DFG Titan Coil Binding Machine Review

The DFG Titan Coil is a well-constructed binding system aimed at filling the needs of medium sized organizations who want to have the ability to bind their own documents in the spiral coil style. Here are a few of this machine's strengths and weaknesses as we see them.

Strengths:

1. By any measure, the Titan Coil would have to be considered one of the most durable and rugged spiral coil binding systems out there. All of the components are made of heavy duty steel, and we can see no reason why this machine would not last for years. DFG is a relative newcomer on the market and one way in which they appear to be making a name for themselves is in the rugged construction of their machines. The Titan Coil is no exception.
2. For the longest time, binding machine manufacturers have claimed that it was impossible to include fully disengageable dies on coil binding systems on account of the punching pins being located so close together. DFG has finally addressed this problem and have included this long sought after feature on the Titan Coil. Combined with its open throat design, this makes the Titan Coil capable of punching documents of just about any size, small or large. When going smaller, just disengage some of the dies to get a clean punch, and when processing larger documents, you can just use a fairly easy two punch process.
3. We also very much liked the inclusion of a measuring guide on the side of the machine. It is incredibly easy to use, and very useful for determining the right coil size that you will need for your document.
4. One of the most important things to keep in mind when you are punching the holes for your document is how far from the edge of the sheets your holes are. For thicker documents, you want the holes further in, and for thinner booklets, just a bit closer to the edge is appropriate. To make this easier, the Titan Coil includes a depth if punch margin control.

Weaknesses:

1. Although we are always in favor of a spiral coil binding machine including an electric coil inserter, the one on this particular machine is not the best we have ever seen. Whereas we greatly prefer the ease of use provided by coil inserters that have two spinning rollers, the Titan Coil's inserter has only one. Plus, the inserting mechanism is only around six inches long. All in all it would have to be considered much less effective than some other inserters out there.
2. A little bit surprising considering the durable construction of the rest of the machine, the foot pedal that you use to operate the coil inserter doesn't seem to be on par with the rest of the machine. We would like to see it a little bit larger, and of better construction, as with moderate to heavy usage, you are almost certain to have to replace it at some point in the life of the machine.
3. The chip tray on this machine seems small to us. You will have to make a point of emptying it on a regular basis.
4. DFG (Digital Finishing Group) is a fairly new manufacturer of binding machines and in our interactions with them their customer service can leave something to be desired. These machines are built well and don't often break down. However, if you do have a problem getting help from the manufacturer can at times be difficult.