Akiles EcoBind-C Manual Plastic Comb Punch & Binding Machine

Overview

Specifications

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Akiles EcoBind

Transcript: The Akiles Ecobind is a punch and bind unit that is ideal for a company looking for an entry level plastic comb binding machine.
The Ecobind offers a punching capacity of up to 20 sheets of 20 lb. bond paper.
With a punching length of 12" and fully dis-engageable punch pins The Ecobind unit will punch any paper size without partially punched holes.
The wrap around punch handle allows the operator to use both hands, for an easier punch action.
A side margin control provides an evenly center... Read More

The Akiles Ecobind is a punch and bind unit that is ideal for a company looking for an entry level plastic comb binding machine.
The Ecobind offers a punching capacity of up to 20 sheets of 20 lb. bond paper.
With a punching length of 12" and fully dis-engageable punch pins The Ecobind unit will punch any paper size without partially punched holes.
The wrap around punch handle allows the operator to use both hands, for an easier punch action.
A side margin control provides an evenly centered punch for all document sizes.
And the punch margin depth control provides the correct hole to paper edge depth for each comb size and maximizes the document's tear resistance.
The Ecobind will bind documents from 1/4" to 2"
And the built-in comb selection guide measures the document thickness to select the best comb size.
One of the big advantages of using Plastic Combs is they can be customized with your specific company name or document title. This provides a key element in your company's brand recognition program.
The Ecobind is stylish & compact, it will easily fit into any office environment.

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Product Reviews

Expert Reviews

EcoBind-C Expert Review  by Mallory Morsa
About Our Expert • Mallory Morsa has worked in several different departments in her 10+ years at Binding101. Beginning in customer service and sales, she honed in her skills to provide the customer with professional, fast, and accurate information. Shortly after, she was promoted to sales supervisor and product expert, gaining hands-on and in-depth product research as well as training the team on new products. She now holds the position of content specialist, taking her extensive knowledge of our products and putting it on the web for you to access at any time. In her expert reviews, she outlines the good and the bad of products that she has handled herself, and uses her experience to identify the ideal users. If you have any questions or need more information about this product, please call our trained customer care team at (866)537-2244. Thank you for stopping by!
           

I RECOMMEND THIS FOR:
The EcoBind-C was specially designed with the small office user in mind, offering all of the basic features necessary to create a professionally comb-bound document, without all the bells and whistles of more expensive units. For the lower-level user who needs to make books from time to time, but not in huge batches or every day, the EcoBind-C is a great choice. If you need something more powerful for more frequent use, then consider the MegaBind-1 instead. Or, if even this unit is more than you need, than you can take a step down and consider the CB200 Plus.
 

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT:
One of the coolest features on this little machine is the comb size selector. This unique pull-down tab is simply pushed down onto your pages, and then shows you the recommend comb size to use for your specific document thickness. Another great feature is the punching handle that spans the entire width of the machine; this offers more leverage for your user, making it easier for them to punch as well as making it accessible for both right- and left-handed users without hassle.

If you have read any of my other reviews, than you already know how important disengageable punching pins are – well this machine is no different. Every single one of the pins on the EcoBind-C can be disengaged by just pulling on them, which stops the machine from punching that specific hole. For new users, this may not seem like an essential tool, but if you are ever going to do any paper size other than an 11” edge, it really comes in handy. Basically, without the ability to prevent specific holes from being punched, you could end up with partially punched holes on the edge of your paper, even when you fine-tune the edge margin. Just pull that half-hole pin and the problem is solved in 2 seconds.

Another, perhaps odd, feature that sets the EcoBind-C apart is the extra-large waste tray that spans the entire base of the machine. Instead of a little drawer that sits in the back, this tray-style bin means you can empty it less often. A small, uncumbersome feature, but a good one nonetheless.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t say something about the price! This machine is less than $200, making it a great buy that can fit into nearly any budget and quickly pay for itself. Especially if you have been outsourcing your comb books to a print shop, the EcoBind-C will save you money over time by bringing the document binding solution in-house for on-demand use, in whatever quantities you may need, without having to meet minimum requirements, pay under minimum charges, wait for your order, etc.
 

THINGS TO CONSIDER:
Akiles is known for making high-quality binding equipment at an affordable price point, but with this machine, what I found is that the manufacturer-specified maximum punching capacity of 20 sheets is a bit of an overstatement. Based on my testing, a more accurate capacity would be closer to 12-15 sheets at a time. And remember, as goes with all machines (including even cars); just because it can punch that many (or drive 180mph), doesn’t mean you should always run it as it’s maximum capacity; that will just wear down the machine pre-maturely. And one other thing that users have been saying; they wish the handle could be locked in the down-position for more compact storage, and I tend to agree.
 

THE BOTTOM LINE:
With the EcoBind-C you can bring professional, low-volume comb binding to your small office for on-demand use. It is surprisingly powerful for its size, and the price point combined with the essential features make it a great value buy. I definitely recommend this machine for anyone in a smaller business, or even an at-home business (like notebook making for Etsy) who wants the freedom to make comb documents whenever they want.