ENews

The Press Release: How and When to Promote Company News

October 13, 2013

by Dianna Brodine, PostPress

As the editor of a magazine, I have a vested interest in promoting a well-written press release. It makes my job much easier when companies send me their news, rather than requiring me to seek it out.

I’ll tell you a little secret. Media representatives rarely will “seek it out.”

Companies that promote themselves are the ones that receive publicity. A press release catches the eye of the media, alerts them to new developments within the industry and serves the beginning of a story on a silver platter. Yet many companies don’t take the time to send a press release when significant events occur, and those companies are missing out on a simple – and free – marketing opportunity.

Why send a press release?

Establish a relationship with media outlets as a willing and educated source of information.
Gain visibility with prospective and current clients who view industry news outlets.
Increase a company’s online presence through the media’s use of web links.

When should a press release be sent?

If these events occur, they could trigger a press release.

New hires in top positions
New equipment acquisitions
Facility expansions
Product or service offering expansions
Local, national or industry awards and recognitions
Internal company benchmark or goal achievement

How should a press release be formatted?

There are a variety of press release templates available on the internet, but essentially a press release is a simple document with four parts.

Descriptive headline. Explain concisely what the press release is promoting.
One to three paragraphs describing the event.
Boilerplate. This is a news industry term that refers to a block of text that can be used repeatedly to convey information. In the case of a press release, a boilerplate paragraph should be used to provide brief background on a company and its capabilities.
Contact information. Provide a phone number or email address for the primary contact person should a media representative require more information.

Finishing Processes Not a Barrier to Recyclability

October 13, 2013

by Victor Bell, Environmental Packaging International

There’s growing interest among many of the largest brand owners, retailers and governments in promoting environmental best practices. Some of these new initiatives impact the finishing industry.

Paper-based packaging remains the most commonly used packaging material in the world – contributing nearly 40 million tons to the municipal solid waste stream in the US. Some of the common treatments applied to packaging to enhance its graphic appeal, such as hot foil stamping, laminating and metalized paper, are perceived to present challenges to local recycling processes, deeming them unacceptable. But, that’s not necessarily the case.

Is foil finished … or recyclable?

From posters and wrapping paper to greeting cards and cosmetics packaging, communities within the US approach paper embellishments differently when it comes to recycling. While some community recycling programs accept aluminum-bearing paper, others don’t accept them because of concerns about the potential appearance of aluminum particles in the recycled content paper or the difficulty in repulping fibers.

When it comes to the recyclability of these materials, the bottom line is the bottom line. And while some programs fear mixing foil in the recycling stream may diminish the value of the finished paper product, a study conducted by Smithers Pira (Pira International) confirms the recyclability and repulpability of paper products decorated by both the traditional hot stamp and new cold foil processes.

Education is key

To improve recycling rates of paper and packaging with metalized effects, more information is needed about the mechanics of the different treatment processes. For example, subtle distinctions between all of the techniques – especially between metalized paper and foil-laminated paper – can have a big impact on the collection, sorting and recyclability of packaging.

Since these differences are not well understood, reports such as the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s “Closing the Loop: Design for Recovery Guidelines for Paper Packaging”, published in 2011, provide guidance to drive more informed decisions before putting packaging on the market.

Avoid consumer confusion

It’s not only a lack of understanding among community recycling programs or the design aspects of the packaging that impact the ways in which finished papers are disposed. Consumer behavior also can pose barriers.

Because of various treatment by the recycling facilities – or outright avoidance of metalized papers altogether – consumers are left wondering what curbside container to use. That’s where brand owners, package designers and printers can help – by accurately labeling how these materials can be collected and recycled.

While the Federal Trade Commission’s “Green Guides” are designed to prevent deceptive environmental claims, it also can be used to promote a clearer understanding among consumers about how to treat their waste.

For example, packaging must include qualifying text unless recycling programs for it are available to “a substantial majority” (at least 60 percent of either consumers or communities where it is sold). Since less than 60 percent of communities take paper with foil, one of the following types of qualifying text must be used:

If recycling programs for the packaging are available to a “significant percentage” of consumers or communities where it is sold, then qualifying text such as “Package may not be recyclable in your area” must be included.
If recycling programs for the packaging are available to “less than a significant percentage” of consumers or communities where it is sold, the package must include a statement such as “Product is recyclable only in the few communities that have recycling programs.”

Finally, the Möbius Loop recycle symbol only should be printed on packaging if it includes text stating “recyclable” or includes the percentage of recycled content. Otherwise, it constitutes a claim that the packaging (and product) are made of 100 percent recycled materials and are universally recyclable, which is deceptive unless the claim can be substantiated.

The impact of EPR

As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) expands its reach across Europe and beyond, the responsibility for packaging and printed paper recycling and disposal is increasingly shifting from local governments to private industry. By requiring producers to pay for post-consumer waste created by their products, EPR creates an incentive for producers to make packaging that is less wasteful.

While EPR is designed to encourage companies in their design and choice of materials, in certain countries this means penalizing them for ignoring recyclability. France, for example, has implemented disrupter fees, or “eco-modulation fees,” for those who contaminate the recycling stream. With this approach, producers are charged more for using material combinations that negatively affect the recycling system, such as putting a lot of plastic in paper envelopes or using a ceramic top on a glass bottle. In France, a PET bottle with at least one aluminum component, an aluminized label or aluminum pigments is considered a disruptor and is assessed a 50-percent higher fee.

When it comes to producing packaging that is designed for recyclability, it’s important to consider current recycling infrastructures, technologies and awareness during the design and manufacturing stages of development to optimize its useful life – at its end of life.

Victor Bell is president of Environmental Packaging International (EPI), a consultancy specializing in global environmental packaging and product stewardship requirements. Bell, who founded EPI in 1998, is a Certified Packaging Professional with more than 20 years of experience with environmental issues associated with packaging and products. Bell has served on the Executive Committee of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and is currently serving on the Global Packaging Project and ISO Packaging Standard committees.

This article was originally published in the May-June 2012 issue of InsideFinishing magazine.

Q&A: Decorative Laser Cutting for the Trade

September 13, 2013

Decorative laser cutting is an emerging, innovative technology that not only provides flexibility in production but also enhances consumer appeal by improving functionality and shelf appeal. Decreased costs and better availability of laser cutting equipment have helped make the process a more feasible option for the print finisher to consider.

InsideFinishing consulted with industry experts at LasX Industries, Inc. to learn more about laser cutting technology and how it can potentially become part of a finisher’s offering.

Question: Has there been an increase in demand for laser cutting in recent years? What types of applications have seen the most growth?

Answer: Curiosity and interest in laser cutting have increased demand in recent years. Laser cutting can be used for a wide range of functional and creative print applications, including greeting cards, promotional materials, business cards, direct mail pieces, point-of-purchase signs, stencils and much more. The applications that have seen the greatest growth include product packaging, folding cartons and labels. These markets have benefited from the digital flexibility of producing only what is needed when it is needed, with no minimum run quantities.

Question: What type of room is needed for laser cutting equipment? Are there any special installation or ventilation considerations when installing a laser cutter?

Answer: Laser cutting systems vary in size but, generally, a basic stand-alone sheet-fed system requires an approximate 5×5′ area. Space can be saved on the manufacturing floor by integrating a laser module into an existing production line. In terms of installation requirements, fume exhaust and a water chiller/heat exchanger are necessary to keep the laser at a consistent temperature during processing. Look for laser systems that are certified as Class 1, which provide the highest level of safety during normal operation.

Question: What type of learning curve is involved for an operator of laser cutting equipment?

Answer: High-quality laser systems are designed to be user-friendly. The learning curve for a laser operator is approximately one week for those who have prior computer skills and a familiarity with a Windows operating system. Some manufacturers provide training to help familiarize new customers with laser technology and operating procedures.

Question: Is a laser cutter designed for decorating applications only or are there functional uses for laser cutting? For detailed work that may be able to be diecut, are there times when laser cutting may be a better option?

Answer: Although lasers excel at producing complex patterns and shapes, laser cutting is not reserved solely for decorative applications. In some cases, even if a pattern can be cut with a metal die, it still may be more cost- or time-efficient to use laser cutting. Examples of these circumstances include personalized or short-run jobs. In these cases, often the costs and lead times associated with creating a new die would be impractical or would lengthen critical timelines. Laser cutting may be a better alternative because of its ability to modify designs instantly on the production floor – there is no waiting for new dies to be created and no extra costs to create metal tooling.

So, even though the actual production time on-press may be longer on the laser cutter versus a conventional diecutting press, total in-house time may be less with laser cutting because there is no wait time for tooling. Additionally, laser technology allows for multiple processes in a single run, including laser cutting, perforating, etching and scoring. This offers production flexibility and efficiency by combining several finishing steps.

Question: What recommendations should be offered to a print finisher thinking of adding laser cutting as a new service?

Answer: Print finishers should consider the ways in which their business would benefit from providing laser cutting services. Not only does laser cutting offer expanded design features and the ability to create more complex, sophisticated patterns, but laser cutting also creates opportunities to enter new markets. In addition, no matter the application, laser processing makes low-volume production runs cost-efficient because die creation, tool wear and consumables are eliminated. On-demand, order-of-one laser processing decreases machine set-up, downtime and material waste, all of which stands to benefit print finishers.

There are a wide variety of laser cutting systems and configurations to choose from, depending on the needs. For example, LasX offers a range of sheet- and roll-fed laser systems, such as the LaserSharp® STP, a sheet-fed CO2 laser system that is ideal for print applications. Options such as barcode readers, vision cameras and automated material handling systems can be added to a laser system for increased productivity, or a laser module can be integrated directly inline with existing equipment as well.

InsideFinishing would like to thank LasX Industries, Inc. for its assistance with this article. LasX offers high-performance digital converting equipment and contract services using patented LaserSharp® technology. LasX delivers on-demand laser processing solutions that accurately cut, score, perforate, etch, weld or ablate components at high production rates. For more information, visit www.lasx.com.

Make the Sales Pipeline a Priority

September 13, 2013

by Leslie Groene, Groene Consulting

Every prospect, no matter the stage of the sales cycle, is part of the sales pipeline. A salesperson’s ability to juggle these prospects, often in differing points of the sales cycle, is referred to as “pipeline management.” Balance is the key to maintaining a continuous flow of opportunities.

The sales pipeline consists of all prospects at all stages in the sales cycle – whether you are in the beginning phase of introducing your company, discussing the product or service, qualifying a prospect, conducting a webinar or product demonstration or formally presenting a pricing proposal.

The phrase “pipeline management” refers to the salesperson’s ability to juggle all of their prospects in differing points in the sales cycle. “Balancing” the sales pipeline refers to their ability to cold call, follow-up on existing leads and close sales simultaneously so that they have a continuous flow of opportunities and will not have huge period-to-period swings in closed sales.

Though all future sales begin as leads from one source (cold calling, referrals, tradeshows, etc.) or another, only qualified or contacted leads should be in the sales pipeline. All unclosed sales, however, belong in the sales pipeline as well.

Professional selling has many stages, which have been the same throughout history and effect your personal income. They include prospecting, presenting, following up and closing. I coach my clients that there are many steps in between these crucial steps of the sales cycle depending on the type of prospect, how long the sales cycle is and your personal selling style. If your sales and income are down, it is because you are not prospecting enough, presenting enough or following up and closing enough. The way to increase your sales usually is for you to increase the quality or quantity of your activities in one or more of these areas.

Imagine Your Sales Pipeline

Imagine the basic sales model as a funnel. At the top of the funnel, you put in prospects. You have to call on a certain number of people to get a certain number of prospects. This number varies depending on the market, your product or service, your individual skills in prospecting, advertising and many other factors.

Presenting

An important part of the sales funnel is presenting. There is a direct ratio between the number of people you call on initially and the number of people who will agree to meet with you. Let’s say, for example, that you have to call on 20 prospects to get five presentations or meetings. This would give you a ratio of 20-to-5 for your prospecting activities. Selling is very much a numbers game.

Follow Up and Close

Another necessary part of the sales funnel is that you have to follow up and close. Let’s say that you have to follow up with two prospects to get one sale. What this means is that you have to put 20 prospects in the top of the funnel to get one sale out of the bottom of the funnel, a ratio of 20 to 1. The rule, therefore, is this: “Keep your funnel full.”

Leslie Groene is a corporate sales and business consultant, helping clients focus on revenue generation and profit growth. She authored the business strategy book “Picture Yourself & the Life You Want” and is a nationally-renowned motivational speaker. In 1997, she established Groene Consulting and has consulting engagements with leading Fortune 500 companies and other major companies across the country in many different industries such as manufacturing, professional services, distribution and real estate. For more information, visit www.GroeneConsulting.com.

Stable Product Transport Important to Finishing Operations

August 13, 2013

by Mark Talley, Precision Finishing Systems

One item that often gets overlooked when finishing operations decide to get into affixing or tipping applications is the transport. Many people want to use an old base or conveyor they have sitting around to save a few bucks and don’t realize that the very expensive, highly accurate tipping/affixing feeder they just purchased is only as good as the transport it is mounted on.

Make sure there’s a vacuum

Old DC-driven mail bases, or vacuum bases that have little or no vacuum, can significantly affect production speeds and quality. These do not work as well as today’s drive technology in which precision is increased and profitability rises. The vacuum is critical to product stability and consistent transfer of product, whether you are running 20# bond paper or 20 point board. A vacuum system should deliver the product at a consistent speed and quality, at all times; whether you have a single piece of paper or end-to-end pieces on the transport.

Ease of operation

Operators have to deal with a lot of challenges on any given day. Setting up the systems for operation should not make their job harder. The 10X line of vacuum transports has been designed with simple-to-move vacuum tubes, register tapes for proper measuring and placement of tubes and quick change for belting if needed. While belts don’t need to be changed often, changes can be made in minutes because of the unique belt system design.

Many options from which to choose

There are a lot of options to use with the vacuum transport, including tipper plates for inline folding; vacuum opening stations for opening pre-folded products; high-speed labeling systems for applying a variety of labels; imaging systems with read-and-print capabilities; and much more, including plow folding.

Plow folding has become a required option for many applications, such as affixing cards or magnets, running heavy stocks, multi-page brochures or producing a glued double-gate. With the new postal regulations requiring a single line of glue, plow folding can provide an excellent option over traditional buckle folding. Another option getting a lot of attention these days is the divert gate system. With client applications requiring read-and-print, tracking, matching and more, a good divert gate is worth its weight in gold.

Mark Talley is president of Precision Finishing Systems, an Arlington Heights, IL, equipment systems integrator for bindery, mailing, packaging and print finishing companies. He can be reached at 262.945.5963 or mark@precisionfsinc.com. For more information on the 10X line of vacuum transports, visit www.precisionfsinc.com.

New Technology for Three Printing Elements

July 13, 2013

by Anderson & Vreeland

The flexo industry has experienced a recent profusion of technological innovation, affecting every step of the flexographic printing process. Jessica Harkins, technologies manager at Anderson & Vreeland, shared how three key printing elements – prepress, press room and platemaking – have been revolutionized by new technologies in the past few years.

Prepress

Then: Analog was king and proofs were made using products like Kodak Approval and Dupont’s Digital Chromaline. Inkjet had yet to come into play across the board, being used mostly for content proofing.

Now: We have seen the future and it is inkjet. With developments in inkjet technology, coupled with measuring instruments, consistent and exact color predictions are easier than ever. “Proofing types have changed in equipment, in quality and in ability to match color,” Harkins said.

Ditch the FPO servers – computer hardware and software has developed in leaps and bounds. Systems now have the ability to handle full design files. New software has simplified complex projects and helped increase automation and speed. Of course, designs have become more complex, thereby increasing file size.

Press Room

Then: Densitometers were around but not yet ubiquitous in the press room. J.I.T. was new but not yet common. There also were fewer CPCs and fewer methods of waste measuring.

Now: Tracking, minimizing waste and maximizing environmental accountability – the press room has changed to accommodate cost controls and environmental sustainability. The new eco-awareness has been driven, in part, by consumer product companies expecting accountability from flexo suppliers. They are measuring cost, performance and eco-awareness.

Quality control devices are better than ever, and press room operators now can track pretty much everything, although there’s definitely been a learning curve, Harkins said. “Not everyone has jumped on board, but once educated, most see the value in taking the time to measure, track and analyze.”

Platemaking

Then: Digital platemaking was new technology and expensive, pretty much reserved for larger outfits that could afford the outlay.

Now: Digital is now the norm and means the capacity to print a larger tonal range. A new option that’s just made it to North America, Harkins noted, is inkjetting specialty inks directly onto plate materials laminated with a primer sheet – the ink solidifies and creates a negative.

Environmental sensitivity has made it to platemaking as well. Eco-friendly solvents and photopolymers that are washable with water and produce a low odor are used instead of the “old-school” harsh and environmentally damaging chemical solvents.

As package designs and substrates become more complex and brand owners demand originality to distinguish and protect their products, look for even more technological innovations that will take flexo printing further into the digital age.

Anderson & Vreeland provides customers with a solutions-based approach to business by offering innovative material and technological solutions in the flexographic industry. A nationwide staff of technical representatives is thoroughly knowledgeable about digital imaging and the fine point of flexo. For more information, call 866.282.7697 or visit www.andersonvreeland.com.

Reprinted with permission from Flexo Daily.

Payroll Systems Can Help Determine ACA Responsibilities

June 13, 2013

by Marsha Oliver, CPA, Mize Houser & Company P.A.

UPDATE: Obama Administration Delays ACA Employer Mandate

The Obama Administration on July 2 announced a one year delay of the employer mandate portion of the Affordable Care Act, which had been scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2014. Read more …

While most businesses hoped the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would just “go away,” it certainly hasn’t. And while the thought of how it will affect business may be overwhelming, the best place to begin researching employer responsibilities is the payroll system.

Whether payrolls are prepared in house or outsourced to a payroll provider, the details in the payment history files contain insight into how the ACA will affect a business and its employees. The data from the payroll system – which is easy to retrieve and analyze – will enable employers to

Determine if the company is considered an “Applicable Large Employer” and must comply with the Employer Mandate of the ACA.
Work effectively with an insurance advisor to reach a decision whether to “pay or play”.
Remain in compliance as the law evolves.

President Obama signed the ACA into law on March 23, 2010. It puts in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that will roll out over a period of four years and beyond. Let’s take a look at what has happened so far – and what is anticipated to happen in the future.

2012 – Employers were required to report the total health insurance premiums paid on a company plan on each employee’s W-2. Although that information was most likely not something tracked in the payroll system, it had to be added to comply with the 2012 filing requirement.

2013 – Here’s where the information in the payroll system about employees “hours of service” and total wages will really come in handy. This is the year all employers must determine if the ACA Employer Mandate applies to them – and if it does, to decide whether to “pay or play”.

The ACA Employer Mandate applies to organizations that are considered “Applicable Large Employers”. An Applicable Large Employer had at least 50 full-time equivalents in the preceding calendar year. Note: During this year only, employers are granted a Transition Period and can use a six month period in 2013. The measurement period must begin no later than July 1, 2013, and end no earlier than 90 days before the first day of the plan year beginning in 2014.

For planning purposes, use the following calculation for a recent consecutive six- to 12-month period to measure full-time equivalents.

Start With: The number of known full-time employees (expected to work an average of 30 hours or more per week) for a calendar month
Add: The number of hours of service of part-time employees in a month, divided by 120

The resulting number is your “Total Full Time Equivalent Employees” for a calendar month. The next step is to add together the number of full time equivalent employees for each calendar month in the preceding calendar year and then divide by 12 (or the number of months that will be used for the 2013 transition period). The result, if not a whole number, is rounded to the next lowest whole number. If that number is 50 or more, the company must comply with the ACA. Employers then have two options:

PLAY – Offer affordable and minimum essential health insurance to full-time employees (not full-time equivalents as calculated to determine if you are an Applicable Large Employer) and their dependents. Full-time employees for this purpose are defined as employees who are “employed on average at least 30 hours of service per week.”
PAY – Do not offer insurance or offer insurance that is not affordable or that does not provide minimum value and pay a penalty/tax.

Again, as businesses consider these two very different options, a look at the payroll system can provide the information needed to compare the impact of each. Employers should be able to:

Look back over several acceptable time frames to determine how many employees would have been eligible for coverage if the plan were in effect today.
Determine the maximum withholding from employees income if the plan were in effect today (under the Form W-2 safe harbor, employees withheld amount for employee only coverage must not exceed 9 1/2 percent of their current years Box 1, W-2 income). Note that employers are not penalized for failing to subsidize any of the premium for dependent coverage.

The information will provide much of what’s needed for employers to “shop” for a health insurance carrier. Once expected premium costs are determined, employers will be in a better position to decide whether to “pay or play”. If they decide to “play”, most intend to have this analysis completed in time to contract with an insurance company by Oct. 1, 2013. This should allow enough time to offer coverage to eligible employees, get them enrolled and begin coverage Jan. 1, 2014 – when the Employer Mandate officially begins.

2014 and beyond – Based on what we know today, the payroll system should continue to provide the information needed to remain in compliance. This will include tracking:

If employees already in the plan are eligible to continue
If additional existing employees become eligible
When employees added after Dec. 31, 2013, become eligible and should be offered coverage
Enrollments in the insurance plan
Full and part-time employees who are working more (or less) than their status assumes – this will enable employers to keep budgeted plan costs as stable as possible.

Of course there are many decisions to make surrounding the ACA and each companys situation is unique. A good payroll system not only should be a means to pay employees – it also should be a resource to make a good business decision about whether to “pay or play” and to remain in compliance with the ACA.

This article is provided by the regional CPA and information technology firm of Mize Houser & Company P.A. The firm processes payrolls for over 1,500 locations in more than 40 states. To learn more, please contact Marsha Oliver, CPA, Marketing Shareholder, at moliver@mizehouser.com or 785.233.0536 in Topeka, KS – or visit www.mizehouser.com.

PIA Offers Tools for OSHA-Required Employee Training

May 13, 2013

The Binding Edge

The Printing Industries of America has free guidance materials and information for its members through Printing Industries of America affiliates addressing OSHA’s revised Hazard Communication Standard.

The Environmental, Health and Safety Affairs Department developed these tools to prepare members for the first action deadline of Dec. 1, 2013. The program is designed specifically for printing operations.

The printed guidebook will be available through local PIA affiliates in fall 2013, along with supplemental information available online to guide printers step-by-step through the process. The program includes information on the revised standard and the new SDS and labeling system; instructions for updating an existing HCS program or developing a new one, including a sample program and forms; and specific training tools (video, PowerPoint, etc.) for training appropriate staff. Additional support for those who are looking for extra help also is available.

For more information, visit www.printing.org/hazcom. A members-only login is required.

Plastic Spiral Binding

August 21, 2005

by: Anna C. Massey

Plastic spiral binding is the fastest growing segment of the mechanical binding industry. The durability of plastic spiral, the vast array of available colors to choose from, and advancements in the automation of the plastic spiral binding process have caught the attention of most binding consumers. Couple that with shortages in the steel industry and rising steel prices and one is forced to sit up and take notice. Plastic spiral has become a viable mechanical binding alternative to the traditional comb or single and double loop wire types of binding.

The plastic spiral binding of today is light years ahead of that being produced 15 to 20 years ago. However, there still can be some important differences between plastic spiral binding manufacturers that can dramatically affect your bindery’s productivity and cost effectiveness.

Base Compound Makes a Difference

Most plastic spiral manufacturers produce the product with a PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) compound. The applicable colorant is added during the extrusion process at which time the PVC and colorant pellets are melted and mixed. The extruded filament is wound as a single strand profile onto spools. Different profiles are produced for specific coordinating coil diameters. The spooled filament is then put through the forming process for manufacture into the specified diameter, pitch, and length of coil that is required.

Although most plastic spiral binding utilizes a PVC base compound, what goes into that compound can differ between manufacturers. Every compound will have different levels of additives that can and do affect the finished product. Additives like impact modifiers help insure the coil is durable and will maintain its shape.

Interesting comparisons have been done between plastic spiral made from high quality compound and that produced with a lower grade of material. A formed coil made with low-grade material literally shattered when slapped against a table. The plastic spiral made from the higher quality compound did nothing more than bounce back. This type of information can be important depending on the project (for example, if the plastic spiral binding will be used in a children’s project).

A 10 mm Coil is a 10 mm Coil – Right?

The profile or gauge of filament used to manufacture a particular diameter of coil is another point of comparison. Some plastic spiral manufacturers use fairly thick, rigid profiles of filament to produce particular ranges of coil diameters. A 10 mm coil may be produced with a filament of 2.0 mm / .080″. Others use thinner filament (1.8 mm / .072″ or 1.5 mm / .060″).

If you are price shopping for potential coil suppliers and are strictly looking at the cost of 10 mm coil, you may not be comparing “apples to apples”. If a manufacturer is using a very thin filament to produce its product, its numbers will look more appealing because the manufacturer is using less material to produce it. It is important to know what profiles of plastic your coil supplier uses to make its various coil diameters.

Plastic spiral binding that is very thin can cause problems during the insertion process. Plastic spiral that is too thick can also cause difficulty when inserting, which can bring down production numbers. Recommendations can and should be made based on the size and shape of the punch hole that a customer needs, as well as the type of coil inserting equipment being used.

A sharp lead edge on the coil is another important factor when the coil is running through the punch holes. How the coil is packed and its condition upon arrival at your location also may affect your bindery’s productivity.

Pitch – The Most Misunderstood Term

Pitch is basically another word for distance or spacing. It describes the distance or spacing between the loops of coil. However, over generalization and the misuse of the correct terminology can complicate an otherwise simple concept.

When it comes to plastic spiral binding, there are a surprising number of options available for pitch. The key is to match the pitch of the coil to your punch pattern. If you punch with a 4:1 pattern, then you should be using 4:1 coil. If you have a 6 mm punch pattern, it is recommended that you use a 6 mm pitch coil. There is enough incompatibility between pitches to slow you down and affect your productivity if the incorrect pitch is used.

Round vs. Elliptical Filament

If you are a bindery or in-plant that has in-house coil manufacturing, this is terminology that applies to you. Purchasing plastic filament on spools for manufacture into plastic spiral binding presents you with the opportunity to compare the different filaments being produced. As not all coil is created equal, not all filaments are created equal either.

Some manufacturers produce a round profile of filament and others produce an elliptical (or oval) shape. An elliptical profile of filament can yield as much as thirty percent more coil per pound than a round profile. Less material also will equate to a reduction in shipping costs. Again, if you are shopping suppliers, a cost per pound comparison is not enough. It is the yield per pound that you need to be comparing.

Talk to your supplier – understand what you’re buying – know what your options are. Plastic spiral binding – there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.

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