Reviewing the Akiles DuoMac C51 Plastic Comb and 5:1 Pitch Coil Combination Binding Machine

By: Jeff McRitchie
Submitted: 2009-11-06 15:14:07
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Uniquely positioned as the only 5:1 pitch combo binding system on the market, the Akiles DuoMac C51 is presented as a solution for businesses that want the ability to do a variety of binding styles all on one machine. Here is a rundown of what we consider to be the DuoMac C51's strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths:

  1. The chief feature of the DuoMac C51 is that it is the only five to one pitch combination plastic comb and spiral coil binding system on the market. With this machine you can punch hole patterns that can be used for plastic combs, and there is also a comb opener to complete the process. There is also a wire close included, so you can use this machine so you can bind books and documents in the slightly more durable and elegant spiral-o style as well. We thought this was some pretty great versatility for just one machine.
  2. In other words, with just this one machine, it is possible to do three completely different binding styles. Three different looks, one machine. This is pretty unusual in the binding machine world, and can see how this would be a great advantage for really any size business that wants some flexibility in the types of docs that they want to be able to produce.
  3. Comb binding is one of the cheapest, easiest, and most common binding systems on the market, and the DuoMac C51 is able to produce books with comb bindings from three sixteenths to two inches in diameter.
  4. Five to one pitch spiral coil offers a sophisticated professional look and the DuoMac C51 is one of the only machines on the market that is able to pull it off. This is a great thing for businesses that want to be able to have a more distinctive look for their documents on occasion.
  5. Some of the other great features that come with the DuoMac C51 are the multiple handle operation, that makes the machine safe, quick and easy to use, the continuous punching guides, and - very important for a machine with so many capabilities - a depth of punch margin control. This feature really helps to ensure the durability and usability of the finished books.

Weaknesses:

  1. When you endeavor to create a versatile machine like this, we suppose that there are inevitably things that are going to have to be left out. That being said, we would have liked to see the inclusion of an electric spiral coil inserter. You can't have everything, though, so we highly recommend that if you are going to do much spiral coil binding, you find a standalone inserter to go along with the DuoMac C51.
  2. Lots of features, lots of handles. We suppose it may not be the most important aspect of choosing a binding system, but the DuoMac C51 looks a little bit unwieldy, and has a bigger footprint than you might be expecting.
  3. You should be aware that if you plan on doing some binding in the 5 to 1 pitch, you will need to prepare well ahead of time to get your supplies on hand as they can be a little bit hard to find, or may take a few days to be made once ordered.

If you are interested in more information about the Akiles DuoMac C51 Plastic-Comb and 5:1 Pitch Coil Binding Machine you should really check out MyBinding.com. They offer a great price on this machine and they even offer Free Shipping on all orders over $75. Plus, they carry one of the largest selections of Spiral Coil Binding Supplies, Comb Binding Supplies and binding covers available on the internet. Check them out today!

Article source: Expert Articles

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