC C250 plastic comb binding machine seems to be the logical choice.

]]> http://www.contentlog.com/the-difference-between-the-gbc-c150-and-gbc-c250-plastic-comb-binding-machines/feed/ Exploring GBC Strip Binding Supplies http://www.contentlog.com/exploring-gbc-strip-binding-supplies/ http://www.contentlog.com/exploring-gbc-strip-binding-supplies/#comments Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:19:29 +0000 McRitchie Jeff http://www.contentlog.com/exploring-gbc-strip-binding-supplies/ The distinctive look of GBC / Ibico Strip Binding has made it one of the most sought after binding methods. This unique method of securing loose pages enables the user to present a prestigious image with either elegant soft covers or boardroom quality hard covers...]]> The distinctive look of GBC / Ibico Strip Binding has made it one of the most sought after binding methods. This unique method of securing loose pages enables the user to present a prestigious image with either elegant soft covers or boardroom quality hard covers. The temper resistant "hot knife" process heat seals and rivets the binding comb and receiving strip together, increasing the security of confidential documents so no unauthorized additions or deletions can be made. This binding method portrays an image of importance, which assures it will be read and acted upon. In addition, it provides the maximum in versatility in that only three different sized combs allow for binding documents from as few as two sheets to up to 3" of material. This reduces inventory requirements.

The cover supplies for GBC / Ibico strip binding systems range from economical "smooth" paper stock to high image, coated "regency" paper stock and boardroom quality Velobind / SureBind Hardcases.

Pick up a Velobind comb (that’s the one with the pins). Notice the comb has ten pins and the Velobind has eleven pins. These pins are fed through holes in the document to be bound and into the receiving strip where the unused portion of the comb is severed and the heating mechanism heat seals it to form a rivet. The comb also has a pin that is longer than the others. This will be discussed in the equipment operating section.

Pick up both styles of receiving strips, and look at the grainy (textured) side of the strip. This side should always be placed so that it will appear on the outside of the back cover of the document. This gives the document a finished appearance. Turn the perforated strip over, and look at the inside. Notice the Velobind strip has thirteen holes. The two small holes at either end are "locator" holes, which are used to align the strip on the VeloBind unit during binding. The other eleven holes match the pins of the comb strip. The strip has one locator pin and ten comb pin holes. Place the comb strip and receiving strip together to see how they fit.

Strip Binding is available in comb thicknesses for documents 1", 2" and 3" thick. They are available in stock lengths to fit documents with binding edges of 8-1/2", 11" and 14".

SureBind strips are manufactured on GBC / Ibico 19 ring Plastic Binding centers, which means that a document that has been punched with 19-holes can be bound using a strip.

]]> http://www.contentlog.com/exploring-gbc-strip-binding-supplies/feed/ Tips for Finishing Documents Using the GBC TL2900 http://www.contentlog.com/tips-for-finishing-documents-using-the-gbc-tl2900/ http://www.contentlog.com/tips-for-finishing-documents-using-the-gbc-tl2900/#comments Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:19:15 +0000 McRitchie Jeff http://www.contentlog.com/tips-for-finishing-documents-using-the-gbc-tl2900/ If you have a GBC TL2900 wire closer (formerly the Ibico 340WB) you might be wondering how you can best use it to close the wire on your documents. Fortunately, using the TL2900 is actually quite easy. Here are some simple steps for binding documents with the this wire closer …

1...]]> If you have a GBC TL2900 wire closer (formerly the Ibico 340WB) you might be wondering how you can best use it to close the wire on your documents. Fortunately, using the TL2900 is actually quite easy. Here are some simple steps for binding documents with the this wire closer …

1. Select the appropriate size wire binding element for your document by either using the chart below, or using the Wire Size Guage Label on the TL2900 as a reference

2. Adjust the knob so that the desired size shows approximately in the center of the window. TIP: This is a starting point reference. It is best to make a test bind and adust the knob for your personal preference. To make the crimp tighter, turn the knob so that the number of moves toward you in the clear window. Slight adjustments may be necessary to achieve the perfect crimp. It is acceptable for the wire size to appear anywhere within the window.

3. Load the wire element onto the support hooks. TIP: Hold the wire loosely across the trips of your fingers, with the wide hooks facing downward. Orient with the left edge just touching the Edge Guide. Allow the wire to naturally find itself on the hooks with a dropping motion as you guide the wire up and over. Once you get the feel for this motion, you will be able to easily hang the wire onto the books.

4. Thread the document contents onto the hooks, oriented so that the first faces up. Then thread the front cover face up onto the wire document. Finally thread the back cover, inside up, onto the wire element. (As an alternative you may prefer to stack the entire document as per 5, 6, 7 above, and lay the whole document on the wire hooks at one time to show ease of operation - try working with the system both ways until you are comfortable with it.

5. Bring the clamp forward over the hooks.

6. Press and HOLD the two activation buttons on either side of the closer, until the LED’s indicate, "DONE".

7. Push the clamp back.

8. Remove the bound document from the hooks by gently pulling upward on the document until the wire is out of the hooks. Do not pull forward on the book, as you may risk breaking the hook.

9. Flip the back cover around so that the wire seam is hidden between the last page and the back cover of the document.

]]> http://www.contentlog.com/tips-for-finishing-documents-using-the-gbc-tl2900/feed/ The Difference Between the GBC Ultima 65 and the GBC HeatSeal H800pro Laminator http://www.contentlog.com/the-difference-between-the-gbc-ultima-65-and-the-gbc-heatseal-h800pro-laminator/ http://www.contentlog.com/the-difference-between-the-gbc-ultima-65-and-the-gbc-heatseal-h800pro-laminator/#comments Thu, 06 Sep 2007 06:08:32 +0000 McRitchie Jeff http://www.contentlog.com/the-difference-between-the-gbc-ultima-65-and-the-gbc-heatseal-h800pro-laminator/ For years, GBC / Ibico has made some of the best school laminators on the market. However, for customers looking to replace their existing GBC or Ibico Laminator the difference between the GBC Ultima 65 and the GBC HeatSeal H800Pro Roll laminator may not be completely apparent...]]> For years, GBC / Ibico has made some of the best school laminators on the market. However, for customers looking to replace their existing GBC or Ibico Laminator the difference between the GBC Ultima 65 and the GBC HeatSeal H800Pro Roll laminator may not be completely apparent. These machines look very similar and are priced approximately the same which can sometimes lead to a lot of confusion. However, the GBC HeatSeal Ultima 65 is the better machine for most users. Here is why.

1. The GBC Ultima 65 uses a heated roller technology which is the most common technology used in school laminators. Chances are, if you have used a laminator in a school or print shop before you have used a heated roller laminator. On the other hand, the GBC H800pro laminator uses a heat shoe technology. Although both technologies have their places, most individuals find the heated roller technology more user friendly for loading film and for regular use. The vast majority of laminators used in schools use heated roller technology.

2. The heated roller technology used by the GBC Ultima 65 provides more heat than the heat shoe technology used by the GBC H800pro. For this reason, the GBC H800pro CAN NOT be used with standard GBC laminating films (NAP 1). Instead, the H800 requires the use of more expensive NAP II Low Melt laminating films. Since these laminating rolls are considerably more expensive than the standard laminating films available from GBC supply costs with the GBC H800pro are going to be quite a bit higher than with the GBC Ultima 65.

3. The Ultima 65 is the most common laminator found in schools across the country. It is not only available for a great price but it is simple to use, easy to maintain and incredibly reliable. Down the road, support for the Ultima 65 is going to be cheaper, parts are more readily available and the laminator is easier to use than the H800pro. Thus, the long term costs of owning the Ultima 65 should be significantly less than owning the GBC HeatSeal H800pro.

After taking these three factors into consideration along with the fact that the GBC Ultima 65 is usually priced approximately the same as the GBC HeatSeal H800pro the choice to select the Ultima65 should be simple. This being said, some users prefer a heat shoe laminator over a heated roll laminator and choose the H800pro.

]]> http://www.contentlog.com/the-difference-between-the-gbc-ultima-65-and-the-gbc-heatseal-h800pro-laminator/feed/ Questions to Ask When Choosing a Pouch Laminator http://www.contentlog.com/questions-to-ask-when-choosing-a-pouch-laminator/ http://www.contentlog.com/questions-to-ask-when-choosing-a-pouch-laminator/#comments Tue, 04 Sep 2007 07:00:51 +0000 McRitchie Jeff http://www.contentlog.com/questions-to-ask-when-choosing-a-pouch-laminator/ If you are looking to purchase a pouch laminator I am sure that you have discovered that there are a plethora of options available on the laminating pouches market. In order to sort out the options and decide what laminator is right for your application there are a few decisions that you will need to make...]]> If you are looking to purchase a pouch laminator I am sure that you have discovered that there are a plethora of options available on the laminating pouches market. In order to sort out the options and decide what laminator is right for your application there are a few decisions that you will need to make. Here are some questions that you should ask yourself when choosing pouch laminators:

What size of documents do you need to laminate? - Pouch laminators are available with throats as small as 4″ and as large as 24″. Depending on the size of the documents that you intend to laminate, your options for laminating pouches will be narrowed. If you plan on using letter sized laminating pouches you will need at least a 9″ throat. If you plan on using Menu Size or Double Letter Sized Laminating Pouches you will need a 12 - 13″ throat. Poster sized laminating pouches would of course require a laminator with a larger throat.

What thickness of laminating pouches do you intend to use? Laminating supplies are available in a variety of thicknesses including 3mil, 5mil, 7mil and 10mil laminating pouches. Many lower end laminators will only run 3mil and 5mil laminating pouches. If you expect that you might need to run heavier laminating pouches in the future you should consider choosing a laminator that is capable of laminating 7mil and 10mil laminating pouches.

What type of materials do you plan on laminating? - Most of the lower end laminators on the market are designed to do an excellent job in laminating standard paper thin cardstock. However, if you plan on using your pouch laminator to mount documents, to laminate thicker materials or to laminate photographs you might consider a higher end laminator. Some of the better laminators include both heated rollers and heated plates to provide even heat distribution for thicker substrates. These laminators and other laminators with multiple sets of rollers are the best choices for photo lamination.

What other features does the laminator have? - Several other popular features that you might want to look for on your laminator could include: A reverse function which comes in handy in case a laminating pouch gets jammed in the laminator machine. Variable speed and temperature controls can be helpful in making small adjustments for variations in laminating pouches and differences in substrate thicknesses. Some laminators also come equipped with silicone rollers to prevent laminating pouches from getting stuck to the rollers when running through the machine without a carrier.

These questions are simply meant as a starting place when evaluating various pouch laminators. Ultimately, factors such as brand, machine construction and warranty will most likely also play into your decision concerning what pouch laminator you will ultimately choose. However, if you know the right questions to ask, you will have a much greater chance of choosing the right laminator for your needs.

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