Thermo Binding Machine Review

In the run-up to the test, we defined practical requirements and the following test criteria:

• Binding quality
• Speed
• Processing
• Overall impression
• Functional scope

In order to be able to evaluate these criteria, we have defined several tests for the thermal binding machines. First, the scope of delivery and functions are checked. The devices are prepared according to the manufacturer's specifications and the required warm-up time is stopped.

In the test sequences, the maximum number of sheets is bound into a folder. DIN A4 sheets are used for this purpose. The time required for the binding process and the cooling of the folder is also stopped.

When binding, the user-friendliness, and stability are also checked. Once the folders are bound, their quality and workmanship are assessed.

In order to rule out errors and to ensure the strain of everyday use, each test is carried out in several stages.

The test criteria receive percentages depending on their importance. The final score is then objectively calculated from the test criteria using an algorithm.

Product selection

Our product selection is based on an observation of the current market. In addition to popular branded products, we also include insider tips in our selection. Criteria such as price and range of functions are an important factor for us. The test field is also determined by analysis and evaluation of customer reviews and external tests (e.g. Stiftung Warentest).

The devices are purchased anonymously or lent to us by the manufacturer. Dealers and manufacturers have no influence on the tests and our evaluation.

As soon as new relevant products come onto the market, our test field is extended by these. The new products go through the same test as the already tested devices.

A thermal binding machine is used to bind a wide variety of documents very professionally using special technology. A stable structure is thus created from loose sheets. In this way, the linked pages are given a professional appearance. For each binding, a folder is used which contains the required adhesive. The thermal binding machine is suitable for use in offices as well as in private areas. The following guide explains exactly what a thermal binding device is, what can be bound with it and what you should pay attention to when using it.

With a thermal binding machine, you can make bindings similar to those of professional bookbinders. So you don't have to go to a bookbindery or copy shop, and you can stitch several paper pages together at home with the help of the binding device. The documents can be bound in a similar way to a book. You will need a folder with an adhesive strip on the back. This is the cover and spine, which makes the book look professional.

Please note that the thickness of the folders used must match the thickness of the documents in order for the thermal binding machine to work properly.

The thermal binding folders are available in different designs and sizes. A4 and A5 are common. You can choose between softcovers and the much more stable hardcover thermal binding folders, which look particularly professional and offer a high level of protection for the contents. For example, you can bind 200 to 600 sheets of paper, depending on the device. This is a considerable number and is sufficient for most documents. The capacity is mainly influenced by the paper. The standard weight of the printer paper is around 80g/m². With a thickness of 90g/m², the capacity of the binding folder is correspondingly lower. The thicker paper has its advantages. On the one hand, it has a better grip and is also opaque, so that the printed pages underneath do not shine through. This is quite possible with 80g/m² paper. For professional documents, the white paper should be chosen.

Several folders can be bound simultaneously in one operation. The operation is simple because only a few handles are necessary. Some spiral binding machines require some force to push the lever down. The device is preheated briefly. During this time, the sheets can be inserted into the binding folder. The folder is then inserted into the thermo binder with the inserted sheets. Heat is generated in the thermal binding machine, causing the adhesive to liquefy, spread and the documents to be stuck together. In the end, you hardly see any traces of the binding. The heat causes the glue and the paper to melt together permanently, resulting in a robust folder.

Preheat device, insert sheets into the binding folder, insert folder into the device, allow it to cool down- done.

The binding process takes a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the machine. The bound folder must then cool down slowly. There are special stands in which the bound folder can be placed until the glue has cooled down and the individual sheets are permanently bound. It is included with some thermal binding machines. Alternatively, the cooling phase can also be carried out in the device.

The application possibilities of the thermal binding machine are very diverse, no matter in which area, whether at work, at school or in your leisure time: You can use it for example to create product catalogues, brochures or a self-made book or professionally bind it.

quote text="For final theses, a thermal binding machine is often the only option for clean binding. For other types of bindings, sheets could be added later."]

Important documents such as invoices can also be neatly bound and stowed away. You can also use the thermal binding machine for a paper, manuscript, diploma thesis, application or wedding newspaper.

Contracts, documentations, presentations or scripts can also be professionally processed to elegant documents.

quote text="With thermal binding machines you can bind a wide variety of documents, such as catalogues, brochures, contracts, documentations, presentations, scripts".

You see, listing all possible applications is hardly possible. Thermal binding is ideal wherever documents are not only to be stapled but also created in a representative and professional manner. Other important documents can be neatly sorted and stored. This makes it easy to maintain an overview. A big advantage is also the long-term high quality.

The technique of thermal binding originates from bookbinding. Here the so-called adhesive binding is used in the production of paperbacks and magazines. This type of binding was invented as early as 1895 but only became popular in the 1940s, when the German publishing house Albatross Verlag in Hamburg published the first paperbacks. Shortly thereafter, in 1939, the American Pocket Books Verlag spread this technique by bringing popular books onto the US market in the form of paperbacks.
In 1940 Dupont improved the adhesive binding process by using hot melt instead of cold glue, resulting in many longer-lasting results.
This technique is also used in today's thermal binding machines.

• Easy handling and operation
• Fast binding
• Permanently attractive and secure binding of documents
• No more chaos due to loose leaves
• Professional look
• Proper safekeeping of documents
• Pages are permanently fixed
• Easy turning
• Years of high quality

The sheets of paper should lie perfectly on top of each other before the binding process so that they form a clear line. You can do this well by tapping the stack onto a hard surface such as a table or work surface. If the stack is in the folder, this is repeated. Only then is the folder placed in the thermo binder. When using a thermal binding machine, you should make sure that you keep to the specified time. The exact times can be found in the description of the device or folder. If the folder with the adhesive remains too short in the device, the adhesive effect may not unfold properly, so that the bound work disintegrates into individual pages.

If you have fewer documents, you should insert blank pages at the end to ensure compatibility.

After removing the folder from the thermometer, the glue must cool down. It is still warm after removing the folder. Therefore, it does not hold the sides together properly, which can cause them to slip. Due to the liquefaction of the glue, even the slightest movement can cause the sheets to be tied unclean. In general, it is not difficult to learn how to use the thermo binding machine optimally.

There is a large number of different thermal binding machines on the market in different designs and price ranges. Before you buy, make sure you know for which area you want to buy the device, how many blades you want to bind and how fast you want to bind them.

For an office, for example, a faster machine is more suitable, while for private use, when used only occasionally, this factor plays a subordinate role.

Other important criteria in this context are the warm-up time. Some devices also offer a cooling compartment or a cooling stand, which speeds up the cooling process of the thermal binding folder. The requirements that the device must meet play an important role.

Conclusion

With the thermal tying device you can tie loose sheets absolutely cleanly to a document. No matter which model you choose, with all thermal binding machines it is the case that they permanently bind a folder to individual sheets due to the heat generated.

The subsequent cooling phase ensures a solid binding. The folders are available in different designs, sizes, thicknesses and backs. The binding is suitable for very versatile documents and papers so that the device can be used both in the private and business area.

The bound folders can be finished with stickers or single adhesive letters. All the accessories are available from specialist office retailers.