As information continues to be packaged and presented in new ways, organizing that information becomes an increasingly complex task. One solution that can handle it with ease is a customized ring binder.

While ring binders are commonly thought of for holding loose-leaf paper, they can be designed to organize, protect and present items such as CDs, DVDs, videocassettes, material swatches, product sample kits, and much more. This is often accomplished by affixing pockets or plastic media trays to the inside covers.

Polyethylene, vinyl and turned edge are three main construction styles for ring binders, and each has specific strengths:

Polyethylene - Polyethylene is a semi-rigid, extremely durable plastic that's ideal for binder construction. It is available in thicknesses ranging from .016" to .110" to handle just about any project. These binders are ideal for the harsh environments of workshops and industrial jobsites.

Vinyl - Also called a heat-sealed binder, a vinyl binder is formed by sealing the outer edges of the vinyl around a piece of cardboard. A wide range of custom components - such as pockets and label holders - can be easily added to improve versatility.

Turned edge - This process involves gluing a cover material to a board, and then turning the material over the edges of the board to create a wrap. A lining is applied to the inside, and ring metal is then attached to the spine. Popular turned edge cover materials include laminated paper and book cloth, although many other materials, such as imitation leather, can be used to form the wrap.