Benefits of Using Interchangeable Punching Dies with Your Commercial Machinery

If your organization wants the ability to use multiple binding styles in large volumes, equipment costs can skyrocket, if you don’t plan properly. It can be costly to purchase an electric comb binding machine, then an electric plastic coil binding machine and maybe later add an electric wire binding machine. You are paying for three different electric punches utilizing this method.

Luckily over the years a solution has emerged. Thanks to advancements in commercial punching technology, swapping out binding styles on one machine is easier than ever with interchangeable dies.

What are interchangeable punching dies?

Interchangeable dies are punching dies held into place by two bolts or levers depending upon the manufacturer and machine model. Removing the bolts by hand or releasing levers will release the die, allowing it to be slid out or lifted from the machines. You simply slide in the replacement die and reinstall the bolts or raise the levers to lock the new die into place. It’s that simple!

Interchangeable die punches available include:

• Plastic comb
• Plastic coil (round and/or oval hole depending upon manufacturer)
• 3:1 Wire (square or round hole depending upon manufacturer)
• 2:1 Wire (square or round hole depending upon manufacturer)
• 3-Hole Punch
• Velo
• 3-5-7 Hole Punch
• 3:1 Wire with a Thumb Notch
• Custom dies

Why do commercial punching machines need interchangeable dies?

Commercial grade punching machines allow you to invest your capital for that high-powered electric motor once. With your purchase of a machine you will get one die of your choice. At the time you make that purchase, you can choose just the single die included, or purchase additional dies. If you are just starting out, you may opt to purchase additional dies when needed, or as the money is available in the budget.

Document Finishing Component Advantages

This investment would yield incredible dividends to a company that would frequently use a high-end punch machine for commercial purposes because it would reduce the overhead costs. This interchangeable system eliminates the need for multiple punch machines and allows you to go all-in on a high-quality, high-powered machine.

Another advantage besides the ability to punch for more than one binding type is the additional punching capacities these units offer. Most manual punches max out at the ability to punch 20 sheets of 20lb bond. Depending upon the machine purchased and the die patterns you can see a considerable labor savings over the life of the machine.

The Rhin-O-Tuff OD4012 Electric Punch, for instance allows you to change out a die by removing two bolts by hand. This punch has a 30-sheet capacity regardless of die type and can provide 33.3% labor savings over a punch with a 20-sheet capacity. The Rhin-O-Tuff Onyx HD7000 and Rhin-O-Tuff Onyx HD7700 Ultima features Rhin-O-Tuff’s patented “Quick Change” Die System for changing punch patterns in 30 seconds- no tools required and no bolts or screws to replace or misplace.

With the Rhin-O-Tuff Onyx HD7000 you can see a 33.3% labor savings with coil binding and 50% savings with comb binding versus 20 sheet capacity units.

When looking for the maximum capacity in a table top punch the Rhin-O-Tuff Onyx HD7700 is the unit that fits the bill. This unit provides a 50% labor savings for coil binding and 58.3% labor savings versus 20 sheet capacity units.

Remember, when deciding on the right machine for you, be sure to review the labor savings versus the cost of the machine. While a higher end punch may seem like a big investment up front, the labor savings can be huge. These Rhin-O-Tuff interchangeable die punches come with a 3-year warranty on the machine and have been known to last 15-20 years or more with the proper use and care.

When does it make sense to invest in commercial punching machines with interchangeable dies?

The last advantage to discuss with interchangeable punching die units is the ability to choose the right finishing component to fit your needs as a user. While an all-in-one unit that includes a single punch style and finishing component is great for a lower volume unit with space issues, these can hinder punch efficiency and finishing capabilities.

Many coil punches with built in coil inserters max out the ability to insert up to a 22 mm coil. Many high-volume operations will have one person perform the punching process while another person performs the finishing process. All-in-one units do not allow two users to work on the project at once, because they both cannot use the same machine at one. This ability can be crucial when there is a tight deadline.

We offer a variety of coil inserters, dual head electric coil crimpers, wire closers and comb binders depending upon each clients’ needs.

If your business creates a high-volume of content that requires high-end, commercial hole-punching, you are doing yourself a disservice by using a machine that doesn’t offer interchangeable dies, increased punch capacity and labor savings

With options for 3-hole, Velo, plastic comb, 4:1 coil and 5:1 coil, and 2:1 wire and 3:1 wire, Filmsource has the right punching die to pleas