A Quick Look at the Akiles DuoMac C51 Plastic Comb and 5:1 Pitch Spiral Coil Binding Machine
If you need a binding system that can execute more than just one binding style and you regularly switch from internal documents to client presentations, the Akiles DuoMac binding machine has the answers you need. This versatile binding machine lets you use two different binding styles in a quick and efficient way. The Akiles DuoMac has a plastic comb application, and a 5:1 pitch spiral coil application, giving the machine incredible flexibility.
The Akiles DuoMac is unique in several ways, this binding machine may be the only plastic comb / 5:1 pitch spiral coil combination binder available today. The 24E also includes a punch for the plastic comb pattern and a punch for the 5:1 pitch spiral coil pattern. The standard comb opener is also quite helpful to insert the pages efficiently and a wire closer is also standard equipment, which aids the binding process for projects with 19-loop spiral-O wire.
It's a real plus to have three, all-together-different binding looks, especially when most equipment available today only provides a single binding style. The DuoMac C51 delivers on this promise, and offers three looks with one binding machine at a great value. These looks include an inexpensive plastic-comb binder for combs from 3/16" to 2" in diameter. The C51 also offers a 5:1 pitch spiral coil binding. 5:1 is actually 5 holes per one inch, which is a unique variety of spiral coil that is wound tighter than the standard 4:1 pitch style. A great many users prefer this 5:1 pitch for its clean, professional look.
The DuoMac C51 has all of the same positive features that can be found in the rest of the Akiles line of binders. For example, the continuous punch guides, the depth of punch margin controls, and multiple handle mechanism, giving the machine additional function and control. This brings the DuoMac C51 to the forefront as one of the strongest options available.
This machine has many features that recommend it, but that is not to say that there aren't a few negative traits that should be considered. The DuoMac C51 has many binding options and works extremely well, but it doesn't have an electric spiral coil inserter, which for companies that do high volume projects, a stand-alone inserter, like the Roll-A-Coil will be necessary for full, efficient functionality. All of the features included in the DuoMac C51 can make it somewhat confusing to use and looks a little like an octopus (or a quadrapus, since it has 4 arms). In addition, its large size makes it a bit unwieldy. If you need a machine that is easy to store and doesn't take up much space, then you may be better served with a different binding option.
Another potential limitation is that the supplies the binder uses, such as the spiral-o wire binding and 5:1 pitch coil binding, are not readily available and can be more difficult to find than the supplies used for other binding machines. This can make projects take longer, awaiting supplies to arrive and can be even worse when you need a color or size that is not standard for binding systems
On the plus side, however, the Duomac C51 is built to last and is primarily made of metal. This kind of construction that holds up during the toughest projects and busiest professional environments. These binders are often purchased for larger volume print shops, copy centers, binderies and corporate offices, and have been proven again and again. In addition, machine includes a coil crimpers standard, used to finish 5:1 pitch coil bound projects by cutting and bending the ends of the coil for a professional finish.
Use the DuoMac if you need a 5:1 pitch coil binding machine or a comb binding machine of a very high quality. This binder has everything you may want if you are trying to bind with combs, coil and wire all with one machine. The DuoMAc C51 is a very well-made binding system with a great price. However, if you do plan to do a great deal of coil binding, you should be prepared to buy a stand-alone coil inserter.
If you don't specifically need the look of 5:1 pitch coil, you should probably think about choosing the Duomac C41 which has all of the same components as the C51, but works with a 4:1 pitch coil punch instead of 5:1. It just depends on your binding needs, but both choices work well and are easily available. Whatever choice you make, you will get a very sturdy, effective binder that will work for a long time.
