BINDING

Wire-O binding is the process undertaken to bind collated cut sheets and covers. Pages are punched on the binding edge and then the wire-o spine is fed into the holes and secured closed. This binding method allows books or manuals to open flat. 

Comb binding is an alternative way of binding collated cut sheets and covers. Pages are punched on the binding edge and a plastic comb spine is fed into the holes and secured closed. This binding method also allows books to open flat. 

Spiral binding is another way of binding collated cut sheets and covers. Pages are punched on the binding edge and a Spiral Coil spine is spun into the holes to bind the book together. This binding method also allows books to open flat. 

Saddle stitching or saddle stapling is the application of metal wire to the spine of folded, collated sections, so the closing edges of the stitch are in the center of the product and not on the outer spine.

For small-run stitching a hand stitcher is used; whilst mid to high-volume work is undertaken on commercial stitching equipment such as a Muller Martini which suction feeds sections onto a chain for collation, stitching, and trim in one process.

Very high-volume work, such as web heatset publications is undertaken on high-speed equipment such as Ferag Binders. Additionally, some commercial presses stitch in line however the wire used in this process is a lower grade and is more suitable for high-volume throw-away catalog work.

The thermal binding uses strips to secure loose pages and covers at the binding edge and seals them with heat to create a bound item. Binding equipment is used to position and heat the strips.

The perfect binding process incorporates collating folded sections to sit on top of each other. Once collated, the spine is glued, ground, and an additional layer of glue is added and the cover is applied. Perfect binding creates a flat spine. 

Burst Binding utilizes the perfect binding process however text sections are notched or perforated on press along the binding edge which allows greater penetration of the glue, prior to application of the cover. 

Section sewing incorporates collating folded sections to sit on top of each other and the application of stitching along the binding edge prior to the application of the cover. The spine is glued, ground, and an additional layer of glue is added and the cover is drawn on.

End Papers are applied to the inside cover and first page – and the inside back cover and last page to add durability and also to camouflage the spine on opening. Section sewing is often used with hard case covers, which are fabric finished with foiled or embossed titling.

PUR Binding refers to biding with “polyurethane reactive” material which utilizes the perfect binding process however this particular glue binds products with greater durability and is not weakened by water.