Plastic Comb Binding is a versatile and easy method of securing loose pages into attractive, professionally bound documents. Its open-flat/lay-flat capabilities allow the user to work on financial documents with ease; and the structure of the element allows documents to be easily reopened and updated or copied, while remaining reusable, making it unique from all other binding elements. The extensive customization capabilities on the backbone of the binding element assure recognition while on the reader's shelf. The economical form of "advertising" also makes Plastic Comb Binding unique from all other binding elements available.
GBC / Ibico's Plastic Comb Binding elements are made from rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) sheeting. The individual rings are spaced 9/16" center-to-center, and the elements are available in lengths up to 28 rings.
GBC / Ibico controls the manufacturer of comb binding elements from raw material to the finished product. Special processes and manufacturing techniques are used to produce high quality PVC sheeting to meet rigid specifications. Other ingredients are added to raw PVC resins to improve the color, elasticity, impact strength, stress-crack resistance and tensile strength.
To manufacture comb binding supplies, the PVC resins and other ingredients are mixed in a "blender". From the blender, this compound is fed into an extruder, which produces mother rolls of plastic. The gauge tolerance of the extruded sheeting is controlled to within one-thousandth of an inch. These mother rolls are slit to the various widths needed for each diameter. The slit rolls are fed into the blanking equipment which produces flat combs or blanks, and the blanks are automatically rolled by rolling machines
The cover supplies for Comb binding range from economical sturdy grain paper covers to boardroom quality Regency covers, as well as unlimited non-standard stocks for custom covers. Hardcases and Vinyl and Poly covers are also available for use with Plastic Comb Binding when ultra image or extra-heavy durability is required.
Comb binding supplies are available in two primary styles: round combs which are sometimes referred to as wideback combs or cerlox and oval combs which are sometimes referred to as surelox.
Round Combs or widback combs are the most popular comb binding element. They are particularly suited for use with two piece covers because the wide backbone extends the full length of the book and protects the edges of the pages. Imprinting on the backbone may be used for identification of the contents, or for advertising of a company name or slogan. These combs are available in twelve diameters from 3/16" to 1-1/8".
Oval Combs or surelox elements provide the strength and dependability necessary to successfully bind thick documents. This element has two unique locks, designed by GBC / Ibico, which prevent documents from opening up. Plastic Binding is oval in shape with a broad strong backbone ideally suited for imprinting. Oval combs are available in four sizes including: 1-1/4", 1-1/2", 1-3/4" and 2"
To lock oval plastic combs, grasp the comb binding element so that the backbone is facing upward and the "T" shaped hole in the corner of the backbone is facing you. Squeeze the backbone, compressing it into a "U" shape. Place the tip of the end ring into the outer side of the "T" shaped hole. Release the backbone of the element and the ring will lock into place within the hole. Practice this procedure several times with an empty comb binding spine to get the hang of it. Simply reverse the procedure to unlock.
Jeff McRitchie is the designer and Director of Marketing for MyBinding.com.He has written over 500 articles on binding machines,binding covers,binders,laminators,binding supplies,laminating supplies,paper handling equipments,index tabs, and shredders.
