Article Surfing Archive

Overview:

The GBC CombBind C450e is a plastic comb binding machine with an electric punching mechanism. This machine offers a variety of new features that promise to make binding faster and easier in a multiplicity of applications. As a matter of fact, this product of the original plastic comb binding manufacturer, GBC, is the only binder that has all of these features in one machine. This makes in unique in the market place for its versatility and functionality.

Features:

This binder has several excellent features including an electric punch that can handle up to 25 sheets at a time (though 22 sheets is probably more realistic). The CombBind C450 can also punch through up to 2 plastic covers at a time, which saves time and effort on binding projects. With its auto-centering system , the machine can easily align documents, making this innovative system very easy and efficient to use in a variety of applications.

In addition, the new document separator divides sheets into easy to punch sections. This feature works wonderfully for the occasional user. For larger companies, with higher volume users, this feature is not quite as helpful, so those companies that work in high-volume binding, should probably look elsewhere for their equipment needs. The system is also capable of binding documents with plastic combs between *" and 2" in diameter, making it quite versatile. In addition, the CombBind features and with a stylish new design and compact size, so that it looks as great as it works. This is a feature often overlooked by other manufacturers.

Limitations:

This helpful machine, though stylish and versatile, does have a few limitations. For example, there is no depth-of-punch control on the machine, which prevents you from selecting how far from the edge of the paper the holes are placed. This can be very problematic when setting up your project. In addition, there are no disengageable dies. These dies help bind custom sizes and without them, binding a custom-size document is nearly impossible. In addition, the machine does not feature an open throat construction, so that are longer than 11" are impossible to punch. This includes A4 and legal sized sheets, which are fairly commonly used in a variety of businesses.

Finally, the C450e's rotary comb opener, though functional, is no match for the more traditional, easier-to-use comb openers. It is tricky to use and adds time to the binding process until the operator is fully comfortable and trained on the process. All of these limitations should be kept in mind when you make your decision on the binding equipment you need.

Construction:

The primarily plastic construction of the C450e makes it stylish, but style is not without its price. A plastic construction is not the most durable of materials and this could create a problem for high-volume users, who use the equipment time and again and need it built to last. In addition, some of the new features, like the auto centering and document separator are attractive and add versatility to the machine, but at the same time, they are unproven and their durability is unknown. This could also create problems that are, as of yet, unseen.

Recommendation:

With great style and convenient storage, even with its limitations, the C450e can be an excellent machine for low to mid volume users who are looking for an electric punch. This equipment can increase their increase productivity and make binding easier. For larger companies, with higher-volume applications, however, the C450e may not be ideal, and another choice may be a better one for this situation. Whatever your decision, do keep the GBC CombBind C450e in mind as a versatile, innovative and stylish solutions for your moderate binding needs.