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Published by:
Peterson
Publications, Inc.
2150 SW Westport
Dr., Suite 101
Topeka, KS 66614
(785) 271-5801
Fax: (785) 271-6404
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Loose Leaf Forum
Determining the Right Ring Mechanism for the Job |
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| by:
Alex Lintzenich, US Ring |
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Summer,
2006 |
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There are many
factors that come into play when determining the right ring mechanism to use
for each job. It is important to know what the mechanism will be used for,
as well as the look and style of the binder. In order to come up with the
best selection, customers should first ask themselves the following
questions:
What is the
overall metal length?
The most commonly used length is an 11” long metal. These metals are used
for the standard sheet size for U.S. pages. However, there also are metals
that come in both 8 ½” and 9 ½” sheet size for other applications.
Internationally, the A-4 sheet size (11 ¾”) is the standard, but there is
little call for that in the United States.
How many rings?
The three ring mechanism is the standard in most binders. There also are six
ring memo metals, as well as two and four ring mechanisms. Once again,
internationally, there are some differences, but both the three and four
ring metals can be found.
What is the
capacity?
It is important to know how much the customer will be loading onto the
rings. Most suppliers should be able to assist in determining the correct
ring size, based on number of pages and page weight. If the customer does
not know the quantity to be placed on the rings, it is best to err on the
side of extra capacity as in most cases, reducing the number of printed
pages to be placed in the binder is usually not an option.
What type of ring
style to use?
There are three main ring styles: Round, Straight D, and Angle D. Each has
its own set of advantages and uses described below:
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Round: This is
the most commonly used ring style, as well as the most economical. This
style is used in practically every application and also comes in a
variety of options and usually is mounted on the spine of the book.
Round rings are the most heavily stocked and easy to locate.
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Straight D: This
style has a larger holding capacity than that of a regular round ring.
The Straight D also will reduce paper tear as the pages move across the
rings. This metal is mounted on the back cover, which allows the user to
print along the spine.
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Angle D: This
ring type has the most holding capacity of any of the three styles of
rings. While the pages are in the metal, there also is a stair-step
effect, allowing the user to see all the tabs at once. As with the
Straight D, this metal is mounted on the back cover, allowing the user
to print on the outside spine. The design of this ring metal ensures
easy paper loading, as the metal is perpendicular with the spine when it
is in the open position.
Each of these rings
has its own set of benefits. Choosing a ring style is up to customer
preference and the particular job for which the rings will be used. It also
is important to remember that all three of these ring styles are available
in the options highlighted below.
Light Duty vs.
Heavy Duty
In most situations, this is a preference decision more than a functionality
decision. However, there are situations where it is important to look at
these two differences. Customer use is the best indicator of which of these
ring metals to use. If the ring metal will be used by a student with the
idea that they will purchase a new binder each semester, then light duty is
the way to go. However, if the ring metal will be used by a contractor out
in the field, then heavy duty is the best selection.
Do you need a
locking function?
Many times customers look for a ring mechanism that has a locking function
because they want to be sure that the information stored in the binder stays
in the binder. As the size of the ring is increased, a locking function
becomes more helpful because the weight on the rings sometimes causes the
ring metal to open on its own. A locking function helps prevent this from
occurring.
What type of
finish on the ring?
Most mechanisms come in a nickel or chrome finish, but black and brass
metals have their own applications. Again, this is usually a preference
decision but something that definitely adds style and elegance to the
finished binder.
What type of book are
you producing?
It is important to identify what type of binder will be attached to the
mechanism and how it will be attached. There are now different options, from
a standard eyeleted metal to a Securemore (prong) metal that allows the
mechanism to attach to the binder without the need for a rivet. Many people
prefer this feature as it allows the customer to print on the spine,
producing an eye-appealing, attractive binder as well as creating
cost-saving efficiencies for the binder manufacturer.
Are new ring
metals being developed?
US Ring has developed a new ring metal, “Insta-Clik”, which can instantly be
opened with a touch of a finger. Insta-Clik is a single triggered, easier
opening product that is an excellent option for young children, as it has an
anti-pinch feature to it. Insta-Clik also is beneficial for customers with a
physical disability who find that opening the traditional ring metal is
difficult. This mechanism also can be used in an area where it is important
for the customer to maintain a quiet atmosphere, such as a library or
classroom.
With these questions
as your guide, you should be able to make a successful decision as to which
ring mechanism to use for the particular job at hand.
US Ring is a
U.S.-based manufacturer with headquarters in St. Louis, Mo. The company
designs and engineers custom ring metals, dies, and metal stamping. US Ring
also owns additional high-volume factories in China with US Ring direct
oversight. The company has over 80 years of quality control engineering and
long-term engineering managers with over 75 years of combined experience in
the ring metal field. For more information, call (800) 888-8772 or visit
www.usring.com. |
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