| The GBC MP2500ix interchangeable die punch | | | | you fold the paper in half along the bind edge, the two |
| (previously the Ibico 640ID) is one of the most | | | | holes closest to the "V" of the paper are your center |
| impressive modular binding punches on the market. It is | | | | points. If the paper is aligned at that point, the Die Set is |
| a perfect punch for small to medium offices and small | | | | properly centered. * Because of its open end Punch |
| print shops. This punch, when combined with a piece of | | | | Throat design, the MP2500ix can punch non-standard |
| GBC modular finishing equipment creates a versatile | | | | sheet sizes that are larger than the maximum width of |
| production system. This article will provide you with | | | | the paper that can be punched in one operation. Not |
| some simple instructions for using your GBC MP2500ix | | | | that multiple steps are required to punch these larger |
| punch. 1. Select a die set for your MP2500ix and insert | | | | sheets of paper. Some experimentation will be |
| fully into the system. You may first have to remove a | | | | required to determine the correct position for the Edge |
| die set already in the system. 2. Determine the number | | | | Guide. You may need to remove some of the Punch |
| of holes required for your document, and deselect any | | | | Pins for proper punching of some combinations of |
| pins not required. The pins are located under the | | | | paper sizes and punching patterns. This can be quickly |
| Selector Pin Lid. 3. The edge guide on the MP2500ix | | | | and easily accomplished by following this guideline - firs |
| punching table has a number of alignment markings | | | | remove the Die Set you will be using o Determine the |
| that correspond to the correct Edge Guide position for | | | | punch pins to be removed - note, you will be punching |
| a variety of punching patterns and paper sizes. To | | | | the paper two times - first one half, then the other. To |
| adjust the Edge Guide to the proper cover/paper | | | | prepare for this operation, first place a single sheet of |
| selection, ie. 11" x 8-1/2" to center the holes in the paper | | | | the non-standard size paper to be punched beside the |
| from top to bottom of the binding edge, loosen the | | | | dieset. Carefully fold the sheet in half. Holding the half |
| Edge Guide Knob by turning it counter-clockwise. Slide | | | | sheet up to the pins, determine which pins will be |
| the Edge Guide to the correct alignment mark that | | | | required to punch HALF of the paper. o Remove the |
| corresponds to your selected punching pattern and | | | | extra punch pins by gently pressing down on the top |
| paper size. Tighten the Edge Guide Knob to lock the | | | | rail of the Die Set. Unlatch the hook end of the Pin |
| Edge Guide in place. Please note, the markings for the | | | | Retainer Rail (beside the Die Set Handle) and swing it |
| location of the Edge Guide are approximate, and you | | | | free from the top of the Punch Pins. Pull the Punch |
| may have to slightly adjust the Edge Guide within the | | | | Pins out that are not required. Reattach the Punch Pin |
| area of the marking to obtain correct centering. It is | | | | Retainer. o Reinstall the die set by sliding the die set |
| important that the Edge Guide be properly positioned | | | | into the machine as previously instructed. o Test |
| for the size paper/cover you are punching. 4. Turn the | | | | several sheets of paper by punching one half, turning |
| system on by pushing the ON/Off switch at the back | | | | the paper around, then punching the other half. Adjust |
| of the unit to ON (I). Verify that the Power light is on. | | | | the Edge Guide and/or number the Punch Pins as |
| Select a small list of paper, and place it vertically into | | | | needed to acquire the desired results. 5. The 640ID |
| the Punch Throat. Slide the stack of sheets all the way | | | | uses a variety of easily interchangeable Die Sets, |
| to the left, against the Edge Guide. Activate the punch | | | | which versatility is one of the main features that |
| cycle by either pressing the Palm Switch or the Foot | | | | makes this system so desirable, as it allows the |
| Pedal. Remove the punched material. To determine if | | | | operator create many different images with the select |
| the Edge Guide is set correctly, fold a single sheet of | | | | bind styles. Note: each punching style listed below |
| the punched paper in half along the punched edge. | | | | requires a separate Die Set, with the exception of the |
| Match the holes up - if the corners of the paper match | | | | 2-4/3-5-7 Die Set, which is for Looseleaf Binding styles. |
| with no overlap - the space above the first hole is the | | | | A decal on the handle of each interchangeable die set |
| same amount of space above the last hole, the | | | | indicates the punching pattern. |
| alignment is correct. If not, readjust the Edge Guide | | | | Jeff McRitchie is the designer and Director of |
| (very slightly - a small move can make a big | | | | Marketing for He has written hundreds of articles on |
| difference) and repeat the process until the edges are | | | | topics related to Binding Machines,Modular Puches, |
| squared. The punch is now ready to use. * For | | | | Binding Supplies, Laminators, Laminating Supplies,and |
| Velobind, follow the preceding procedure, but when | | | | more. |