The first feature is a stand-by mode that automatically lowers the temperature of the machine from 300°F to 150°F when the laminator is not being used. If you need to laminate an application, it takes a mere 7 minutes to raise the temperature back to 300°F. While a stand-by mode is not new in a roll laminator, the temperature reduction is. This is the first roll laminating machine that reduces the temperature by 50% in-between applications.

The second feature that sets this machine apart and makes it energy and cost efficient is the automatic shutoff. If you forget to turn the laminator off, not only will it automatically lower the temperature 50%, but after 60 minutes of consistent inactivity, the green™ Roll Laminator shuts itself down, which saves additional energy and lengthens the life of your machine.

Not only does the Banner American Easy-Lam green™ Roll Laminator save money and energy, it has other great features that roll laminator users have come to expect from Banner American. It can laminate materials up to 27” wide for maximum versatility and can operate at a speed of 4.5” per minute. The built-in LCD readout makes it easy to operate, even for beginners. The supply tension roll is adjustable and the attached safety shield keeps hands safe from hot spots on the machine. The heat shoes are Teflon coated, which heat up and cool down faster and supply a consistent heat, while the reverse feature makes it easy to remove lamination film.

We at Factory Express added the Banner American green™ Roll Laminator to our already extensive selection of roll laminators, because this roll laminating machine saves energy, which is becoming an important part of owning and running a business and which saves you money!  Any business, school, and organization that needs to save money and wants to become more environmentally friendly will appreciate the energy saving features of this new roll laminator.  And, isn’t that all of us these days?

• HP Q2612A  toner cartridge for the HP LaserJet LJ1010 / 1012 / 1015 / 1020 series and the LaserJet 3015 / 3020 / 3030 laser printer
• HP C4127A  toner cartridge for the HP LaserJet LJ 4000 / 4050 series laser printer
• HP Q1338A toner cartridge for the HP LaserJet LJ 4200 series printer
• HP Q5942X toner cartridge for the HP LaserJet LJ4250 & 4350 series laser printers
• HP Q7551X  toner cartridge for the HP LaserJet LJ 3005 / 3027 / 3035 series

These laser toner cartridges are 100% HP compatible and 100% guaranteed. Additionally, they all come with a one year warranty.  Our high quality laser cartridges meet or exceed OEM specifications and often exceed some OEM cartridges in page yield and print density – saving you even more money!

To help you better understand the quality standards and differences between our laser cartridges and those being sold by some of those “other guys”, we’ve put together a helpful Laser Toner Cartridge Buyer’s Guide that will help you make an informed decision when replacing your HP Laser Toner Cartridge.  As always, our expert Customer Service staff is ready to answer any of your questions at 800-399-2564.

For the past several months, all of us at Factory-Express have been working around the clock to organize one of the most exciting additions to our website since its inception: three entirely new categories of office products that together contain more than 25,000 new items. You already enjoy our office equipment and accessories at highly competitive prices, and now you get the same discounted price for all your office & business needs, so there is no longer any reason to shop around to find the best deals. Now you can shop for all your office supplies, office furniture and technology solutions at one place: Factory-Express.com.

Most of our clients are like you: busy and concerned about money. That is the reason we have invested so much time and energy into developing these categories; we want to become an online store that offers you everything you need to run your business, school, medical office or organization, all the while retaining our high standard of World Class Customer Care and our everyday, low discount pricing.

You may be asking yourself what is so great about these categories, so let me walk you through each store and highlight the products that you will use the most, as well as what is most popular with our world-wide customers.

First we’ll start with Office Supplies. This is by far our largest category and is filled with thousands of everyday items that are used in schools, hospitals, government agencies, homes, and all types of businesses. We carry every type of popular copy paper for every kind of printer, copier, and fax machine out there. If you need pens, highlighters, pencils, markers (let’s face it-who doesn’t) we have every color, style, and point available. We also have binders, folders, labels, forms, envelopes, erasers, tools…I won’t tell you about every item but my point is: we have everything.

The second category is Office Furniture. We now carry furniture from the most popular office furniture manufacturers: HON, Lorell, Hausmann, and many others. Choose from paneling systems to create privacy in small spaces, shelves, computer desks, office chairs and other small commonly used office furniture, or you can purchase armoires, bookcases, desks and tables that are uncommonly beautiful and will also complement your home or office.

Our last category is Technology and the items in this category enhance and increase the selection of office equipment we’ve always carried. We now carry even more manufacturers that are at the top of this industry and always get the best customer reviews: Samsung, HP, Panasonic, Lexmark to name a few. While we’ve always carried the large items for your business, now we carry the small ones too: AC adapters, drives, cables, wireless hubs, batteries, keyboards, mice, memory cards-I hope you get the idea. Anything you need to enhance or create a better technological system is here.

Factory-Express.com now offers every office, school, hospital, government agency and business organization everything they need to manage, schedule, run, clean, deodorize, protect, furnish, dust, organize, and decorate their offices. We offer the same high quality products at our highly competitive pricing as always; however, now we are a one-stop solution for our customers. You no longer need to compare several sites for the best products at the best price: now you can get it all in one convenient place – www.Factory-Express.com.

Factory Express realizes that every office, non-profit organization, school, hospital, and restaurant can utilize a laminator in some capacity, so we have partnered with industry-leading manufacturers like Fellowes, Akiles, GBC, Ledco, Banner American, Royal Sovereign, and ProSeal to give our customers a low, discount price everyday on all types of laminating machines. Now for a limited time, in addition to our already reduced prices, Factory-Express.com is offering free shipping on all laminators and laminating machines.

Types of Laminators:
There are several kinds of laminators: pouch laminators, wide-format laminators, and roll laminating machines. Hot (thermal) laminating machines are the most commonly used type of lamination and are preferred to laminate materials that will not lose their quality if exposed to high temperatures. Heat laminators use temperatures between 200-300°F, which provides a more durable, resilient lamination and many heat laminators also have a cold lamination option, which increases the application options of your laminator.

Read the information below to determine which laminating machine will work best for you.

Pouch Laminators: The most popular laminators today, pouch-laminating machines use pre-sized pouches that are usually sealed on one side and ideal for business or identification cards, luggage tags, menus, photographs, and signs. The pouches come in standard sizes from 6”x 9” to 12” x 18”, oversized pouches, and credit card/data card sizes. Choose a pouch laminator for the office, home, or commercial use in restaurants, copy shops, and print shops.

Wide-Format Laminators: Wide-format laminating machines are designed for posters, signs, educational materials, and prints. Depending on the model, the wide format laminator can accommodate roll-laminating film anywhere from 27” to 79”. Choose a wide-format laminator for print shops, copy shops, in-house graphic departments, and business service centers.

Roll Laminating Machines: A roll laminating machine uses two sheets of laminating film to preserve your documents. Roll laminators are used mostly in schools and print shops because they are convenient, easy-to-use, and easily handle large volumes of documents. Many models come with adjustable temperatures and tensions, automatic shut-off, and speed control. Many manufacturers can build a roll laminator with features suited to your exact needs, so call us at 1-800-399-2564 to see what we can do for you.

Factory Express has a laminating machine to protect all your documents, no matter what they are. We have always offered a low, discount price on our laminators and laminating machines from the best manufacturers in the business, but now is the time to order with our limited-time special offer of free shipping. Shop online at Factory-Express.com or call our World Class Customer Care Center at 1-800-399-2564 for assistance.

In-room hotel safes are unique from other safes in several ways: they offer maximum security and flexible access options, while remaining user friendly. If your guest can use a telephone, they can program and use an in-room safe. Most models offer magistrate and digital options for guests and management in interchangeable panels, which allow guests to create their own security code or combination while maintaining a master code in case the safe needs to be opened in an emergency situation. Hotel safes have a modern, sleek design that complements the décor in a hotel room and UL-approved steel bodies that are strong and reliable. Hotel safes are specifically designed to easily incorporate themselves into a hotel’s guestrooms and budget.

Hotel Room Safe Options
There are two main styles of in-room hotel safes to choose from: a wall style or a floor style. An in-room wall safe is excellent for hotels with limited guestroom space. They can be mounted in the open or hidden in a closet or cupboard. Guests are more likely to use a wall style safe because they are on eye-level and easier to use, as they do not require bending over. Floor safes may be preferable for larger rooms.

Recently designed in-room safes are made to accommodate the width and length of any laptops, but some are smaller. If you have business travelers that frequently stay at your hotel, you may want to make sure your safes meet this specification. Once you have chosen the style of in-room safe that best suits your hotel, you can select from a variety of safety features to increase the safe’s protection. The type and amount of features will vary with each model but can include:

? Mounting hardware
? Electric keypad
? Concealed hinges
? A mechanical key override if the lost combination or code is forgotten
? A power override
? Active motorized locking bolts
? Magnetic card readers
? Downloadable audit controls that store entries to increase in-house security and combat fraudulent claims.

Some in-room hotel safes, such as the Protex SHE-1108, offer both a mechanical key override and a power override feature. Other safes, like the Protex BG-30C, come with both types of overrides, as well as a magnetic card reader. Card readers, also called Smart Cards, are the simplest way for your guest to access a safe, but not always the preferred method. Current research based on surveys of nationwide hotel chains, shows that most guests prefer the security of digital safes because they are simple to use and allow them to choose their own access code. To meet the needs of all your guests, many safes equipped with card readers are accompanied by digital access codes.

The security options you offer your guests are only effective if they are used.
In-room hotel safes provide a convenient, secure way for your guests to store their valuables. Guests are more likely to use them because they can access them 24/7, without going to the front desk for assistance in storing equipment they use everyday. Frequent business travelers that stay in moderately prices hotels often demand the convenience of in-room safes for their expensive electronic equipment. Thieves tend to target valuables that are stored in a central location to make stealing worthwhile and in-room safes eliminate the downsides to safety deposit boxes and larger safes that are stored behind the front desk. The bottom line is that in-room hotel safes are necessary to protect your guests, as well as your business.

Home safes are designed to provide you with the maximum protection for whatever you need to keep safe: important documents, cash, jewelry, electronic data or memories, guns, and much more. Take steps to prevent loss and damage to your valuables: purchase a home safe and use it.

What Type of Home Safe Will Best Protect Your Possessions?

There is a home safe designed for any item you need to store. They vary in the type of protection they offer, where they can be stored, and how much security they provide.  There are portable safes that can travel with you; hidden safes that are difficult to identify as a safe; firearm safes to secure one or many guns, and fire resistant and waterproof safes that provide specific elemental protection. 

Think about what your needs are before purchasing a home safe so you spend your money wisely: What do you need to protect? How large does your safe need to be? Do you need fire and water protection? What type of safe will make you feel secure: a visible one or a hidden one? Do you want to keep some of your things in a safe that you can take with you? What will your store your safe? Below are descriptions of each type of safe and how they can help you protect your valuables.

Portable Safes

Portable safes are smaller than other home safes and work well for people who need to secure small valuables in their home, as well as in their car or on their person when they travel. The personal safe and car safe include a tether to attach the safe to your body, furniture, or to the inside of a vehicle. An additional benefit is that Helix designs their personal safes with rounded edges to prevent snagging on clothing or skin.

Personal Safe with Tether

If you need a very small safe (4-3/4″ x6-1/2″ x 2″), then a personal safe with tether will be ideal to protect your tiny valuables. A personal safe will secure a wallet, small items of jewelry, a cellphone, or keys. An added benefit to this type of home safe is that it can go where you go without a hassle.

Car Safe with Tether

Car safes provide a high level of protection and convenience. You can use the heavy-duty steel cable to attach the safe to car seat frame or trunk frame to ensure your safe is secure. Most models are designed to withstand a 5-minute attack and thick, internal foam cushioning to protect your electronic devices.

Hidden Safes

In-wall safes, book safes, and strong box drawer safes can be concealed within walls, under beds, behind paintings, or appear to be something they are not, such as a book safe. Thieves spend less than 8 minutes in a home before they find something of value (Chicago Crime Commission).  Hidden safes will provide the extra security of invisibility to burglars and lessen the chance that they will discover your valuables

In-Wall Safe

Hidden in-wall safes provide security and privacy: no one can noticeably see the safe if you cover it with a picture or mirror. They are burglary resistant but allow quick, easy installation and access for the owner. A residential wall safe may be equipped with a mechanical combination or an electronic keypad. Some in-wall home safes offer fire protection but most will not have water protection because they are located high enough away from floors that they are safe from most water damage. Wall safes are ideal for individuals who do not want to advertise they have valuables to protect; people who live in areas that are more prone to water damage; and those who have large items to secure. Gardall has designed several models of in-wall safes to offer varying levels of protection. You can choose a basic model with a key lock or a fire safe that has a combination lock.

Book Safe

Books safes are considered to be a diversion safe because they can be kept on a bookshelf in plain sight and are usually overlooked by a burglar. They are indistinguishable from a real book, weighted to feel genuine, and are perfect for storing valuables, such as jewelry, money, or documents. If you have a small supply of valuables that will fit in the space of a paperback book, this safe is ideal to protect your possessions. Helix has developed three designs of book safes to suit every need: a paperback book safe, a hardcover book safe, and a deluxe book safe.  

Strong Box Drawer Safe

Strong box drawer safes can be put inside a drawer, attached under a bed, or bolted to a wall. They are convenient and offer enough security to protect one firearm plus other small valuables and are equipped with a removable shelf. While a strong-box safe is not recommended to secure electronic items, they do work well for someone who needs versatility and tough protection for other valuables. Stack-On offers several versions of the strong-box safe: foam padded safes, motorized, locking deadbolt safes, and optional shelving unit safes.

Fire Resistant and Waterproof Safes

Natural disasters like fire, flood, or snowstorms can destroy important documents, electronic memory devices, heirlooms, and other valuable possessions. Prepare for the worst by securing them in a fire resistant or waterproof safe before something happens! Sentry®Safe designs robust, reliable safes to withstand the elements.

Fire Proof Safe

Home and apartment fires happen quickly and leave behind unbelievable devastation, which is why it is necessary to protect your important papers, electronic memories and data, and other valuable possessions in a fireproof safe. Sentry®Safe puts all of their fire safe chests and security boxes through rigorous fire and explosion testing for ½ hour, 1 hour, or 2 hours to make sure your belongings will be protected for that amount of time at degrees up to 1850ºF. You can choose the smaller fire safe security boxes to store small valuables, file protector safes to secure important documents only, or larger safes for multiple, large possessions..

Waterproof Safe

Most damage occurs in less than 6 inches of water but it only takes 1 inch of water to destroy your property. Flash floods, hurricanes, snowstorms, and floods occur in every state and usually homeowners are not prepared. A waterproof safe can protect your important documents or articles. Sentry designs waterproof and water-resistant safes designed to protect files, CDs/DVDs, electronic data, and more. Honeywell has designed multiple waterproof safes: file protectors, large safes with combination lock/key, media safes, and security boxes. 

Fire Resistant/Waterproof Safe

Make sure your important documents, heirlooms, or other invaluable possessions are protected from fire and water damage by storing them in a fire resistant waterproof home safe. Sentry®Safe designs fire resistant/waterproof safes to provide 30 minutes-1 hour of fire protection at degrees up to 1550ºF, as well water invasion of up to 6 inches. You can choose small safes, CD/DVD file safes, data storage chests, and more to protect anything you need to..  

Firearm Safes

If you own a gun or firearm, you need to store it in a safe to guard against burglary and to protect your family. Over 35% of the homes in the United States own at least one gun and there are over 1.7 million children living in these homes (Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms). Gun safes are a necessity: They provide safe storage and fire protection for one gun or a collection. Stack On designs a variety of gun safes to meet the needs of any firearm owner or collector.

Pistol Safe Box

Anyone that has a gun in their home, whether it is hidden or kept in an unsecured location, needs to lock their weapon in a pistol safe box. This type of safe will allow you to quickly access your firearm while preventing access from children or thieves. Most gun vaults will hold 3-4 handguns safely but make sure the model you order suits your needs as some safes will only store 1 pistol. There are design variations of the pistol safe: security box with pistol safe to house a pistol plus other valuables like the Stack-On PB-201 Security Plus Steel Pistol Box, and single pistol safe boxes. 

Gun Safe

Gun safes are designed to blend in with your home décor and provide exceptional security with advanced options at an affordable cost. They are built with steel construction, pry-resistant door, combination or an electric lock, and a steel 3-point locking system with a combination lock.

No matter where you live or what valuable items you own, a quality home safe is a smart investment. Don’t wait until it is too late, keep your possessions secure from burglary, fire, and water damage and buy a home safe today!

Drop safes use front or top loading drop systems. Deposits are made through a bin which places the cash in the interior of the safe as it closes. An anti-fish baffle mechanism prevents anyone from pulling a deposit out of the safe. Multiple people can deposit cash quickly and easily throughout the day without the use of a key or combination. Most drop box safes also have a time delay to discourage robberies, and flush doors and heavy jambs to prevent thieves from using a sledgehammer or a crowbar to open them. There are additional safety features that can also be included, such as pre-drilled anchoring holes, steel plated doors, steel locking bolts, and anti-drill lock plates.

Buying Tips:
A good drop safe should have at least a U.L Group 2 lock. This is an Underwriters Laboratories Group II label and ensures that the lock has been tested and can withstand at least 5 minutes of a trained professional trying to break in with crowbars, chisels, and other equipment. This also means that only a locksmith is able to change the combination.

You should also make sure that any depository safe you use has a minimum steel door thickness of 1/2″ and a minimum steel body thickness of ¼”. Some manufacturers try to cut their production costs by using sheet model or other types that are listed as “composite” but these are not as strong as steel and not as resistant to robberies.

If you are using a drop box safe for your restaurant make sure it is bolted down with epoxy anchor bolts, this will ensure that the safe bolts are not compromised by water. Also, if you plan to install a drop safe in your vehicle, buy a safe that includes a mounting kit.

There are three main styles of depository safes to choose from, a compact model, single-door model, and a double-door model.

Compact Deposit Safe:
This type of drop box safe is ideal for retail stores or other businesses that need to store cash temporarily. Because of its smaller size, it can be easily stored away from view under a counter. The Protex TC-03C is a depository safe that offers maximum security in  a compact size.

Single Door Deposit Safe:
Drop safes with electronic locks offer up to 1,000,000 possible combinations and include a continuous locking lug on the hinge side for greater protection. The Protex TC-O1E Heavy Duty Drop Safe is an example of this type of safe. It also has a spring-loaded relocker to make sure your safe stays locked during a robbery. A relocker is a hardened pin that is triggered during an attack and cannot be retracted without hours of drilling.

Double Door (Dual Compartment) Deposit Safe:
This type of drop safe is best for long-term storage of cash for any business. Its dual compartments allow for two security levels. Access can be granted to employees to coinage in the bottom compartment while cash in the top compartment remains secure. The Protex FDD-3214 Dual Compartment Depository Safe offers 3 live locking bolts in each door, as well as a spring-loaded relocker, wrong-try penalty lockout, and an internal dead-bar.

A robbery can happen at any time to any business and the best prevention is to be prepared. A drop safe can be a simple, yet effective way to keep your money safe.

Types of Folds

The first thing to think about is what kind of fold you will be using for your documents; most businesses will use more than one for different purposes. There are two main types of folds, parallel and right angle. Knowing the difference will help you choose the best paper-folding machine for your needs

Papers that have a parallel fold have folds that run alongside one another and do not intersect. Common parallel folds are single, business letter, gate, z-fold, parallel map, reverse map, roll, 8-page accordion, double parallel, 10-page accordion, and a parallel booklet (See Figure 1). These are the most popular folds and used regularly in businesses because they are easy to read and use. You can use parallel folds to create tri-fold brochures, fold stationary to be inserted into business envelopes for mailing, newsletters, or other desktop publishing projects.

Figure 1. Parallel Folds

The second type of fold is the right angle, which runs perpendicular to the previous folds on the sheet of paper. This style of fold includes the French Fold, first fold short, 12-page letter, 12-page broadside, and 16-page broadside (See Figure 2). This style of fold is more complicated and used for booklet binding, dramatic image presentations, larger books or press sizes, and brochures that you want the message to unroll to the reader because of the tricky folding.

Figure 2. Right Angle Folds

If you are going to use a paper-folding machine for brochures, letters, invoices, or other common mailings the best fold is a parallel fold. Most machines offer several parallel folds to accommodate their customers varying and multiple needs.

Paper Folding Machine Categories

The second consideration is what type of paper folding machine to purchase. There are four main categories of paper folding machines; friction feed paper folders, air feed paper folders, inserters, and pressure-sensitive sealers. Each has a different purpose and is best for certain applications.

Friction Feed Paper Folders use rollers to pull the paper into the machine for folding. They are offered with paper folding options for all volumes. Because of their varying and multiple options, they are the most popular paper folding machines available.

Air Feed Paper Folder use compressed air to pull paper into the machine and then separate and push the sheets of paper through the machine. Many of these models offer several parallel and right angle folds to increase your folding options.

Inserters are ideal for businesses that need a machine to fold paper and insert the folded sheet into an envelope. Folder inserters are perfect for invoices, statements, brochures, pamphlets, flyers, checks, and much more.

Pressure-Sensitive Sealers are commonly used for mailing bills, invoices, and other types of statements and are ideal for self-mailers like paychecks, report cards, or tax forms. These folder sealers use special pressure-sensitive self-mailing paper and can fold and insert mailers more efficiently than a regular folder inserter. The most common folds for these sealers are the C, Z, and half-folds, but most models offer a greater selection such as V, EZ, and custom folds.

Volume, Weight of Paper, and Frequency of Use

While every model will differ in the volume and weight of paper it can handle, as well as how often it should be used, there are guidelines within the categories to help you decide which type of machine will best fit your needs.

Some friction feed paper folders can hold up to 50 sheets of 20 lb bond paper or 20 sheets of heavy bond, while others can hold 16-20 lbs of paper weight. The average friction feed folder can fold between 1-3 sheets of paper at once and are made to withstand frequent use. Click here for a video demonstration of a Dynafold DE-202AF friction feed paper folder in use. The Dynafold DE-202AF can create 6 different folds at up to 500 sheets an hour.

Air feed paper folding machines are ideal for high volumes of paper and frequent use. If you fold glossy paper you should consider an air feed paper folder, as glossy paper tends to slip away from a friction feed paper folder. The maximum foldable paper weight ranges from 16-80 lbs, depending on the model.  Because these machines are built for large volumes, they can fold up to 20,000 sheets an hour.  Watch the Standard PF-P330 high volume capacity air feed folder in a video demonstration.

Inserters are designed for low to medium volume and less frequent use and can only handle sheets of paper up to 14″ in length. They can fold between 5-8 sheets of paper, either stapled or unstapled. Most of these also have a fixed speed that ranges from 2200-4000 forms that can be folded per hour.  Click here to watch the Formax FD 6302 folder/inserter in use.

Folder sealers are meant for lower volumes and less frequent use. Depending on the model, these machines can fold and seal between 1,800-30,000 forms an hour. The feed table capacity also varies depending on the model but averages between 65-350 sheets. The Formax 2052 pressure sealer can fold up to 11,000 forms an hour and can be seen in this instructional video.

Whatever you need to fold; whether it is just a few letters, or thousands of company brochures, there is a paper folding machine to meet your businesses requirements.

The two primary considerations when purchasing a laminating pouch are the size of your document and the degree of protection needed. In general a laminating pouch should be about ¼” larger than your document in width and length, so that the edge is 1/8″ long for proper sealing. The thickness of the film determines the amount of protection that the document will have and its final inflexibility. A film that measures between 1.5 and 3 mil offers maximum flexibility and provides protection against smudges and everyday wear and tear. 5 mil films prevent creasing and shredding of the document but will give more rigidity and less flexibility. The final category of 7 to 10 mil film will give the most protection and least flexibility. This is ideal for important documents that are handled daily and vulnerable to the most damage.  Laminating pouches are available in glossy or matt depending on the desired finish. Matte pouches however, are available in fewer sizes and thicknesses.

Glossy & Clear Thermal Lamination Pouches

Glossy/clear thermal lamination pouches are separated into three different categories, 1) standard size, 2) large, and 3) oversize pouches.

Standard Size
Standard size lamination pouches give a glasslike glossy appearance to your document. There are many options within this type of pouch. The options include business card, credit card, driver’s license, IBM/Data card, school card, jumbo, luggage tag (with or without slot), key card, military badge, postal card, circulation card or extra circulation card, index or file card, license plate, letter, legal, menu and the 4″ by 6″ card.

Each style of standard size glossy/clear thermal pouch is categorized by its size, thickness, and quantity in each box.

Large
The overall appearance of the large pouch is similar to the standard size pouch but is made with bigger measurements. They are sold in the following sizes:

• 6″ x 9″ (best for photos)
• 6.5″ x 12.5″ (for license plates)
• 9″ x 11.5″ (for letters)
• 9″ x 14.5″ (for legal papers)
• 11.25″ x 17.25″(one menu option)
• 11.5″ x 17.5″(second menu option)
• 12″ x 18″ (third menu option)

Oversize
These pouches have the same glossy glasslike appearance as the other two pouches. These measure from 19″ x 25″ to 43″ to 61″. At times certain sizes need to be ordered by the sales department because they are not in stock so call to check for availability.

Matte Pouches
These types of pouches are not glossy or glasslike. They are made to reduce glare and are given a frosted coarse appearance to achieve this. Because of their appearance and texture you can write on these with pen, pencil, or marker, while still receiving protection against smudges and smears. These can be used to laminate indoor items, as well as outdoor documents, that will be vulnerable to weather elements.

Unlike the glossy/clear thermal pouches, the selection of sizes is small. These pouches are offered in two sizes, and each size has the option of selecting either one matte finish side or a two-sided matte finish. The sizes are:

• 9″ x 11.5″
• 12″ x 18″

Another difference from the glossy/clear thermal pouches is that matte pouches are only made with a 5-mil thickness for the film.

Whatever your lamination needs, you are sure to find a lamination pouch to suit you! Make sure you accurately measure your documents and consider what it will be used for and how often it will be handled before purchasing pouches, and if you are unsure call for assistance.

They are great for classrooms as well. By using a whiteboard anyone can contribute to the discussion by drawing directly on the whiteboard. You can display DVD or movie files from your PC onto the whiteboard and no matter where a student is sitting they will be able to see. Many companies also create software specifically for primary and secondary educational settings, which include music, math, or sports templates. There is something for any class or teacher. So the real question isn’t why should you use a digital whiteboard, but which one is right for you?

There are two types of technology and two distinct formats that digital whiteboards use and it is important to know the differences in order to purchase the right one to meet your specific needs.

First, you need to know what technologies are used. In order to work correctly the software must be able to tell where you are touching the screen and there are two types of software to do this.

Electromagnetic Scanning Technology:
This requires the use of a special pen and the frame of the whiteboard detects where you have placed the pen. This type of software will usually include several pens, for multiple users or if you lose one. If the whiteboard screen is damaged you can simply replace the screen.  The Quartet IdeaShare Interactive Whiteboard is an example of an electromagnetic scanning whiteboard and comes with several pens and a stylus.

• Ideal for secondary schools, or students who are used to using pens.
• Businesses where employees primarily use pens may prefer this, as it is easier to use for everyone.

Resistive Technology:
This technology works because there are two little pieces of resistive material that have a small space between them to sense where a person is touching the screen. The coordinates of this touch are then sent to the computer monitor. You can order a GBC Quartet Q8000 Portable IdeaShare if you prefer finger touch technology.

• Finger touch is ideal for primary schools as children can use their hands to touch the screen. This increases their interaction and enthusiasm for learning.
• In hospitals or other medical offices, the finger touch may be preferred as it is easier to drag photos, diagrams, and slides.
• You do not need a special stylus to use this type of digital whiteboard, so the worry of losing the pen is obsolete and convenient for people who cannot carry a special stylus with them.

Some software companies produce both pen and finger whiteboards so a school can have both types on campus but teachers/students only need to learn how to use one kind of software.

As well as offering two types of technology, digital whiteboards also come in two formats; front or rear projection.

Front Projection:
This type of machine will sit in front of the whiteboard and projects the computer image onto the screen. They can be set onto a table or mounted on the ceiling.

This type of format is ideal for:

• Teachers or presenters who like to instruct/speak from the front of the class.

Rear Projection:
The difference from front projection is that a rear projector is mounted behind the whiteboard. There are cabinets that enclose the mounted projector and use mirrors to propel the image onto the screen. Although this is more expensive than a front projector there are several benefits:

• There is no shadow on the whiteboard.
• There is not a danger of someone damaging his or her eyes by accidentally looking directly into the projector beam.
• The cabinets are large enough to house a base computer system, DVD/Video recorder, and the cable management software to connect a visiting laptop.

All interactive whiteboards are accompanied with software that enables you to use it as a copy board. You can either use a finger or pen, depending on the board you have, and draw images on the board and then save them to the computer. With these saved images you can email or print them. Some kinds of software come with Optical Character Recognition (OCR), which recognizes handwriting on the screen and creates computer text.

No matter what your business or educational needs are, a digital whiteboard can help you. They increase your effectiveness and productivity and can decrease travel costs and hours preparing presentations or lesson plans.

Many machines, such as the Dahle Lever Style Cutters and Guillotines, have self-sharpening features, while others like the MBM Kutrimmer Paper Cutters are designed so that the blades can be removed and sharpened as part of their regular maintenance. Even with built in self-sharpening features, blades can still become dull or damaged and every manufacturer sells replacement blades or knives for their paper cutters.

MBM Kutrimmer Paper Cutters have the highest quality Solingen steel blades that can be removed and sharpened. However, as with all equipment, the blades can be damaged, or too worn down for sharpening. When this happens, you can buy a MBM Kutrimmer Knife Set for your specific model. These kits contain the blades for both the upper and lower blades for your Kutrimmer Paper Cutter. The upper blade is the part that you pull down to cut your paper and the lower blade stays in place, allowing the upper blade to cut the paper as it slides down against the lower blade.

Dahle Lever Style Cutters and Guillotines have a metal blade built into the base of the machine, which sharpens the blade every time it’s used. Even though it does re-sharpen the blade with use, eventually the blades become dull and you will need to replace the blades or re-sharpen them. If you choose to replace the blades you can easily order Dahle Paper Cutter replacement blades from Factory Express. If you want to sharpen the blades, Dahle recommends contacting a knife or scissor sharpener in your area. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHARPEN THE BLADES ON YOUR OWN!

Martin Yale Cutters have blades similar to that of the MBM cutters, they are made to be sharpened or replaced with use and do not have a self-sharpening feature built into the machine. Sometimes users of these paper cutters find that when they are trying to cut papers, the stack moves and they tighten the clamp to hold it steady. Usually this issue is due to dull blades and can be easily remedied with sharpened or replaced blades. The blades can be removed and professionally sharpened (as recommended by the manufacturer) or you can replace them with Martin Yale replacement blades on your own. It will take you about 45 minutes to change the blades, so plan ahead and do not rush the process.

When you are purchasing replacement blades there are several things to keep in mind. First, know the make, model, and serial number of your paper cutter. Replacement blades and knife sets are model specific, so if you buy the wrong blades, they won’t fit properly and your machine will not work. This will also create significant safety issues. Secondly, it is recommended to have a spare set of replacement blades in case you have to have your blades professionally re-sharpened or they become damaged. If you are purchasing replacement blades you might want to purchase an additional set.

The ways to change the blades on a paper cutter will vary with each model so it is vital to keep all the information you receive with your machine and READ THE INSTRUCTIONS THOUROUGHLY AND TO THE END before attempting to replace your paper cutter blades. If you have questions, call for assistance before you begin this process to ensure you do not damage the machine or hurt yourself.

Some machines, such as the Triumph Paper Cutters, are designed to make changing the cutting blades simple and safe. You change the blades on the front of the machines with replacement blades, which are encased in a device that covers the edge of the blade to prevent injury. Other machines, like the Martin Yale paper cutters require more time to change replacement blades, but every machine has varying instructions.

Regardless of which paper cutter you own, there are three things to remember about the blades or knives on your machine:

1. NEVER ATTEMPT TO SHARPEN THE BLADES ON YOUR OWN! Every manufacturer recommends taking your blades to a professional knife or scissor sharpener.
2. Keep your instructions from the manufacturer and read them in their entirety and thoroughly before you begin changing the blades. Call for assistance before you start changing the blades if you have any questions.
3. Keep an additional set of replacement blades or knife set on hand in case you have to send your blades out for sharpening or they become damaged.

By following these suggestions you can ensure that your paper cutter will perform efficiently, safely, and for a long time.

SlapItUp^TM Is:
A design of wall clings made of a plastic polymer in various sizes and shapes. These pieces of plastic polymer are then charged with electricity so that they will cling to a clean dry indoor surface.

The electrical charge set in the film that you purchase will last between 3 months to 3 years depending on use but you can refresh a piece by sticking it to a television screen and turning the power on and leaving it on for two minutes. SlapItUp^TM wall clings can also be recharged without a television. Simply use a dry piece of wool cloth and gently rub it over the piece of cling to revitalize the electricity This recharges the wall cling by moving the electricity from the television screen or wool cloth to your SlapItUp^TM wall cling.

Some SlapItUp^TM wall clings are sold blank so that you can write on them. Be sure to only use a dry erase marker to write on them and a clean dry cloth to wipe any markings off. SlapItUp^TM wall clings are also environmentally friendly as they can be recycled and use special ink.

Wall Clings You Can Purchase:
The following items are designed for continued reuse. There is a backing that needs to be slowly removed before they will stick to a clean dry surface area indoors, but once placed you can keep a cling stationary for up to 6 months or place it somewhere else. You can write on them with a dry erase marker and clean them with a clean dry cloth or an eraser.

Blank Roll (29″ x 30′)
Keep this roll as one large static wall cling or cut several slammers to use for many purposes.

Blank Roll (33″ x 15′)                                                                                                          
This roll can also be kept as one large sheet or cut into smaller sections.

Graph Sheets (18″ x 24″)
This comes with 15 sheets of graph sheets, which have 1″ square rulings on them.

Use the above products for:

• Brainstorming ideas for home, business meetings, or classroom discussions.
• Wall Art! Kids can now draw on the wall without ruining paint or other finishes.
• School projects in the classroom or hallways. 

Alphabet, Number, and Symbol Packs
These packs include 276 numbers, letters (lower and uppercase), and symbols that are each 3 ¾” x 5 ¾” in size. Each set of numbers, letters, and symbols come in their own 3 ring binders to help keep them organized. These also have a similar backing as the other wall clings so that they will not stick to each other. They come in 4 choices of colors: Red, Blue, Black, and Multicolor.

Use these to:

• Aid in home schooling or as teaching aids for children in schools.
• Decorations that will help children learn while playing in their bedrooms.
• Business meetings or offices.

There is a wall cling for almost every need in your home, office, or classroom. Discover this useful green product that is made to be durable and easy to use.

Choose comb binding for its convenience and professional appearance for all your document binding needs! Comb binding machines provide a great and easy way to bind books, notebooks, presentations, and organize information. Comb binding is becoming more popular because books lie completely flat, which allows for easy reading, as well as the fact that pages can turn efficiently due to the spiral binding comb, and it is inexpensive.

Comb binding machines come in several types depending on what your volume needs are. The options are:

• Low Volume- used for home projects or occasional binding projects.
• Medium Volume- great for those who need to bind several books in one day.
• High Volume- can be used to bind anywhere from a dozen to hundreds of documents daily.

Each type of machine also varies in how many sheets of paper they can punch at one time. Again it depends on your needs. If time isn’t an issue and you are on a limited budget, you can choose a machine that only punches a few pieces of paper at once; however, if time is an issue and expense is not, then there are machines that can punch more paper, which produces quickly bound documents.

You can also choose either a manual punch, in which you must pull a lever to punch holes in your documents, or an electric punch that uses a motor and leaves both of your hands free. When you have chosen your machine, you are now ready to bind your document.

Sometimes even the easiest way to bind can become complicated and it no longer seems straightforward or basic. Follow these step-by-step instructions and you will find you can easily use your comb binding machine.

Simple Instructions For Binding A Book Using A Comb-Binding Machine:

1. Set up your comb binding machine and if necessary, adjust the margin depths, guides, and punching dies as needed. (Below is an image of one type of comb binding machine to give you an idea of where these can be found.)
   
2. Assemble the document you are binding. Place the front cover and the back sheet on also.
3. Choose the first group of pages that you are going to punch; according to how many pages your machine can punch at one time. (Hint: Your machine will last longer and perform more efficiently if you only punch 80% of the pages it can handle at once).
4. Punch the pages you have assembled. As you finish a group of papers, set them to the side, but make sure that you maintain the correct order of your document. This step will vary according to the machine that you have. Some will require you to push a button, while you need to pull a handle on others.
5. Put the binding comb in your machine’s opener/closer.
6. Open the comb and insert the open comb fingers through the holes of the papers you punched.
7. Close the comb and remove your document.

As with any piece of equipment, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and keep all your paperwork. If you have further questions or are unsure of a particular step, call for assistance.

First recognize that there is machine safety, which requires that all users know how to use the cutter properly, especially if your machine has safety mechanisms already built into it and personal safety, which requires the user to pay attention to prevent injury to themselves or others.

It is important to perform regular maintenance on your paper cutter so that it is in proper working order. Most paper cutter accidents that occur in offices are due to poorly maintained machines. Make sure that emergency stop buttons work and are properly fitted. If you are still shopping for paper cutter, look for extra safety features. The Dahle Safety First Series Guillotine Paper Cutters, for example, have rotary guards that cover the blade throughout the cutting process.

Guillotine paper cutters are extremely dangerous and everyone should be particularly careful when using when using this type of cutter. In 1999 the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) published a booklet specifically discussing guillotine paper cutter safety and created the following directives:

1. Guards must be provided to prevent the operator’s fingers from contacting the knife or clamp from either the front or rear of the machine. Only one person should be allowed to operate the machine at the one time and where long material is being cut and cannot be adequately supported by the worktable, additional supports should be provided.
2. A hand-operated guillotine should be made inoperative when not in use either by removal of the handle or by the use of a locking or similar device.
3. The shear edges of the blades should be maintained in good condition and blade clearance must be adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation appropriate to the thickness of the material being cut.
4. Waste scrap metal provides a hazard for the hands and protective gloves should be worn when the metal is handled. A container should be provided for waste material from the guillotine.

Make sure that employees do not take short cuts or try to rush the machine. All movements around your machine should be deliberate and cautious. Educate everyone that is in contact with your paper cutter on how to reduce injury, focus on:

• Lessening loads
• Provide mechanical aids
• Making sure you have a safe and efficient workplace layout
• The correct way to lift and carry supplies

Do not use a cutter if you are distracted, busy, or in a poorly lit room. Some employers have found it safer to put their cutter in a separate room to avoid user distractions. If you have a manual paper cutter make sure the table it is on is flat and stable. A digital machine should be checked to make sure its sensors are working and current.

Make sure to use common sense and follow your paper cutter manufacturers’ instructions and guidelines implicitly and if you have questions call them!

“Our customers want products that are more ecologically sound, and we’re working to deliver them,” said Sam Moon, product manager for sustainability at Quartet. “We are extremely excited to introduce the Envi line because no other retail line of whiteboards or bulletin boards offers this unique designation. This is just the first step in Quartet’s “Design for the Environment” efforts to incorporate innovation and sustainability into all of its new products.”

MBDC is a third party certification consulting firm that qualifies a company’s manufacturing processes and products have been properly evaluated under specific criteria. These criteria include environmentally safe and healthy materials, material reutilization, water and energy conservation, and strategies for social responsibility.

Quartet’s president, Paul Easthope, is the driving force behind the pursuit of Cradle to Cradle certification in the development of its new products. “This innovative design approach is good for the environment and good for our consumers and our business as well,” he states. “It truly helps consumers to do their part for the environment.”

The Envi line is available in four designs and sizes - an 11 x 17 dry-erase board, an 11 x 17 and 23 x 17 dry-erase monthly planner, a 17 x 23 magnetic combination board, and a 17 x 23 cork bulletin board.

About Quartet and ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE:ABD)

Quartet is the leader in presentation whiteboards and accessories. From boards, easels and markers, to overhead projectors, transparencies and screens, Quartet is synonymous with the essential functions of visual communication that take place in workspaces every day. To learn more about Quartet products, visit www.quartet.com.

ACCO Brands Corporation is a world leader in select categories of branded office products, with annual revenues of nearly $2 billion. Its industry-leading brands include Day-Timer(R), Swingline(R), Kensington(R), Quartet(R), GBC(R), Rexel(R), NOBO(R), and Wilson Jones(R), among others. Under the GBC brand, the company is also a leader in the professional print finishing market.

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