See our selection of top Binding Machines, Binding Supplies, Binding Covers, Laminators, Laminating Film and Laminating Pouches at http://www.PresentationsDirect.com.

The AKILES iLam Pouch Laminator is an advanced heated roller pouch laminator and is the perfect solution for professionals that need a reliable and versatile hot/cold laminating system. The iLam Pouch Laminator is available in 2 models. The iLam 240 is a 9.4″ model, while the iLam 340 has a 13.4″ oversize throat for easy laminator pouch feeding.

See more Pouch Laminators at www.PresentationsDirect.com.

Additional paper shredders are available at PresentationsDirect.com >>

More binding machines online at www.PresentationsDirect.com!

Binding Machines

Do you need to bind some documents together into a report or presentation, but you’re not exactly sure where to start?  With so many binding machines and supplies available, it’s sometimes difficult to make the right choice when choosing a binding solution.  The process of selecting a binding machine often starts with settling on a particular binding style, but with 7 main styles to choose from, that isn’t necessarily easy to do.

Hopefully this guide can clear up some of the confusion and provide you with some helpful tips as you select a binding style that meets your needs.   Here are 5 questions you can ask to help assess your binding needs.

When choosing a binding machine, you should ask . . . .

What are my project goals?
Often, there are multiple factors that come into play when making a decision about your binding needs.  For example, budget may be important, but so is equipment reliability.  Or you may need to mail your documents, but you also want a binding style that is, well, stylish.  Other potential needs might include ease of use, equipment durability, equipment speed, overall performance, supply costs, number of sheets needing bound, as well as ongoing support.  This is a brainstorming step where you list all of your project goals.

Since most decision making is a give and take, you’ll also want to prioritize your goals.  For example, if you only have $500 to spend, it doesn’t matter how many sheets at a time you would like your binding machine to punch, because you will be limited somewhat by your budget. In some cases though, budget should not primarily dictate your purchase decision.  If you need to keep up with high volume demand, then speed and efficiency would be your most important needs.  Or if your first priority is to mail bound documents, then your choice would be narrowed somewhat based on this business requirement.  So determine at the start what is most important to you as this will help you narrow down your options.

Which binding style will best meet my goals?
Now that you have prioritized your goals and identified your most important goals, it’s time to look at which binding solutions meet those goals.  Comparing binding styles is a great place to start.  A chart like this (you can even make your own) can help you to visualize which style best provides the features you need.

Which binding machines and supplies are best?
This is the step where you take all the information you have gathered so far regarding your binding needs and continue to narrow down your choices.  By now, you should have established a budget, determined your volume needs (high volume vs. low volume) and figured out which binding style works for your project.  Now you’re ready to look at the binding machines and supplies that meet your goals and choice of binding styles.

Who has the experience and ability to help me best?
You don’t want to feel like you’re “doing it alone” when you are ready to buy a binding machine and supplies.  Is the local office store going to be able to answer your questions about the various binding equipment you’re thinking about?  Does your supplier have a large stock of binding supplies and covers to accommodate your project needs? Look for a company with years of experience helping people like you in a variety of situations and with just the right equipment to help your next binding project be a success. 

Of course, we would be glad to help!  Start by visiting http://www.PresentationsDirect.com

Custom presentation covers are often created using these popular options:

• Offset Printing
• Silk Screening
• Foil Stamping
• Embossing and Debossing
• From 1 color to 4 color
• Digital custom printing for hard and soft thermal binding covers

Learn more about Custom Binding Covers at PresentationsDirect.com.  A Custom Binding Specialist will be glad to assist you with your next custom presentation project!

GBC Matte Binding Combs are the perfect presentation spines when you want to combine the ease-of-use and economical benefits of plastic comb bindings with a more stylish comb solution. 

For years, the plastic comb binding style has been extremely popular due to value and the ability to easily bind documents and edit presentations.  The cost of entry was low, the equipment operator did not need special training and the bindings were durable.  But if an organization wanted to add a special look to their bound documents, they would often look to other binding options.

Often, people would bump up to a different binding style if they were looking for a binding option that was more stylish.  These viable, but more expensive options include Coil Binding, Wire Binding and even Strip Binding.  But now, you can have style and value in one with the new GBC matte textured binding spines.

New for 2009, the GBC matte comb spines are exclusively available from GBC in 2 textured color options, matte black and matte frost.  6 matte spine sizes are available:

• 1/4″ Matte Combs (up to 25 sheets)
• 3/8″ Matte Combs (up to 55 sheets)
• 1/2″ Matte Combs (up to 84 sheets)
• 5/8″ Matte Combs (up to 112 sheets)
• 3/4″ Matte Combs (up to 127 sheets)
• 1″ Matte Combs (up to 168 sheets)

With just a hint of texture, a lot of style and a great price, you don’t want to miss out on the NEW GBC Matte Plastic Comb Binding Spines!  Visit PresentationsDirect.com to learn more.

eBeam Complete

Have you ever wanted to have an interactive whiteboard, but you didn’t want to rip out your existing boards and pay the expense of all new electronic boards?

eBeam may be the solution you’ve been looking for. eBeam Whiteboard Technology turns your existing whiteboard into a fully interactive workspace. eBeam is popular in both educational and office environments.

The short demo video below introduces you to some of the benefits and features of eBeam in an educational environment. No longer do you need to tear out old whiteboards and replace them with expensive electronic boards. eBeam helps you leverage your existing board investments and bring your boards into the 21st century at a lower cost compared to traditional interactive boards.

eBeam is available in 3 packages:

1. eBeam Whiteboard
2. eBeam Projection
3. eBeam Complete

Rhin-O-Tuff 3250CL

We are excited about the release of the new Rhin-O-Tuff 3250CL Coil Binding Machine!  The Rhin-O-Tuff 3250CL is an all in one electric coil punch and electric coil inserter. This durable and simple to use all-in-one solution meets a need for an affordably priced, all electric coil binding system.

Compatible with nearly all brands of coil bindings, the 3250CL turns loose pages into impressive looking documents.  Binds books using up to 15mm (5/8”) coil size, or about 110 sheet documents.  Be sure to watch our demonstration video below and learn more at www.PresentationsDirect.com.

Since binding with a landscape orientation usually involves hand trimming the binding spine, there are 3 questions to ask when choosing the right binding style for landscape binding.

1. Is the binding style easy to trim?
2. Is the binding style safe after trimming?
3. Is the binding style attractive after trimming?

Is the Binding Style Easy to Trim?

Most standard binding spines are made to bind the traditional 8-1/2″ x 11″ document size.  So when you place this spine on the short side of the page, you’re going to be left with extra spine that needs to be trimmed (unless you’re using VeloBind spines).  Usually, this trimming will need to be done by hand since most binding machines do not include a trimming element.  And if you’re going to be trimming by hand, you will want to make sure that the spine can easily be cut, even after binding 100 books or more.  

Is the Binding Style Safe After Trimming?

Some spines would not be considered safe after trimming.  Some spines such as wire may have rough edges if not trimmed correctly.  To avoid rough edges that might scratch or poke end users, it’s best to avoid these spines that may not leave a smooth finish after trimming. 

Is the Binding Style Attractive After Trimming?

Even if you find a binding style that is easy to trim and may be considered safe, you need to make sure that your selection is also attractive after trimming.  For example, GBC ProClick binding spines may be considered easy and safe, but may not be as attractive as other binding options after they are trimmed.  

So What is the Answer?

While there are many attractive binding styles to choose from, here is the answer I gave to our customer looking for a recommendation on the best binding spine to use when trimming is necessary. If you don’t mind trimming, I recommend either the Spiral Coil Binding Spines or Plastic Comb Binding Spines.  Both of these binding spine options fit the 3 criteria necessary for choosing a binding spine when trimming is desired or required.  If you would like to avoid trimming altogether, I would recommend the GBC VeloBind 11-Pin Binding Spines which are available in the 8-1/2″ size.  The VeloBind spines provide a professional look with a secure finish.

Whatever option you choose, if you decide against VeloBind spines, keep in mind the 3 questions above when making a binding spine selection for your next short side binding presentation project that requires trimming.  And be sure to visit PresentationsDirect.com for all of your binding needs. 
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