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Binding Machines by Afterprint Ltd

Professional Binding Machines

Creating Perfect Documents

Binding machines are available in a range of styles. Each one having a different look and feel, and therefore fit for a different purpose.

Here at AfterPrint we have a vast collection of professional document binding machines. Our industry knowledge enables us to meet your requirements and offer the best product for you. As with all purchases we recommend doing your research of different binding machines first. This ensures that you are getting the right product for your needs. It is also important to consider how often it will be used. The volume of documents that need to be produced. And the available time to complete the document bind. There is little point in purchasing a manual machine for a high production environment, for instance.

When considering the finish you are looking for, the brief descriptions via the additional information tab will give you an overview:

Additional Information

Wire Binding

Wire binding is a popular commercial book binding method. Known by a number of different names including Wire-O and Twin Loop Binding amongst other names. With this binding method, users insert their punched pages into a C shaped spine, known as the wire. A wire closer is then used to squeeze the spine until it is round and encases the document. Documents that are bound with wire binding will open completely flat. This allows for 360 degree rotation of the bound pages. Common applications include note pads, financial documents, educational aids, calendars and diaries.

Plastic Coil Binding

Plastic Coil binding, also known as spiral binding, denotes a document that is bound with a helical coil. Like wire, it can open flat and offers 360 degree rotation of the bound pages. Plastic coil binding is very durable, crush resistant and flexible. These attributes make it a popular choice with  the Armed Forces and Education sectors.

Coils are made of high quality PVC plastic and offer a secure high quality  binding. Available in a variety of colours in thicknesses up to 50mm.

Comb Binding

Comb binding, sometimes referred to as cerlox or surelox binding, is a popular with the education sector.  Combs are re-usable and can be easily removed for document editing. Thus, making it ideal for heavily used and changeable documents such as training manuals.

Documents are punched to create an oblong hole along the document spine. Standard comb binding requires 20 or 21 holes to be created. Once the document is punched the comb can be inserted. The binding comb requires a comb opener to securely hold open the comb. The document is then loaded onto the comb to create the finished document. Once the document is all fitted, the comb is closed and the bind is complete.

Plastic combs are available in a variety of colours and sizes offering binding from 2 to over 450 sheets.

Thermal Binding

This method uses linen strips which have been coated with thermoplastic glue. When melted to the spine and covers of a book, creates a strong and lasting bind. The main advantage of this binding style is the simplicity of use and speed of binding. Unlike the other styles that require holes to be punched into the document. Thermal binding simply applies the spine in under 20 seconds no matter the document thickness. Commonly used in higher education or corporate environments this option creates an easy to read, lay-flat professional looking bind.

Perfect Binding

We see many examples of perfect binding daily. Most novels, catalogues & high end brochures are bound with this method. It is also utilised in Hard Back Book production when used in tandem with a Case Making Machine.

Perfect binding involves marrying up the inner pages, book block, with the outer cover. A perfect binding machine first mills/grooves the spine to prepare for the glue application. Hot glue is then applied to the full length of the document spine. The cover is then pressed to the spine, whilst the glue is still hot, using a nipping press. The press forces the cover and document together, making the cover and book block one piece.

Easy to use, very low running costs, professional finish. Commonly used in commercial print, corporate offices and training companies.

Surebind & Velobind – Legal Binding

VeloBind & Surebind, also known as Legal Binding as it is most commonly used in the UK Legal system. A very secure bind for thicker documents up to 750 sheets. The binding strips are made up of two parts. One half is the binding prongs which insert through the document. The other half is the receiver strip which the prongs penetrate to seal the document. First, 10 or 12 small holes are punched along the document spine. The binding prongs are inserted through the document until they protrude on the rear side. The cap strip is then fitted and the document is placed into the binding machine. Hot knives under the cap strip cut off the protruding binding prongs and seal the strip in place.

A very secure bind that requires a specialist tool to remove the bind for editing.

Punching Machines

Punching machines are designed to be a heavy-duty method of preparing your documents ready for binding. Higher volume requirements require a higher speed of production. Punching machines often punch more paper at once and at a much higher speed. All models have the ability to punch different binding patterns to suit your application. Quick changeover tooling allows the machine to adapt to different punching styles. Semi to fully automated solutions capable of punching up to 50,000+ sheets an hour.

Case Making Machines

Case making machines are designed to produce the outer case of a Hard Back Book. Often utilised in tandem with other equipment such as a Perfect Binding Machine. Our unique range of Case Making Machines enable fast, accurate and reliable production of: Hard Case Book Covers, Single Piece Hard Covers for Wire Binding, High Quality Menu’s, Ring Binders, Clip Boards as well as a host of other covers associated with book production.

Exceptional customer service and expert advice

Get in touch today on 01925 611 560