Aiming to compete in the manual modular binding punch market, especially in the ease of use, rugged construction, and low price categories, the FlexiPunch M provides a nice choice for organizations who want some variety on their binding options without breaking the bank. We peeked under the hood of this machine, and put together a list of what we saw as some of its strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths:
1. The chief strength of the FlexiPunch M is that it gives you so many options for punching and binding at such a low price point. With this one machine, you can punch holes for comb binding, twin loop binding in both 2:1 and 3:1 pitches (square holes), and 4:1 round hole wire coil binding. There are a lot of machines out there that give you similar options, but to have this many options at such a low price is somewhat of a rarity.
2. The sheet punching capacity of the FlexiPunch M is really pretty impressive at up to 25 sheets of 20lb paper per lift. For a manual machine, it seemed to us that the lever was pretty powerful and easy to use as well.
3. The FlexiPunch M features an open throat design as well as fully disengageable punching pins, which means that using this machine you will be able to punch just about any size document, using a two punch process for documents that are longer than 12 inches.
4. As we have said, there are a lot of modular binding punches on the market with similar capabilities to the FlexiPunch M. One great way in which the FlexiPunch M has distinguished itself is in the ease of use category. Changing dies on this machine could not be a simpler process, and in most cases takes just a matter of seconds, even for the most technically challenged among us. No tools are required to make the switch, and the dies (one of which is included in your purchase, the others of which must be ordered separately) sit together nicely on a shelf, so you can just grab the one you want, and off you go.
5. As with all of Akiles machines, the FlexiPunch M is a rugged, all metal beast that appears to be ready to give you years of faithful service.
Weaknesses:
1. Though the FlexiPunch M is a really nice manual punch, it is just a manual punch after all. What this means is that for really high volume production environments, it may be a little slow and tedious to use. If you are going to need to produce hundreds of documents a week or so, you will likely want to consider purchasing an electric punch such as the Akiles FlexiPunch E in order to save you a lot of time and effort (of not necessarily money).
2. The FlexiPunch M does not come with any sort of finishing equipment (such as a coil inserter, comb opener, or wire closer). That should not be any sort of deal breaker, but you will need to be aware that when you purchase this machine, you will have to make sure that you also find and purchase the correct finishing equipment for the kinds of jobs you intend to do.
Author Resource:-
Jeff McRitchie is the designer and Director of Marketing for http://www.mybinding.com .He has written over 500 articles on binding machines,binding covers,binders,laminators,binding supplies,laminating supplies,paper handling equipments,index tabs, and shredders.
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