Frequently Asked Questions

Need some more information on the products and services offered by PHE? Check below to see if we have already answered your questions.

I am not a wholesale customer; how do I buy one of your machines? Who sells them?

Please phone customer support on 1800 632 200 for more information.

How do I change my password?

Please email accounts@phe.com.au any changes.

How do I get a log on to see pricing and information?

Please email accounts@phe.com.au any changes.

How do I advise of a change of ownership?

Please email accounts@phe.com.au any changes.

How do I advise of a change of address?

Please email accounts@phe.com.au any changes.

How can I pay my account?

PHE accept master card, visa and American express, and direct debit.

Who do I contact to pay my account?

Banking details are on the invoice for direct debit or phone 1800 632 200 ask for account for credit card payment.

I think my machine is under warranty, how do I make a warranty claim?

You can lodge a warranty claim or phone 1800 632 200.

How do I book a service call?

Phone customer support on 1800 632 200 for service information.

Can I buy parts for my machine?

In most cases parts are available for all machines please contact us 1800 632 200 to find out more.

What machines can you service?

PHE services all machines sold by PHE and possible machines sold by other suppliers, this will depend on parts availability, please contact us on 1800 632 200 to enquire.

Do you have service staff available in my area?

PHE have service staff to cover most areas, please contact us on 1800 632 200 and speak to one of our customer support staff to find out more.

Why would I use Roll laminating film instead of pouches?

Roll film is used on roll laminators usually for the larger items such as posters or for high volume items.

What laminating film should I be using?

Laminating film comes in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, for the size of the pouch you should try to choose a pouch that best fits the product your trying to laminate, for thickness you either choose a standard pouch 80 micron this will protect the document and enhance the colours or you choose a thicker pouch 125, 150 or even 250 micron for some more rigid for placemats or signs etc.

what colours are the tabs?

Each packet contains a mix of colours of yellow, red, blue, green and grey.

How many come in each packet?

Guide below.

  • 10 x 30mm packet of 108 tabs
  • 22 x 25mm packet of 54 tabs
  • 22 x 40mm packet of 36 tabs
  • 44 x 40mm packet of 24 tabs

Can I write on index tabs?

Yes, you can write on both side of the tabs.

Are these removable?

No, they are permanent.

What different size tabs can I purchase?

There are 4 sizes refer to the guide below.

  • 10 x 30mm
  • 22 x 25mm
  • 22 x 40mm
  • 44 x 40mm

What size pencils can I sharpen?

From 6mm to 11mm, there are 6 holes in the sharpener to choose from.

Is the sharpener battery operated?

No, the Gold Sovereign EPS uses 240 volt mains power.

What sort of maintenance do I need to do on a pencil sharpener?

Maintenance should be to keep the machine clean and free of and material obstructing the sharpening mechanism.

Is it safe for children to use?

Yes, it is very safe when the waste cup is f=removed it will not operate and there is no access to blades, the EPS meets all safety standards but small children should be supervised when using the device.

Does the sharpener stop once my pencil is sharpened?

Yes, as soon as the pencil is sharpened it will stop.

What is the warranty period and what does it cover?

The Gold Sovereign pencil sharpener comes standard with a 24 month replacement warranty.

How many sheets can I cut?

Each guillotine has a different sheet cutting capacity, please refer to the guillotine page for specifications.

What are the safety features?

All PHE guillotines are sold with safety features such as light curtains or safety guards.

How often does the blade need changing?

This will depend on the amount you use it and the material you cut.

What is a cutting stick?

Cutting sticks are a critical part of a guillotine, made of plastic, have a total of 4 sides. These sticks are usually placed in a grove on the bed of the guillotine where the cutting blade will ultimately rest after making a cut. Designed to last for several hundred to several thousand cuts before being rotated or replaced.

The cutting stick plays a critical part in the cutting process and even help assist in producing clean cuts. Because the cutting blade rests in the cutting stick, the cut is properly completed, allowing the blade to make it through every sheet, even the last bottom sheet.

Cutting sticks are designed to help prolong the life of the blade and will not dull it. The plastic used in a cutting stick is designed to take the force of the blade’s impact while still maintaining structural integrity.

Signs of a worn cutting stick usually results in the last sheet not being cut all the way through. Each stick can be rotated a total of 8 times. Because the blade does not rest directly in the centre of a cutting stick, each side can be used 2 times. Simply flip the cutting stick a full 180 degrees to use the same side again. Most cutting sticks are square, it can be turned a total of 4 times.

Ultimately, after all sides of the cutting stick have been used and worn, they will need to be replaced. Luckily cutting sticks aren’t expensive.

What consumable items do I need to consider?

Guillotines at some stage will need the blade to be sharpened and the cutting stick to be replaced.

Is freight and installation included in the price

This will depend on the guillotine you choose and also the installation location and access availability for the larger guillotines.

What is the warranty period and what does it cover?

The warranty period is 12 months and covers all parts and labour.

How big is the guillotine?

There are many models starting from desk top to floor standing.

What kind of Guillotine do I need?

This depends on your application and the volume of guillotining you require, it would be best to talk to our customer support team to ascertain the most appropriate model.

What types of folds can I do?

Folders sold by PHE are capable of all of the standard folds, some machines are auto set up some are manual set up, some have pre-programmed fold types in memory for simple selection, fold types include ½ fold Z fold V fold, double fold and gate fold as standard.

What should I do if there is a paper jam?

Try to manually take the paper from the rollers, never use any sort of sharp object such as scissors or a knife as this may damage the rollers, if it is not possible to clear the machine then call 1800 632 200 for further help.

What is the warranty period and what does it cover?

The warranty period is 12 months and covers all parts and labour.

Does my folding machine require maintenance or service?

Folding machines use feed tyres and separator pads as part of the feed system, these parts do ware and need replacing at some stage, these are long lasting items so replacement is only required after heavy usage for extended periods of time.

How many pages can it fold at a time?/per hour?

Most folding machines feed one page at a time automatically at speeds from 4000 per hour to 13000 per hour, the Martin Yale A4 folding machine also accepts stapled sheets up to 3 to fold as one.

Can my folding machine do A3 paper?

The below list shows accepted paper sizes.

  • Martin Yale 7400 A4
  • Superfax PF340 all sizes up to A3
  • Superfax PF440 all sizes up to A3
  • Superfax PF460 all sizes up to A3

What folding machine is best for me?

This depends on your application and the type of paper your using, it would be best to talk to our customer support team to ascertain the most appropriate model.

Why use a paper drill over a standard punch?

Paper drills usually will drill through a lot more sheets at a time than a punch.

Should I leave my drill bits in the machine when not in use (over long time of no use)?

For short periods of non-use it is okay to leave the drill bit in the machine but for a long period of non-use then it would be advisable to remove the drill bit from the machine.

How often will I need to change my drill bit?

Drill bits can be sharpened many times before being replaced.

Do you provide finance?

Yes, PHE have access to both leasing and rental finance packages to suit.

Is there a foot petal?

On larger multi head machines yes, small office machines no.

How large is the drill?

Single head and twin head machines are desk top units and are similar to a small to medium size printer, 4 and 6 head machines are floor standing larger units.

Can I drill more than one hole at a time?

With a multi head machine all holes are drilled at once.

What thickness can the drill go through?

Each machine has different specifications please refer to machine page for specifications.

What drill should I use?

There are different size drill machines to suit all applications from single head to twin head to 6 head machines.

What drill bit suits what kind of job?

Drill bit user guide.

  • Nagel Type 1 steel drill bits suitable for all digital and offset paper and card
  • Nagel Teflon coated drill bits suitable for all digital and offset paper, card and synthetics
  • Nagel HD High Density coating drill Bits suitable for all paper and card and synthetics longer lasting

What is the warranty period on my drill and what does it cover?

All of PHE paper drills are covered by a 12 month warranty against faulty manufacturing, if something happens to your drill then you are covered for all parts & labour.

What laminating pouch should I use for which item?

Thickness Application Guidelines:

  • Celloglazing 34 micron – Business cards / Brochures
  • 34 micron – Maps (can be folded)
  • 80 micron – Posters
  • 125 micron – Menus
  • 150 micron – Place mats
  • 250 micron – Id cards

A pouch is jammed inside my laminator – how do I remove it?

If the pouch is jammed inside and is no longer visible from the front or back of the laminator then you will not normally be able to remove it unless you have a model with either an anti-jam system like a reverse switch, a release mechanism or easy access lifting lid. Attempting to remove the pouch through tampering with the laminator will void the warranty. If part of the pouch is visible from the back or front of the laminator then you may be able to remove it by pulling the pouch from the front or rear but please note that it might be better to have it removed by a qualified technician as jamming caused by misuse or failing to following the operating instructions is not covered by the warranty.

What kind of pouches should I use in my laminator – can I use any kind?

It is generally recommended that you use a quality pouch with a minimum micron of 80, we recommend not using cheaper lower quality pouches as they can cause jamming, will produce a poor finish, can leave a damaging deposit on the rollers, and can void manufacturer’s warranties.

What do I do if my laminator is not working properly?

Contact the place of purchase or call PHE service centre on 1800 632 200.

What thickness of pouches can I use with my laminator?

All laminating pouches have a thickness measured in microns. Laminating pouches enclose the document between 2 sheets and as a result the thickness can be expressed in two ways. For example, pouches can be described as being 2 x 75 microns (mic) thick this means it’s a 75 micron pouch or 2 x 80 microns (mic) thick this is an 80 micron pouch, you don’t add the two together.

Is there anything I should not laminate?

Never attempt to laminate the following items, as they are likely to damage your laminator or result in jamming. As a general rule, laminators are designed for documents so laminating anything other than a sheet of paper or thin card will greatly increase the risk of jamming.

  • Leaves, flowers or vegetable matter
  • Several small pictures in one pouch
  • An item that is too small for the pouch and leaves more than a 2-3mm border unless using a ‘Lifejacket Carrier’
  • Newspaper
  • Thermal paper

Can I laminate multiple documents in one pouch?

We strongly advise against laminating multiple cut-outs inside one pouch. Attempting to laminate more than one document in a pouch is likely to result in jamming. Instead, purchase smaller pouches and laminate each document individually, as this also allows a better finish with round corners etc.

How do the number of rollers affect lamination?

Depending on the complexity of the laminator and the finish required dictates the number of rollers needed. Generally, 2 roller systems heat and seal in tandem. For more sophisticated systems the first set of rollers heat the pouch to melt the adhesive and subsequent rollers are designed to seal the document to produce a more professional and higher quality finish.

What is cold lamination and what do I need in order to cold laminate a document?

Cold laminating uses pressure sensitive adhesives to bind the film to the material being laminated. As a result, cold lamination requires specially designed laminating pouches containing sticky adhesive which do not require heat. Cold lamination is your best option when laminating heat-sensitive documents or photos. Most laminators have cold and hot lamination settings to provide maximum flexibility.

Why does my laminator smell?

It is normal for new laminators to have a slight smell during the first use. This is simply from the new element and should fade with subsequent uses. If you experience a consistent smell or smoking from your laminator then please check that you have not set the temperature too high. Under normal use a laminator will produce a slight smell when the pouch is inserted but this is simply the polyethylene which is not harmful to your health.

Can I repair my laminator or purchase replacement parts?

It is NEVER recommended that you try to repair your laminator as this can be dangerous and will void the warranty. Depending on the model it may be possible to repair products inside the warranty period, or outside the warranty period at cost.

What are the advantages and possible uses of laminating?

There are a number of advantages and examples of where laminating can be useful. Some more popular examples are listed below:

  • Protects from spills: sales presentation materials
  • Protects from rain: sports and outdoor activities
  • Protects from grease and chemicals: maintenance check-lists
  • Protects from smudges & fingerprints: menus
  • Protects from abrasion: instructional materials
  • Protects from the sun: outdoor directional signs
  • Protects from creases and wrinkles: sales promotion material

Why does the laminated document have spots on it?

It is possible that the rollers may have small deposits of adhesive on them from previous laminating. To clean the rollers, simply pass a plain uncoated sheet of paper through your laminator when it is still hot. Any adhesive residue should then be absorbed by the paper.

Why is the laminated document wavy/rippled?

It is likely that the temperature is set too high. Check that the temperature setting corresponds to the pouches being used and turn the machine to a lower setting if you can. Passing a clean sheet of uncoated paper through the laminator will also help to cool down the rollers.

Why is the laminated document cloudy?

Cloudiness is usually caused by either the temperature being too low, or the document being too thick. Try passing your document through the laminator one or more time. If you have a temperature adjustment on your laminator then you can raise the temperature slightly. If the problem is not resolved then consider choosing a thinner pouch, or reduce the thickness of the document you are trying to laminate.

Why is the laminator not sealing the edges?

It is possible that the document is too close to the edge of the pouch to create a strong seal. For best results, allow a 2-3mm border to allow the pouch to seal correctly. If this does not solve the problem then check that you are using the correct temperature setting and try passing the document through the laminator for a second time. Most laminators have been designed to be carrier-free. This means that using a carrier may result in a poor finish or increase the risk of jamming.

Do I need a carrier with my laminator?

Gold Sovereign laminators supplied now have been designed to be carrier-free (please see instructions). This means that using a carrier may result in a poor finish. When using a carrier, you may have to pass the document through the laminator more than once in order to properly seal the pouch as carriers can absorb heat.

What is the thickness of standard copy paper in mm?

As a guide, standard 80gsm paper is 0.08mm thick.

Does the maximum stated thickness refer to the contents of the pouch or the contents + the pouch itself?

The total thickness includes both the contents of the pouch and the pouch itself.

Are laminators suitable for use within educational facilities?

PHE laminators are chosen from the most prestigious manufacturers available and are designed to suit most users and the environment in which they work in, providing operating instructions are followed, all models suit an academic environment.

What is jam-free?

Jam-free means that your machine should not experience any incidences of jamming providing you follow the manufacturers operating instructions. Machines can now be purchased with anti-jam features including a reverse mechanism or a release button. Although most laminators are not classed as jam-free, they should not jam providing the operating instructions are followed.

What is the Laminator warranty period and what does it cover?

Most office laminators are covered by a 24 month warranty against faulty manufacturing.

Do I have to use shredder bags for my shredder?

Shredder bags are a good idea as they contain the waste and make it easy to empty the shredder without a mess.

What is the security level of my shredder?

There are different cut sizes for each model of shredder, below is a table for security standards

  • DIN P1: Strip cut style shred with a maximum strip width of 12mm and of any length.
  • DIN P2: Strip cut style shred with a maximum strip width of 6mm and of any length.
  • DIN P3: Strip or cross cut style of shred, max strip width of 6mm any length or particle cross cut with a smaller surface area of 320mm2 of any width
  • DIN P4: Cross cut or particle style shred with a surface smaller than 160mm2 with a width smaller than 6mm
  • DIN P5: Cross cut or particle style shred with a surface smaller than 30mm2 with a width smaller than 2mm
  • DIN P6: Cross cut or particle style shred with a surface smaller than 10mm2 with a width smaller than 1mm
  • DIN P7: Cross cut or particle style shred with a surface smaller than 5mm2 with a width smaller than 1mm

What is the warranty period on my shredder and what does it cover?

Most office shredders are covered by a 24 month warranty against faulty manufacturing.

Can I shred credit cards and CD’s?

Most shredders accept credit cards but its best to check the specifications for each machine.

Can I shred stapled documents?

Most shredders accept staples, but its best to check the specifications for each machine.

Does my shredder need a service? If so, how often?

As with any office equipment annual checks can prevent breakdowns.

What is shredder oil and why would I need it?

Shredder oil is specifically designed to clean paper dust from the cutters and maintain the cutters for the maximum cutting performance.

What are shredder oil sheets and why would I need them?

Shredder oil sheets is basically an envelope with oil in it, the idea is to shred this envelope oil sheet, this will clean the paper dust from the cutters and maintain the cutting blades.

What maintenance does a shredder need?

Keeping the shredder clean and use shredder oil on a regular basis will help maintain your shredder.

How many pages can I put through a shredder?

Shredders are rated on sheet capacities, so look at the sheet specs to establish the throughput that will best suit your application.

What shredder can do cardboard?

There are special cardboard shredders available for the higher volume users but also most large office shredders will do small amount of cardboard.

What shredder is best for me?

Shredders are rated on sheet capacities, so look at the sheet specs to establish the throughput that will best suit your application.

What is the warranty period on my binder? What does it cover?

Most office binders are covered by a 24 month warranty against faulty manufacturing.

What do I need to do to maintain my binder?

Keeping your bind machine clean and protected from dust would be beneficial.

Does my binding machine need a service? If so how often?

As with any office equipment annual checks can prevent breakdowns.

What else do I need to use when I bind a document?

You will need the consumable item that does that type of bind example comb binding requires plastic combs.

What is the biggest book I can bind in thermal?

PHE carry thermal covers with a spine width of 22mm this will bind books of 220 sheets 80gsm.

What is the biggest book I can bind in spiral?

The 50mm spiral will bind up to 440sheets 80gsm.

What is the biggest book I can bind in wire?

There are 2 wire types 2:1 pitch max 280 pages 80gsm, 3:1 pitch max 115 pages 80gsm.

What is the biggest book I can bind in plastic comb?

Plastic combs are available from 6mm to 50mm with the capacity of binding books up to 450 pages 80gsm plus cover.

How do I know which binder is the best to use?

This can be personal choice on what you prefer or does it need to be secure or not as different binding methods give either permanent binds or binds that are editable.

What is the difference between EVA and PUR glue?

The difference between EVA and PUR glue, EVA ethylene vinyl acetate adhesives, while PUR makes use of polyurethane reactive adhesive. In the process of perfect binding PUR is prepared in much the same way as a traditional EVA-bound book, utilizing a variety of notching, roughing/milling heads in order to create fibre. The adhesive then will bond with these fibres during the curing process. the advantages of PUR are that it offers increased binding strength. As with conventional hot melt glues, the initial bond in PUR is formed as it cools and solidifies. Unlike conventional hot melts, PUR contains reactive components (isocyanate groups), which cure in the presence of humidity and form a strong elastomeric film. Furthermore, while EVAs properties allow it to be reactivated with heat, the film produced by PUR cannot be re-melted and is insoluble to most solvents. Thus, EVA binding exposed to extreme heat is able to melt, while a PUR binding will remain in its solid state. While PUR has some advantages it also can be costly in terms of maintenance and cleaning. The one-pot system requires a longer clean-up process than traditional EVA systems. The pot must be drained and the adhesive allowed to cure overnight before the pot can be reheated and any remaining adhesive removed. The adhesive pot may require recoating as often as once every three years. The system also allows for greater amounts of glue spoilage.

What size wire do I need?

Please refer to the wire size chart on the wiring binding page.

What size comb do I need?

Please refer to the size indicator on the comb binding page.

How long do I need to leave my perfect bound book before use?

With EVA you have a much shorter time from binding to use. This is determined by the glue manufacturer. With PUR we highly recommend that the books are left for a 24-hour period before use to allow the glue to properly set.

Why do my pages fall out when I use my thermal binder?

It is very important to make sure that you use the correct size cover when thermal binding. If the cover is too small then there will not be enough glue in the cover to hold all the pages. It is also very important to cool the book long enough after the heating process to ensure that the glue is set. We recommend at least 1 hour before you start to open the book in the flat position.

What is the difference between electric binding and manual binding?

This most commonly refers to the punching of the paper. The electric machines greatly increase speed and productivity. They also provide a much safer workplace for the staff.

What is the most efficient way to wind a spiral onto books?

There are many options from doing by hand to using cost effective electric winders.

Should I use EVA or PUR glue to do my perfect binding?

This question has many answers based on cost, volume or print sub-straight. This question is best answered by one of our qualified customer service team. T: 1800 63 2200.

Does perfect binding stick to coated stock?

EVA and PUR glue, EVA ethylene vinyl acetate adhesives, while PUR makes use of polyurethane reactive adhesive. In the process of perfect binding PUR is prepared in much the same way as a traditional EVA-bound book, utilizing a variety of notching, roughing/milling heads in order to create fibre. The adhesive then will bond with these fibres during the curing process. the advantages of PUR are that it offers increased binding strength. As with conventional hot melt glues, the initial bond in PUR is formed as it cools and solidifies. Unlike conventional hot melts, PUR contains reactive components (isocyanate groups), which cure in the presence of humidity and form a strong elastomeric film. Furthermore, while EVAs properties allow it to be reactivated with heat, the film produced by PUR cannot be re-melted and is insoluble to most solvents. Thus, EVA binding exposed to extreme heat is able to melt, while a PUR binding will remain in its solid state. While PUR has some advantages it also can be costly in terms of maintenance and cleaning. The one-pot system requires a longer clean-up process than traditional EVA systems. The pot must be drained and the adhesive allowed to cure overnight before the pot can be reheated and any remaining adhesive removed. The adhesive pot may require recoating as often as once every three years. The system also allows for greater amounts of glue spoilage.

What are the most common thermal binding covers?

The most common and cost-effective thermal binding covers are clear front white back. The white back is called chromolux. This is a very high gloss smooth surface.

What does leather grain cover mean?

The most popular type of back cover used is the leather grain cover. This cardboard has a texture that looks and feel like leather. PHE provide a full range of colours and thicknesses.

Where do I get calendar hooks

PHE sell a large range of all size calendar hooks.

How do I cut the halfmoon for a calendar?

You will need to purchase a machine called a calendar cutter. This will allow you to cut your product and also do round corner cutting.

What is 20 loop comb binding?

This option is available on all QUPA binders. You will need to dis-engage your last punch and centre up your page. You can purchase 20 loop combs or just use scissors to cut your 21 loop combs.

How do I make my wire binding hide the closed wire in the book?

Before you bind your book make sure you place your back cover on the front of your book. Once you have closed your wire you can flip your back cover over hiding the closed part of the wire between the back cover and the back page.

What is the difference between comb binding and plastic comb binding?

These are both commonly used words for the same process.

Are there different size plastic combs

There is a large range of plastic combs that bind from 1 page all the way to 500 pages. 6mm to 51mm oval.

Are there different size wire’s for different amount of pages

Yes, there are wires ranging from 6mm to 38mm. Please refer to the consumables page for each wire’s page capacity.

Can I reuse a wire

No. The wire is clamped closed therefore it is not able to be re-opened and used again.

Can I reuse a plastic comb

Yes you can, plastic combs can be opened and closed enabling editing.

What is perfect binding

Perfect binding is an automated process of creating cover, pre gluing the insert pages and clamping together to create a finished booklet, normally used as a more commercial environment.

What is thermal binding

Thermal binding is the process of placing loose leaf pages into a pre- prepared pre glued cover, the machine melts the glue within the binder to adhere the pages.

What is spiral binding

Spiral binding is continuous hard plastic binding in a spiral fashion. This process uses an electric winder to insert spiral coil onto sheets.

What is twin loop wire

Twin loop wire is 2:1 or 3:1 loop wire binding.

What is 2:1

2 holes per inch 21 or 23 holes per A4 page

What is 3:1

3 holes per inch, 34 holes per A4 page.