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When looking for the best binding solution for your printed materials, there are many factors that need to be considered before sending your project to production. Some of which involve choosing between Saddle Stitch or Perfect Bound bindery techniques. This decision can’t be based on simple aesthetics either, there are advantages and disadvantages when choosing one technique over another.
BELOW ARE THE MAJOR DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SADDLE STITCH AND PERFECT BOUND BINDERY METHODS!
SADDLE STITCH BINDERY:
If you’ve ever stood in the check outline and squinted at some of the magazines’ screaming the latest fake news, then you have seen saddle stitching in the wild. Saddle stitching is one of the most popular bindery techniques on the market today. The theory behind the name “saddle stitching” comes from the folded sheets of paper being manipulated over the holding apparatus, waiting to be stapled. Each side of the sheet, hangs over the sides, giving Saddle Stitching its name. After the sheets have been set and folded properly, staples are then “stitched” through the paper, creating a booklet-like structure. Typically, two staples are the standard when saddle stitching substrates, but if the substrate is larger; more staples can be stitched into the spine as needed.
HOW MANY PAGES CAN BE SADDLE STITCHED TOGETHER?
When it comes to making booklets, magazines, catalogs or anything of that nature; one folded substrate is equal to four “pages”. This is because the front and the backs are counted as a page. So, for every sheet added to the process, the page count will increase by 4. Depending on the thickness and weight of the substrate you are going to be printing, 64 pages (16 sheets) is a good limit. However, if the substrate is very thin, you could print approximately 100 pages (25 sheets) before the booklet can not lie evenly on a surface.
WHY CHOOSE SADDLE STITCH BINDERY?
Saddle Stitch binding is one of the most cost effective binding methods on the market. Saddle Stitched magazines or booklets still look professional and presentable. Moreover, Saddle Stitching does not add excess weight to the project; shipping costs will remain lower. Saddle Stitching can be used for both long and or short runs, as it is less costly to print and bind projects this way.
EXAMPLES OF SADDLE STITCHING BINDERY:
Magazines
Seasonal booklets
Books
Catalogs
Brochures
Maps
Pocket pamphlets
PERFECT BOUND BINDERY:
Perfect bound bindery involves the application of glue to construct the pages and the spine together. To create a perfect bound, our print operator stacks the pages together to create a clean block. After, our operator distorts the spine edge of the block; exposing paper fibers so the glue will hold strong. Next, the glue is added to the distorted spine and lastly wraps the cover around the block. Our print operator makes sure the glue has adhered to the spine while the perfect bound binding is curing. After curation, any trimming and touch ups are made. This binding method does not have a seam, which makes the Perfect Bound more flexable and aesthetically appealing to consumers.
WHY CHOOSE THE PERFECT BOUND BINDERY METHOD?
There are many advantages to consider when using the Perfect Bound technique for your print job. The primary advantage when utilizing the Perfect bound method over Saddle Stitching is its’ professional and visual appeal. Perfect Bound Bindery is not as cost effective as Saddle Stitching, but it is less expensive than producing hard cover books. Perfect Bound books also stack easier than Saddle Stitched books. The best advantage of Perfect Bound is having unlimited customization options. Any color and or finish you'd prefer to use is available when choosing this method. Lastly, Perfect Bound Bindery allows you to print on the spine, giving your business another surface to reach potential customers through.
EXAMPLES OF PERFECT BOUND BINDERY:
Annual and corporate reports
Thicker product brochures
Magazines
Catalogs
Soft cover books
Journals
If your business has any questions regarding what method of binding you should consider, contact us here or call us directly at +1 (609) 645 1940.
Written By: Danielle Elia, Graphic Design & Digital marketing strategist