Akiles FlexiPunch-E Interchangeable Electric Binding Punch

Overview

Specifications

Product Reviews

Expert Reviews

FlexiPunch-E 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 FlexiPunch-E is an ideal machine for medium volume production-level, or high-volume office work. Akiles, once again, has seen a gap in the industry and filled it with this system. Before the FlexiPunch release, the only way to achieve multiple punch patterns in a compact unit like this was to invest in an ultra heavy duty $5,000+ die binding punch machine (like the Rhin-O-Tuff models). But with the FlexiPunch-E, you can achieve four different binding styles from one small system. They also have a manual version available in the FlexiPunch-M with the same capabilities, but manual punching for lower volumes.
 

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT:
The first major feature of this system that I want to talk about is the ability to punch for multiple binding styles; not just two, but four various punch patterns. The dies are basically blocks that contain the punching heads, and they can be easily and quickly removed and changed out to switch between patterns by using the lever on the side of the system. Dies currently available include a 3:1 wire-o, 2:1 wire-o, plastic coil, and plastic comb. This versatility makes it a great system for any higher volume office-level users, or even for mid-volume production-level jobs where they may not warrant the use of the more expensive machinery.

Each die also has punching pins that are all disengageable, letting you customize the punching pattern to your individualistic requirements. This opens the realm of possibilities further, as you can easily and professionally punch for various sheet sizes, without risking half-holes on the edges. The punching throat itself is also open-ended, a feature Akiles always incorporates into their machines, which means that the 12” maximum binding edge is actually only half of the length you can punch; to punch up to 24”, you just flip your pages after the first punch, line up the holes, and then punch again for the rest of your sheet length.

I am also a fan of the simplistic look of the FlexiPunch electric binding punch; it fits well with my personal minimalistic aesthetic. This also means it will fit well into any office environment, whether it is placed in the back production room, or in the front office. It is compact, especially when you consider the functionality, so really doesn’t take up much room, again, making it versatile to fit well into any environment.

The FlexiPunch is also incredibly simple to operate, which means there are no complicated settings or training needed for your staff; all of your team can use the machine whenever needed, without hassle. The foot pedal activation leaves both hands free to handle pages, which makes for a more efficient and speedy process. And the punching capacity of about 20 sheets lets you quickly work through your jobs. The FlexiPunch system also comes with a one year manufacturer’s warranty, which protects against defects for a full year after purchase.
 

THINGS TO CONSIDER:
The only real consideration here is the fact that this machine is a punch only, meaning that it will not close your wire, insert your coils, or spread your combs. To accomplish that actual binding step, you will need to invest in the appropriate finishing modules for your intending binding styles. If you plan to use all four punching dies, then this would mean an additional two to four machines; a comp opener (required for comb), a wire closer (required for wire), and possibly a coil inserter (not required, but recommended for coil inserting; you will also need a coil crimper or crimping pliers [required]). Higher volume punches offer more versatility in the punch patterns, with 10+ options, so the FlexiPunch is limited to just the most common 4 punching patterns.
 

THE BOTTOM LINE:
The FlexiCloser-E is a fantastic punching machine for various binding styles and types, bringing versatility to users who may otherwise have to buy four different machines or an overkill heavy duty machine. It is suited well for higher volume office level use, or medium volume production level use. It looks great, fits into any environment, and offers all of the necessary features to produce professionally punched pages and covers for wire, coil, and comb.