Comb Binding

Comb binding (sometimes referred to as "cerlox" or "surelox" binding) is one of many ways to bind pages together into a book. This method uses round plastic spines with 19 rings (for US Letter size) or 21 rings (for A4 size) and a hole puncher that makes rectangular holes. Comb binding is sometimes referred to as plastic comb binding or spiral comb binding.

Binding process

To bind a document, the user first punches holes in the paper with a specialized hole punch. Pages must be punched a few at a time with most of these machines. If hard covers are desired, they must be punched as well. In bulk applications, a paper drilling machine may be used.

Then the user chooses a spine size that will match the document. Standard sizes are (for 16 sheets of 20# paper) up to (for 425 sheets). Spine lengths are generally to match the length of letter-size paper.

The rings on the spine open and insert into the holes in the page, then rest against the body of the spine, resulting in a closure that can be opened again for making changes to the book.

image:Comb bind step1.JPG, Machine opening the spine
image:Comb bind step2.JPG, Pre-punched paper with spine rings through holes
image:Comb bind step3.JPG, Rings closed on paper
image:Comb bind step4.JPG, Completed book out of machine

Comparison with other punch binds

With this bind, the book lies flat but cannot be opened 360 degrees. For a book that can be opened such that the covers touch, a spine that does not have an obstructive body, such as a coil binding, is a better option.

References

How To Comb Bind

{{DEFAULTSORT:Comb Binding
Bookbinding