If you have ever tried to use a clear cover with a Unibind SteelBack binding spine you probably discovered the hard way that they don't work well together. Unfortunately the heat from the Unibind machine will warp or sometimes even melt the clear cover. Obviously this doesn't leave you with the beautiful finished presentation that you want. This article is designed to help you understand what types of covers you can and cannot use with your Unibind SteelBack spines.

1. Clear Binding Covers: Most 5mil, 7mil or 10mil standard clear covers are not compatible with your Unibind binding machine. The heat from the binding machine will ruin the cover and your document. However, special heat resistant clear binding covers are available for use with Unibind and Fastback binding systems. These heat resistant clear binding covers are made from a different material that can withstand higher temperatures.

2. Vinyl Binding Covers: True vinyl binding covers such as imperial vinyl covers are NOT compatible with your Unibind system. The heat from the system will melt these covers. This is only true for covers made from actual "vinyl". Some individuals call poly covers which are actually plastic vinyl covers. As you can see below poly covers are compatible with Unibind spines.

3. Poly Binding Covers: Nearly all poly binding covers should be fully compatible with your Unibind system. However, if you have a particular style of poly cover that you are thinking about using it is always a good idea to try a sample in your Unibind machine to make sure that it won't melt or warp. Generally speaking, the heavier the cover the better chance that it will work properly in the machine.

4. Regency Leatherette Covers: All regency composition leatherette binding covers are fully compatible with the heat from your Unibind system. These covers are available in approximately ten different colors and give your documents an elegant look and feel with a leatherette finish.

5. Paper Covers: Generally speaking paper covers are fully compatible with the Unibind System. Many users like to use linen weave binding covers along with steelback spines or you might try using a metallics cover to co-ordinate with your aluminum SteelBack spine.

This covers most of the different categories of covers that are available on the market. However, if you have a question about a particular type of binding cover it never hurts to try a sample in your machine to see how it reacts.