It probably goes without saying that, if you are in the market for a modular desktop binding punch for your office or business, you have come across the name GBC/IBICO. They are, after all, the undisputed giant of the document binding machine industry, and have been for fifty years. There is good reason for their market dominance, as all their machines from punches to binding machines, are of the highest quality, and GBC has always been out front when it comes to innovation and convenience. Even once you have decided to go with a GBC/IBICO modular desktop binding punch, however, it can be difficult to choose which GBC machine will best suit the needs of you business. To help you decide, we've created this brief overview of some of GBC's binding punches and their various capabilities.

1. If you are fairly certain that your office is only going to need to do one binding style, you might want to take a look at the MP2000 line of punches. The three machines in this line include the MP2000W3, which punches holes on a 3:1 square hole pattern with thirty-two holes for twin loop wire binding. The MP2000C4 produces a 4:1 round hole pattern for spiral coil binding. The MP2000PB punches a 19 hole rectangle hole pattern for comb binding. Again, it is important to note that the punching dies in these machines are not interchangeable as they are on some of the higher-end machines. These machines are designed for medium duty binding applications in an office environment where ease of use and professional appearance are essential.

2. If you are looking for a little more flexibility with the documents your business is able to produce, then perhaps the MP2500ix would be the right choice for you. With this particular punch, the user is able to exchange dies so that different hole patterns are available. The process of exchanging dies could not be more simple. You just slide one die out and the new die into the side of the machine. The MP2500ix is, like the MP2000 line, a medium-duty machine, perhaps not cut out for very large runs. A number of dies are available allowing the MP2500 to be punch paper for comb binding, coil binding, wirebind, velobind, proclick and 3-hole applications.

3. The undisputed king of GBC's modular binding punch line, and perhaps the most common modular interchangeable die punch in North America is the GBC Magnapunch. GBC's patented quick change system makes this machine one of the easiest to use on the market. The handy and easy to use touch switches and foot pedals make this a great machine for larger production runs and the user can change the dies making this the most versatile machine offered by GBC.

All of the above-mentioned punching machines are created for use with GBC's own line of desktop binding and finishing machines. In keeping with the modular design, GBC's wire, coil and inserters are designed to work in close proximity, stacked on top of the punch machines in order to increase ease of use and productivity. However, users who are considering a GBC binding punch may also want to consider a Rhin-O-Tuff binding punch. Rhin-O-Tuff punches usually offer more features, larger punching capacities at better price points than comparable GBC equipment.