Choosing an electric comb binding machine can be a lot more difficult than you think. With options ranging from just a few hundred dollars up to a few thousand dollars it can be very difficult to choose the right machine to fit your needs. However, an understanding of the different features included in electric comb binding machines can help you sort through the options and choose the best machine for your office. Here are seven features to look for when choosing a great electric comb binding machine?

1. Metal Construction: The best electric plastic comb binding machines are made from metal not plastic. Over time, machines that are constructed of plastic tend to break especially if they are used for volume applications. Plastic comb binding machines that are made completely of metal will last longer, work better and will require less service than machines that are made of plastic.

2. Punching Activator: Electric binding machines tend to have one of two types of punching activators. Some machines have a push button punching mechanism that is place on to the top of the binding machine. Others use a foot pedal to activate the punching mechanism. Machines that have a foot pedal are much easier to use than machines with a push button since they allow you to hold your document with both hands while punching.

3. Disengageable Dies: Another important feature to look for when choosing an electric comb binding machine is whether the machine includes disengageable dies. Comb binding machines with disengageable dies allow you to choose whether an individual punching pin will punch when you pull the handle of your machine. The ability to stop one pin from punching is important because it will allow you to bind documents that are shorter or longer than 11?without having a partial hole hanging off the edge of your document. If you are going to want to bind documents that are landscape, half letter size or A4 size you will need a machine with disengageable dies.

4. Depth of Punch Margin Control: A third feature to look for when choosing a comb binding machine is a depth of punch margin control. This control allows you to select the distance between the edge of the paper and the binding holes. If the holes are too far from the edge of the paper then the pages will not freely turn when the document is bound. If the holes are too close to the edge of the paper then pages will easily tear out of larger documents.

5. Punching Length: Many plastic comb binding machines are designed to punch documents up to eleven inches in length. However, if you are planning on binding documents that are legal size or longer you will need to find a machine that is either designed to punch longer sheets of paper or has an open throat. For legal size documents, a machine that punches and binds fourteen inch paper is preferable since the comb opener will also be able to handle the longer combs.

6. Punching Capacity: The punching capacity for electric comb binding machines can vary greatly. Some smaller electric machines can punch just a few sheets per lift. Other machines can punch as many as thirty sheets per punching cycle. Depending on the volume of binding that your organization needs to do, choosing a binding machine with a larger punching capacity can be a good idea.

7. Warranty: The final thing to consider when choosing a comb binding machine is the warranty. Warranties for these machines can vary from 90days up to 2 years. Some companies such as Akiles, Tamerica and DFG offer a return and repair warranty. Others such as GBC offer a replacement warranty.

As you evaluate different choices in electric comb binding machines, these seven features should help you narrow down the choices. However, ultimately you will need to find the machine that not only has the features that you need but also fits into your budget.