There are distinct advantages for businesses using comb binders as opposed to other types of cost-effective binding methods for business materials:

1. Plastic comb binding provides flexibility for easy page removals or additions for materials that may need constant updating
2. Comb book binding service allows a document to open flat, making it easy for photocopying
3. Comb binding systems may provide a cost-effective solution for businesses that typically produce smaller books of documents, up to 180 pages
4. Comb binders offer 360-degree presentation flexibility, particularly useful for flip chart presentations

Typical comb binding machine features may include:

1. Manual or electric-operated hole-punching
2. Vertical document loading with document centering guide
3. Built-in plastic comb storage tray
4. Higher-end comb binding machines may include separable punching and binding functions

The comb binding systems process may be as follows:

1. First, holes (typically 19) are punched in pages before comb binding
2. Page holes must be lined up correctly before comb binding
3. Open the comb binding spine with the binding machine
4. Comb spine binder rings are fitted through the pre-punched holes in the pages
5. Comb binding machine closes the rings on the papers, forming a book

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

For professionals who create their own presentations, read comb binding tutorials

Some comb binding company websites have tutorials for do-it-yourselfers.

I recommend: Comb binding machine manufacturer Fellowes offers an overview of binding machines. Office machine seller abcOffice.com offers a video demo of a comb binding machine. FactoryExpress Office Equipment Blog also has a tutorial on using a comb binding machine. Document Binding Company provides an overview of products involved in the comb binding process (PDF).

Get an overview of types of comb binding equipment

Different types of comb binding equipment can be manually or electrically operated.

I recommend: BindingStuff.net offers a chart that compares features of comb binding machines from various manufacturers. See the wide variety of comb binding machines and supplies offered for sale at BindingStuff.net. Fellowes also presents their group of plastic comb binding machines.

Get an overview of types of comb binding supplies available

Buy comb binding supplies online, noting that spinebars come in a variety of colors and sheet capacity sizes.

I recommend: See the variety of plastic comb bindings sold by Professional Binding Products Inc. Office Depot has many online store pages that include different types of comb binding supplies.

For companies that would rather outsource, find comb binding services

Many copy/printing stores offer finishing services that include comb binding services.

I recommend: FedEx Kinko's Office and Print Center offers online finishing services that include comb binding services. Mimeo.com is an online printing service that also includes comb binding services for business manuals and business presentations. Staples Copy & Print Online also has online project ordering that includes finishing services such as comb binding.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some comb binding services offer custom binding combs where customers can have their names, company logos or other kinds of text imprinted on each comb.