Binding

Softcover (PaperBack)

A softcover book refers to a book whose pages are bound with a flexible paper cover (such as apaperback novel, corporate annual report, or magazine). The paper used for the cover of thesoftcover book may be thicker than the inner pages (for extra durability), or the cover may be thesame thickness as the inner pages (for cost savings). The main advantages of softcover binding arethe relatively low cost, faster turnaround time, and widespread availability.

Hardcover (HardCase) Binding

Case binding is known for its sturdy rigid cover and durability. The hard casing protects the pages inside and the edges of the cover itself from any dents or knocks and exudes a classic look. Case Binding is used for hardcover books. Small groups of folded pages are sewn together using strong thread, which is then enveloped in a hardboard cover otherwise known as a case.

The book block is held to the case via a sheet of card which is pasted to the front, back and spineof the book. This piece of card is called an end paper and also allows for extra customization.

You can cover the front of the boards with materials such as book binding cloth, leather, or PVCto customize the front of your casebound notebook. You can also add a dust jacket to a caseboundbook for extra embellishment.

Advantages of hard cover / case binding

  • Very durable and unable to be bent as it is encased by a hard cover
  • The finished product has a classy and elegant look and feel
  • Attract high retail prices
Perfect Binding

There are many choices when it comes to binding your printed project. Whether you need binding for a soft cover book, oversized magazine, photo book, annual report or product catalog, perfect binding is an excellent choice. Perfect bound books are glued together at the spine and generally have a soft cover made from a card stock that is thicker than the interior pages. The term ‘perfect’ comes from the way everything is lined up and cut to be the exact same size.

Advantages of perfect Binding:

  • Cost savings
  • High page count
  • Lightweight
PUR Perfect Binding Method

This binding process uses a plastic adhesive to create a long-lasting bond. PUR works exceptionally well with a variety of paper stocks, including photo paper.

PUR binding is the best choice when your book needs to withstand repeated opening and closing, or for any project with a long shelf-life. With this process, you also have less adhesive build-up on the spine, translating to a more attractive end result and a better lay-flat quality. PUR perfect-bound books are the industry standard used by most major magazine and book publishers.

Thread Sewn Binding

A very strong and durable binding, thread sewn binding uses thread to sew sheets together. However, this binding method is more complex and therefore more expensive, making it ideal for high-quality publications. Typical products which are thread sewn include:

  • illustrated books
  • bibles
  • art books
  • fiction books
  • catalogues

In thread sewn binding, individual sheets are folded first which are then assembled and sewn together. The resulting book block is glued on the spine and trimmed on three sides. Next the thread-sewn book block can be glued to the cover. Thread sewn binding allows a variety of covers (e.g. hard covers) to be implemented. The further processing thus depends on the type of cover.

Saddle Stitch Binding

A saddle-stitched bind is among the cheapest and most common methods of booklet binding. It is a soft type of binding which uses staples on the spine of a book or a booklet where it folds. It is ideal forbinding booklets under 100 pages. Folded sheets are gathered or nested together one inside the other and then stapled through the fold line. The staples pass through the folded crease from the outside and are clinched between the centermost pages.

Wire-O, Spiral Binding

Wire-O is a brand name product made of metal coils that do not rotate but create a static spine and teeth upon which the paper or covers glide. It makes for an extremely professional presentation, even ona budget. While the paper is similarly drilled like the spiral, the spines are inserted through and then secured together around the paper. The spines can be reopened to add or remove pages, making it extremely versatile in uses such as restaurant menus or hotel room service books. Wire-O bound books are usually stronger than spiral bound materials and have a more expensive feel.

Spiral commonly used when binding short-run books. Spiral binding involves punching similar holes, ametal/plastic coil is threaded through the holes.