CoilMac EX versus CoilMac EPI Plus - What is the difference

With a quick review of the specifications, you will notice that the Akiles CoilMac-EX plus and CoilMac-EPI plus are similar in features, but that the price difference is pretty significant. So why is the EPI so much more expensive when they seem like very comparable machines?

While they both punch and bind for plastic coil and may look very similar on the surface, the truth of the matter is that they are very different, The primary difference between these two series' of document binding machines is related to the production output, durability, size, and ruggedness of the motors within the machines.

Output

The CoilMac-EPI can handle longer work days and, when needed, even allow for continuous use over an 8 hour period, without rest. Alternatively, the CoilMac-EX should rest at least after every 3-4 hours of use to prevent overheating of the motor. If overheating occurs, the EX has a safety feature that will automatically shut off the machine and prevent it from turning back on until the motor reaches a safe temperature to begin using again.

Durability

As the output would indicate, durability is also a differentiating factor. Assuming that both the EPI and EX are used equally (for example, if they are used for the same amount of punches on a monthly basis), the EPI is expected to last about 2 to 3 times longer than the EX model.

Inserter

In addition to the fact that the EX has a single roller while the EPI has a dual roller system, the motor that runs the rollers is also different. The EPI has a stronger and larger motor that is built to handle the higher volumes and longer work days.

Specifications

If you need more of a visual, here is a side-by-side comparison of the two spiral coil binders so you can see how they compare in other aspects, take a look below. You will notice that they are very similar in capabilities; but the main thing to take away from this is the 'recommended user'. Based on the above mentioned differences in the punching and roller inserter motors, the volume of user is the primary determining factor on which machine is the best spiral binding machine for your business' needs.

Model Coilmax EX Plus CoilMac EPI Plus
List Price* $999 $1,799
Manufacturer Akiles
Mfg Part # ACM-EX41 ACM-EPI41
Item # 04AKCOILMAEXP 04AEPI41ELECO
Recommended User Medium Office Large Office
Punching Operation Electric
Binding Operation Electric
Punching Capacity** 25 Sheets
Punching Pins All Pins Disengageable
Roller Inserter 1 Roller 2 Rollers
Machine Weight 50 lbs. 60 lbs.
Machine Dimensions 18" x 16" x 10" 21" x 23 ½" x 15 ¾"


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Mallory Morsa, Binding101 Product Expert About the Author • Mallory Morsa has been part of Binding101 since 2008 and she is the primary content creator for BUY101® information. She began in customer service and sales where she honed in her skills to provide the customer with professional, fast, and accurate information. Shortly after, she was promoted to sales supervisor and also took on the role of product expert, training the team on new products. Throughout this time, she also wrote content for the site, as well as contributed stock photography and videography. As the team grew, she moved to an official position as the content specialist and social media manager. Her skills in these variety of areas give her the unique expertise to not just create content for the web, but to create content for you, the customer. She has a Bachelor's degree in business management and marketing, was on the Dean's List each year, and graduated Summa Cum Laude. In her free time, Mallory's favorite things to do include volunteering at the animal shelter by bottle feeding neonatal kittens, reading at the park, cooking plant-based meals, playing board games, hiking, and binge streaming TV shows with her furbabies and family beside her.


* List price accurate when this post was written and does not necessarily reflect current pricing. ** Punching capacity is an approximation based on standard 20 lb. bond copy paper and may vary depending on paper stock being punched.