Comb binding holds a document with a plastic 19-ring comb that opens and closes without damaging the pages, which makes it the editable, re-openable choice for reports, manuals, training binders, presentations, and cookbooks. The workflow is punch, then bind: sheets are punched with a 19-hole rectangular pattern, the comb is spread open on the machine, and the pages drop onto the rings. Pages can be added or swapped later by re-opening the comb, something coil binding and wire binding cannot offer.
Mid-State Litho stocks two kinds of comb equipment. All-in-one comb binding machines punch and bind at a single station: the Akiles AlphaBind-CE, CombMac-EX, and CombMac-24E cover entry to mid-volume work. Comb openers pair with a separate punch for modular or higher-duty setups: the Akiles EcoBind-C, AlphaBind-CM, and CombMac-24M, the compact Akiles CBM-650, and the Rhin-O-Tuff HD4470 electric comb opener. If you already own a punch from our paper punching lineup, an opener may be all you need; if you are starting from zero, an all-in-one machine is the simpler buy. Either way, combs and covers are stocked alongside the machines, and our binding team can spec the right pairing for your volume. Comb is one of three mechanical binding styles we support; see the mechanical binding equipment hub to compare them, or jump straight to coil and wire if your documents need a different spine.
Akiles Comb Binding Machines
Akiles covers the comb range from first machine to daily production. The punch-and-bind line runs from the AlphaBind-CE ($1,069) through the CombMac-EX ($1,269) to the CombMac-24E ($1,365), all combining an electric punch with a comb opener in one footprint. On the opener side, the EcoBind-C ($249), AlphaBind-CM ($399), and CombMac-24M ($399) handle manual workflows, and the CBM-650 ($154) is the budget desktop opener for occasional jobs.
Rhin-O-Tuff Comb Openers
The Rhin-O-Tuff HD4470 electric comb opener ($629) is built for modular, higher-duty setups: pair it with a Rhin-O-Tuff OD or HD series punch and you get a comb station that keeps up with production punching, with each half of the workflow upgradeable on its own.
How to Choose a Comb Binding Machine
- All-in-one or punch plus opener. One machine is simpler; a modular pair lets the punch serve comb, coil, and wire styles and grow with volume.
- Manual or electric punch. Electric punching saves the operator on every lift and matters more as daily volume grows.
- Sheet capacity per punch. Higher capacity means fewer lifts per document; check the rating on the machine you pair.
- Comb diameter and document thickness. Thicker documents need larger-diameter combs; confirm the opener handles the comb sizes your documents require.
- Supplies. Plastic combs and covers are consumables; see binding supplies to keep the shelf stocked.
Why Buy from Mid-State Litho
We are an authorized Akiles and Rhin-O-Tuff dealer with combs, covers, and binding supplies stocked alongside the equipment, and free shipping on these machines. Our team binds across comb, coil, and wire every week and also supports downstream finishing such as bookletmakers and saddle stitching, so you get one supplier for the whole workflow. Call 1-800-343-4231 or contact us for sizing help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is comb binding?
A binding style that uses a plastic 19-ring comb. The comb can be re-opened, so pages can be added, removed, or swapped after binding.
Do I need a separate punch?
Not with an all-in-one machine like the Akiles AlphaBind-CE, CombMac-EX, or CombMac-24E, which punch and bind in one unit. Openers like the Akiles EcoBind-C or Rhin-O-Tuff HD4470 pair with a separate punch.
What is the maximum document thickness for comb binding?
It depends on the comb diameter: larger combs hold thicker documents. Confirm the comb sizes your machine and opener support against your typical page counts.
Should I choose comb, coil, or wire binding?
Comb is editable and economical, coil is durable and flexible for heavy handling, and wire gives the most professional, lie-flat finish. Many shops run more than one.
Does Mid-State Litho stock combs and covers?
Yes. Plastic combs, covers, and other consumables are available under binding supplies, with free shipping on the machines themselves.