If you’ve decided to buy an electric comb binding machine but aren’t sure which model is right for you, this article is for you. Electric comb binding machines have many features and prices ranging in price from a few hundred dollars all the way up to a few thousand. Understanding the various features of comb binding machines will help you decide how to select the perfect electric comb binding machine for your business.

Quality electric comb binding machines are not constructed of plastic; they are made of metal. Plastic machines are better suited to low binding volumes. Metal machines provide higher quality binding over a longer period of time and require less maintenance.

Electric machines come with two types of punch activators, foot pedals and push buttons. While the push button sounds like it might be easier to use, it is actually harder because you have to manipulate the document while also trying to punch the button. If you use the foot pedal, you can use both of your hands to manipulate the document while activating the punch with your foot.

Comb binding machines are also available with disengageable dies. Disengageable dies allow you to choose which pins will punch and which will not. Choosing which pins punch allows you to bind smaller documents while maintaining a professional look with no holes running off the end of the page. A machine with disengageable dies is a must if you will need to bind half size, landscape, or A4 documents.

Another way high quality machines let you customize your documents is through changing punch margins. You can choose the amount of space between the paper’s edge and the holes through which the comb binding will go. Punch margins are important because they play a critical role in allowing pages to turn freely. Margins punched too close to the edge will result in pages that rip out easily. If the holes are too far from the edge the pages will not turn freely.

Some pieces of equipment are designed to accommodate documents over 11" long. For legal documents, you will need a machine designed for legal paper or that has an open throat and disengageable dies.

In addition to varying punch length capabilities, machines also vary in the amount of paper they can punch at a time. Smaller machines punch only a few pages at once while others can punch up to thirty pages. When in doubt, select a machine that can handle more pages than you think you will need. This will enhance productivity and result in a high quality finished presentation.

As with all machine purchases, you want to be covered in the event of malfunction. Typical warranties for electric comb binding machines range from 90 days to two years. Read warranty information carefully as some are for repairs only and others are for a full replacement.

When choosing an electric comb binding machine you need to carefully consider your needs and the options available before finalizing your purchase. With the wide range of features and prices available, you should have no problem finding one that’s perfect for your office. Just consider some of these features and you should be on the right track.