Not all binding machines are the same – the way they work and the style of bound document varies – it is important to find a binding machine that suits your needs.

The main types of binding machine are shown below…

Comb binding machines

Comb binders link the document’s pages using a plastic ‘comb’ that forms the spine of the document. Pages in the document can be opened out flat and it is possible to pull the comb apart such that the document can be taken apart and then put back together again.

Wire binding machines

Wire binders use a thin wire as its spine. The wire is ‘C’-shaped when looked at end on and when the punched pages are slotted onto the wire the binding machine cleverly forces the wire spine shut so the presentation is secure.

The document can be opened up flat. It can be taken apart if necessary but a new wire spine is needed to reassemble the document.

Thermal binding machines

As the name suggests thermal binders use a hot binding method that results in a neat and flat document. The pages are glued within wrap-around covers for a profession finish. Bound documents cannot be disassembled and put back together.