Many of the newer photocopiers on the market have the ability to accept and print directly onto index tabs. However, in order to select the correct type of indexes for your photocopier there are several different things that you must first understand. This article is designed to provide a quick overview of the different types of copier-tabs to help you better understand the indexes that will best suit your needs. Here are four important things to consider when choosing copier tabs:
1. Copier-tabs are available collated several different ways. The most common collation style is single reverse collated (5-4-3-2-1). However, depending on your copier you might need double reverse collated indexes (5-5-4-4-3-3-2-2-1-1), straight collated index tabs (1-2-3-4-5) or uncollated tabs (each box comes with one tab position). If you aren't sure what type of copier-tabs you need to use with your copier you might consult your manual or consider starting with either uncollated tabs or with single reverse indexes since they are the most common.
2. Copier tabs are also available in different cuts. The cut of an index simply refers to the number of tabs along the 11" edge of the tab. Although the most common cut for copier tabs is 1/5th cut, they are also available in other cuts including 1/3rd cut, 1/4th cut, 1/6th cut, 1/8th cut and 1/10th cut. Most of these specialty cuts are currently only available in the single reversed collated style.
3. After deciding on the collation style and the cut of the tabs you need to decide whether you want coated tabs or not. Copier-tabs are available in plain paper and with a coated toner receptive trilar coating. This simply means that the tab extension of the copier tabs has a laminated coating on it for added protection and strength.
4. The last thing to consider is whether your copier-tabs need to be three hole drilled (for use with three ring binders) and whether you need them to have a reinforced binding edge.
All of these features are available in copier-tabs. However, not all cuts and styles are available in all collation styles. Colored copier tabs, copier-tabs with custom colored trilar or indexes in cuts or collation styles that are not standard can often be ordered on a custom basis. Obviously custom tab styles will be more expensive than standard tabs so it is best to look at the stock styles first before deciding to have custom tabs made.
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.
