The biggest decision you need to make when considering a spiral binding machine, also called a coil binding machine, is the exact type of binding you need, since there are several that fall into this general category. You also need to decide whether to invest in a machine to do the binding yourself or pay a printer or bindery service to do it for you.

Before binding your own documents, there are many issues you need to decide. Spiral bookbinding products and services education and training involves learning about the following aspects of the process:

1. The various types of bindings, how they work, and the benefits and advantages of each.

2. The types of supplies you need to purchase along with the spiral binding machine for each method.

3. The correct way to format the document's page and how to choose the best type of page and cover paper stock to go with each binding option.

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

Read articles about spiral binding machines and related types of binding

Articles can give the careful shopper even more in-depth information to help you make your final choice, if you're still choosing which type of binding or which machine to buy. These articles can also help you know how to use the machine you choose most effectively.

I recommend: Choose from a list of articles containing book binding tips at Eckhart & Company. Browse a list of articles on choosing and using binding equipment and supplies at MyBinding.com.

Find out more about various kinds of spiral book binding

Spiral binding involves either metal or plastic coils that feed through holes punched in the pages. There are several other types of binding that are very similar to spiral coil binding, including comb binding, and other types of wire binding, such as double loop, which form a similar binding. In addition, there are different sizes and styles of coil binding, including plastic and metal wire.

I recommend: Read a detailed explanation of book binding with information on the various types at Factory-Express. Find resources, guides and tips on several different kinds of plastic and metal binding and the machines used to bind books at Office Zone. Learn more about several kinds of binding, including the benefits and applications of each and how they work at Ambind.

Get more information about coil binding machines with online videos and tutorials

Find more in-depth information on types of binding machines to further narrow your search or to help you use the machine you've purchased. There are also other forms of binding you may be curious about, such as tape and thermal binding or newer processes such as Proclick or VeloBind.

I recommend: Read tutorials on several kinds of binding, including plastic and metal coil, double-loop wire and plastic combs, at Advanced Document Systems & Supply. Choose from several categories of binding machines and watch a how-to video that shows how it works at BindingStuff.

Learn what you need to know when ordering plastic coil binding and similar binding services

If you choose to have your book binding done by an outside service instead of buying a machine to do it yourself, you still need to understand some details about how the process works. Familiarize yourself with the benefits of various types of binding so you choose the right one. Understand the best way to format your document pages for each type of binding.

I recommend: View the product knowledge information center at Jenco Productions to learn how to format your document correctly when ordering wire spiral binding and related types of binding services. See which types of binding are available from Lulu and check the minimum and maximum page count for each type of document binding type.

Spiral bookbinding products and services provide a simple way to bind presentations and other small paper collections into book format. While it costs more to do spiral book binding than conventional book binding, it’s still a good choice for a small run of books.

In order to make a spiral book, you need a spiral binding machine. There are many models available. As you consider whether to purchase a coil binding system for your office or get the job done by a spiral binding company, there are some things you should consider:

1. Determine how many spiral coil-binding projects you may need to do in the future.

2. Decide if you prefer plastic coil binding or wire spiral binding.

3. Figure the initial cost of the coil binding system, plus the cost of additional spiral binding supplies.

4. Compare the cost of making books in your office to having a spiral binding company create the books.

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

Find a spiral binding machine for your office

Once you know the length of your typical office presentations, you can determine the size of the machine you need. Some spiral binding machines use number of pages as a guideline, while others use thickness of the finished book.

I recommend: Factory Express offers a number of coil binding machines. Some machines punch holes in the pages of the book, while others insert spiral plastic binding or wire spiral binding. Factory Express also has combination spiral binding machines in stock that can perform both tasks. BindingStuff offers a number of coil binding machines to help you find the right size coil binding machine for any job. They also carry a number of supplies.

Buy spiral coil binding supplies

Each book you make will require whatever type coils you choose to use. While some coils are reusable, others are not. Shop around to find the best prices.

I recommend: You can find a large selection of spiral coil binding supplies at iShopBinding.com. Office Zone offers a large selection of coil binding supplies as well.

Use professional spiral bookbinding products and services

If you have a large run of books to publish, this may be the most cost effective option. There are a number of companies that can bind your books at a surprising low cost.

I recommend: Lulu offers all the services of a spiral binding company at a low cost per book. Jenco Productions is another spiral binding company that can mass produce your books with plastic or wire spiral binding.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When deciding on spiral coil binding, keep in mind that plastic coil binding is less likely to crush during use. You should also know that with proper treatment, wire spiral binding is just as durable.
• •  Plan the layout of your book carefully. Remember to leave enough room on the left margin for the coil binding machine to punch the holes and insert the coils. If your book is an odd size, you may have to allow for the spacing of the holes to make sure they don't run off the edge of the page.

Spiral bookbinding is a way to turn a pile of documents into an organized presentation. Many businesses use spiral bookbinding for company presentations, budgets and other important documents that need to be mass produced. Most spiral binding work is done through a company that provides bookbinding services. These companies have the proper machinery to create spiral bound books with plastic or wire spines. There are a number of methods for spiral bookbinding that create a sturdy, presentable look.

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

Spiral binding machine

A spiral binding machine is a machine used to punch and insert the paper document onto a metal or plastic spiral spine. Binding machines make the process of creating spiral bound documents quick and uniform.

I recommend: Spiel Associates provides videos that show how the company's different spiral binding machines work.

Plastic coil binding

Plastic coil binding is a common method of spiral binding. The plastic material helps to resist crushing of the spine and can hold a large amount of paper.

I recommend: Gregath Publishing provides information on a soft binding method using plastic or wire coils.

Wire coil binding

Wire coil binding is a type of spiral binding that uses metal wire instead of plastic spirals. This type of binding can withstand normal wear and tear, but does not always resist crushing.

I recommend: Laminator Warehouse provides an overview of the different spiral and other binding methods available.

Machineless binding

Machineless binding is a technique that can be used when a spiral binding machine is not available. The finished product can look the same with easy editing spiral binding and pre-punched paper supplies.

I recommend: My Binding provides a list of supplies available to create a spiral bound document without a spiral binding machine.

Spiral binding specifications

Spiral binding specifications are set forth by companies that provide spiral binding services. The finished product may not look like it should if these specifications are not followed,.

I recommend: Jenco Productions provides a product knowledge information center that details specifications and guidelines for producing a spiral bound book.

Hole pattern

The hole pattern in piral binding is the size and spacing of the holes that hold the plastic or wire spiral. The common size is a 4:1 pitch, or 4 holes for every inch of paper. Other sizes available are 2.5:1, 3:1 and 5:1.

I recommend: Best Buy Binding provides information on hole patterns and sizing for binding documents.