Some of the thermal binding machines that I tested

　　For years, the makers of thermal bindingequipment have been spreading rumors that Unibind covers won't work ina thermal binding machine. In fact, I was once told that thermalbinding machines just don't get hot enough to melt the adhesive in theUnibind machines. This is simply not true. In fact, if there is anyproblem binding Unibind covers in a thermabind machine it is that thetemperature gets too hot. I have tried running some Unibind spines andcovers in my thermal machine and these are a few of the things that Ihave discovered. As I mentioned above, Square Steel Electrical Axial Wall Fan there have long been rumorsthat Thermabind machines don't get hot enough to melt the glue forbinding with Unibind supplies. However, in my tests, I found that thiswas not true. In fact, I tested a number of different thermal machinesand none of them had a problem melting the glue. However, there were afew problems that I did note that you should watch out for.

Althoughnone of the thermal binding machines that I tested had problems meltingthe glue, some did put out too much heat. Steel spines that werecovered with a leatherette type finish were sometimes affected by thisexcess heat. This caused the finish to be melted or discolored on thesteel spine. One model of machine that I tested had a variabletemperature setting and worked better on the lower temperaturesettings. However not all thermal systems have this type of adjustment.When the machines had this problem the only two solutions that I foundwere to take the book out of the unit before the full binding time hadexpired or to use a piece of paper between the heat plate and the spineto protect the finish.

Some of the thermal binding machines that I tested had flexible pieces of plastic to help keep thedocuments tight inside the machine during binding. These work well withthe Unibind spines. However, I had to be careful when removing thecovers from the machine so that the spine did not get caught on plasticpieces. This was primarily a problem with steel back spines and notwith steelbooks or steel crystal covers.

It is importantto keep in mind that you are limited to the capacity of your machinewhen binding Unibind covers in your thermal machine. Many of themachines on the market will only accept a document that is one inchthick. This converts to a Unibind cover that is the maximum of 23mm or25mm.

If you already have a thermal binding machine,this should open a whole bunch of new doors for you. Steelbook coversprovide an option for binding hard covers and photo books without theneed for a hard cover crimper. Plus, Steelback spines allow you to useyour own custom printed covers with your thermal binding machine.