Binding Options
Perfect Binding
The most common style used for binding paperback books, where a high quality, professional finish is required. With this method, the pages are adhered to either a soft or hard cover with glue.
Typical Uses
Any book or booklet with over 24 pages, where a more professional image is required. Conference Programs – Catalogues – Reports – Project Portfolios – Manuals
Wire Binding
The book is punched with a series of small holes on the left. A twin loop wire bind is then inserted and closed through those holes forming a wire comb. The pages lay flat when opened and can rotate 360°. Wire bindings are durable, but do not permit printing on the spine.
Typical Uses
Proposals – Reference books – Reports – Technical Manuals – Notebooks – Calendars – Cookbooks – Proposals – Presentations
Plastic Comb Binding
One of the most economical binding options, comb binds are made of lightweight plastic that can be used for books up to 7cm thick. The style allows the pages to lie flat when open. While suitable for short-term or infrequent use, they are the most susceptible to damage, and not recommended for documents that will be continually accessed or handled.
Typical Uses
Reports – Presentations – Formal Documents
Saddle Stitch Binding
The pages are folded with the cover. Then two staples are inserted through the fold along the spine. This style is suitable for both self-covered books (where the cover stock, or paper, is the same as the text) and books with separate covers. Generally the maximum number of pages is around 56 for digital printing and 96 for offset printing (depending on weight and bulk of the paper used, this number may vary).
Typical Uses
Annual Reports – Event Programs – Magazines – Small, Soft Covered Books – Brochures
Side Stitched Binding
The pages are cut, sides all the same size, and stacked. Then staples are inserted, down the side of one edge of the book’s front, 2 to 3 times depending on thickness and paper weight. The result is a sturdy binding, however the book will not lie flat when opened. This binding style is generally less expressive than other styles.
Typical Uses
In-house documents – NCR Books
Case Bound (Section Sewing)*
This binding style is typically used for books of more than 80 pages, which require a strong, high-quality finish. The pages of the book are collated and sewn together with thread. The cover is then glued to the spine of the page block. Case Bound is generally the most expensive style, so is usually used only for books that must withstand constant use.
Typical Uses
Hardcover Books – Reference Books – Text Books – Novels
*This binding style is finished off-site and may have longer turnaround periods.
