Comb binding provides an open-flat/lay-flat, updatable and reusable binding method. Strip binding and Thermal Binding offer the ultimate in image and security for confidential documents. However, the market is always searching for new ideas and it responded by offering two different finishes that are as attractive and professional as Strip Binding, Comb Binding and Thermal Binding, yet provide different characteristics. Wire binding and plastic coil binding bring new important features to the table making them better suited for certain applications.

Wire binding creates a high tech look of professional quality. The metal loops encircle the document, and crimp together to provide a secure bind for few or many pages. Opened documents lay flat for easy reading and writing, and pages can wrap around without impairment, making Wire an ideal choice for revenue generating proposals, working documents or reference materials.

Wire binding supplies are available in two different punch patterns (pitches):

-3:1 (3 holes per inch) for documents from 1/16" through 1/2"

-2:1 (2 holes per inch) for documents from 9/16" through 1-1/8"

To determine the number of loops per element, multiply the pitch by the binding edge length and subtract "1":

-A 3:1 element for an 11" document has 32 loops (3 x 11 = 33 - 1 = 32)

-A 2:1 element for an 11" document has 21 loops (2 x 11 = 22 - 1 = 21)

Plastic Coil binding provides a bright new trendy look for office documentation, while standing up to the rough treatment often given to packages sent via mail or messenger. The light weight sturdy plastic coil winds continuously around and through the pages of a document to hold them securely, and springs back into shape if crushed. Opened documents lay completely flat for working on spread sheets or reading. Pages can wrap around without impairment, making Plastic Coil an ideal choice for revenue generating documents, manual or reference materials.

Plastic coil is stocked in 4:1 pitch (4 holes to the inch), 3:1 pitch (3 holes to the inch) and 5:1 pitch (5 holes to the inch).

The most common pitch of spiral coil is 4:1 pitch which is used by more than 90% of the marketplace. Depending on the brand of 4:1 spiral coil binding machine that you have it may punch either 43 holes (true .250 pitch) or 44 holes (.2475 Pitch). Both of these hole patterns use the same standard 4:1 supplies, however, the 44 hole pattern is designed to help with better placement of the holes on 11" documents.