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Binding is the act of physically assembling sheets of paper within a cover. This may seem like a very basic, cut-and-dry process, but there are several different methods and uses for bindery as it stands today. When selecting which method is right for your project, it is important to factor in your budget, how many pages your project consists of, and the purpose behind your project. Knowing how each method of bindery works can give you a lot of insight into what to choose as well. Below, we will detail the most commonly used bindery methods, how they are executed, and what types of projects they are commonly used for!
Hardcover Binding
This binding method results in the most durable and sturdy finished projects by far. The majority of hardcover binding involves cover material made of heavy paperboard, often encased in cloth, thick paper, leather, or another durable material. In this process, pages are sewn together in several sections. They are then glued or sewn to the cover’s spine. While being on the more costly side of the bindery spectrum, the result is sturdy and permanent. Some of the most common projects that utilize hardcover binding are text books, medical books, children’s books, and high end journals.
Perfect Binding
Also referred to as softcover binding, perfect binding is used to bind cardstock materials, which are often coated or laminated to provide further protection for the pages within. This particular process starts with folding pages of paper. From there, their spines are trimmed down, and the pages are glued to the wrap-around cover of the binding. Perfect binding is a very cost effective method of bindery, and is a great choice for when books require shipping, or for when the project happens to be a book presentation. The only stipulations are that it could be considered to be a less durable or sturdy bindery method than some others.
Saddle Stitch Binding
This is one of the most cost-effective binding methods, since all that is needed to bind pages to each other is staples! This type of bindery involves folding loose papers and stapling them together down the middle. One downside to this method, though, is that it can only be used for products that have a limited number of pages, since having too many pieces of paper can prevent the staples from piercing them all the way through. For this reason, this method is usually only a good option for projects like small booklets, brochures, and magazines.
Spiral Binding
Also known as coil binding, this method uses a plastic or wire coil to bind pages to each other. Spiral bindery begins by punching holes out of the edges of the pages, inserting a coil through them, then clamping the coil in such a way that the pages cannot be unraveled. This is a great method for adding a bit of extra branding, as the coils used come in a variety of different colors. Spiral bound books can be opened and lie flat, which is perfect for such projects as cookbooks, coloring books, calendars, and planners. It is also an economical option as far as bindery goes.
There are many more methods of bindery out there, so it is crucial to do your own independent research to find the method that is right for your project. With so many options out there, you are sure to find a binding process that is best for your project type, the amount of pages you plan to include, and your budget. Because each process of bindery differs so widely, the way you choose to bind can affect the outcome of your result greatly. As previously stated, bindery is not defined as one simple project, so knowing the ins and outs of each method is crucial to having your project come out perfectly!
Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions' Digital Marketing Associate, Emily Steel