Thermal binding is one of the least known binding formats used today. This isn’t because it is bad, but because more common methods such as comb, wire and coil have taken precedence. Fellowes recently unveiled one of their newest thermal binding machines called the Helios 30. This new machine is both attractive and very affordable. Is it a machine you consider using?

The new Fellowes Helios 30 replaces their older TB 250 thermal binding machine. I personally find the new Helios 30 much more pleasing on the eyes. Fellowes has some very talented design engineers on staff as they continue to make some of the most attractive office machines used today.

To start with, the Fellowes Helios 30 uses a binding format called thermal binding. As the title would suggest, heat is involved. The Helios 30 uses special thermal binding covers that have glue in the spine. The glue is very similar to what is found in a hot glue gun.

Once plugged in, the Helios 30 warms up a heating element. This entire process takes about one to three minutes. While the machine is warming up, you can take your report or paperwork and place it in a thermal binding cover.

Once warmed up, the cover is placed in the machine. The machine then heats up the cover, melting the glue. As might be expected, the glue soaks into the spine of the paper. This process takes about a minute. After a minute, the cover can be removed where the glue later cools down. Once solidified, the booklet is bound.

Thermally bound reports and books look very nice. The Helios 30 can be used with a thermal binding cover up to an amazing 300 sheets of paper.

One thing I really like about the Helios 30 is the HeatShield technology built into the machine. This allows the Helios 30 to get blazing hot on the inside, for melting the glue, but remain cool on the outside. This is ideal for safety, not to mention you don’t want to be using a heat-radiating machine throughout the day.

While thermal binding is attractive, it generally isn’t used for long-term binding. On top of that, you need to be aware that the Fellowes Helios 30 must use special thermal binding covers. You cannot use any cover you want.

The Helios 30 is attractive and compact. It is very user friendly and features an easy-to-use control panel. Once done, the machine can be folded flat for easy storage.

You will find the Fellowes Helios 30 thermal binding machine here. The Helios thermal binding is available in a larger size called the Helios 60 found here. You will find our entire selection of thermal binding machines here.

I have been working with paper shredders for years. As a result I can tell you that the general concept of the paper shredder, and the way they work, has remained pretty much the same for the past decade. Some work better than others.

Not only have I tried to stress the importance of using a paper shredder, for destroying sensitive information, but I have also been a big advocate for paper shredder safety. There are few things that make me cringe more than hearing about a dog getting its tongue stuck in a shredder or a toddler losing a few fingers as a result.

We have a pretty big showroom here at ABC Office, full of several different shredders from a wide variety of manufacturers. The types of models vary from strip cut to micro-cut particles. A while back we brought in a Fellowes Intellishred SB-99Ci for testing and display.

Fellowes paper shredders, for me, have never drawn my attention. I have always considered them to be best used at home or next to a desk. Fellowes must have recently hired some talented designers to work for them, because their current line of paper shredders looks modern and are aesthetically pleasing.

The Fellowes Intellishred SB-99Ci is a shining example of a “beautiful” paper shredder.  You can see several pictures of it by clicking here. It really does look nice. Upon turning the shredder on, a striking blue LED lights up. Again, this is much different than comparable models. A lighted gauge on the paper shredder (sheet capacity indicator) indicates the effect the load of paper is having on the motor, letting you know if you are pushing it too hard. It also features jam-proof technology, which makes it impossible to jam or seize the shredder head.

The thing that struck me the most was the SafeSense technology. If for any reason a finger or hand gets close to the shredder opening, the shredder will turn off. This is great for preventing possible injury. The sensor never failed.

If you are looking for a nice looking and safe paper shredder, I would recommend the Fellowes Intellishred SB-99Ci. Fellowes has several “Intellishred” models to choose from. You can find the SB-99Ci that I tried by clicking here. Enjoy!