Multi-Bookbinding presents the four well-known methods for perfect binding. In this article, you will learn to differentiate between them and recognize their unique characteristics. As such, you will better understand the perfect binding production process and the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
1- The classic (standard) method
The signatures of the books or magazines are printed, folded, gathered, and glued with a hot melting glue, EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate). The spine is ground off by 0.125″ to prepare it for the application of the glue. This type of perfect binding is the most commonly used in the industry.
The perforations in the middle are used only as an aid in folding.
The 0.125″ section that will be ground off during binding.
Advantages:
It offers advantageous − production costs
− It allows fast production
− It is ideal for for magazines or publications that are one-time/quick reads
− It results in a good-looking product for the price
Disadvantages:
− It produces a more fragile spine, and so is better suited for current publications that don’t need to stand up to frequent consultations over time
− It has a limited shelf life
− It is sensitive to temperature changes – the glue can reactivate or become brittle in very cold or very hot
temperatures
2- The notch method
The signatures of the books or magazines are printed, folded, gathered, and glued with a hot melting glue, EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), without grinding off the spine. The signatures have notches cut out of their spines during folding. This type of perfect binding is the second most commonly used in the industry.
Notched signature. There is no grind-off before binding.
It is more than a simple perforation; excess paper is removed to allow the glue to flow through.
Advantages:
− It produces a very durable product
− It produces a better result for two-page spreads than the other methods, since there is no compensation
needed during imposition for a binding grind-off allowance
− It requires less space on a press sheet, thus allowing the possibility to modify the layout and press
sheet size to optimize production
− It allows cost-savings during printing if the press sheet is optimized
− The production cost is the same as that for the classic method
Disadvantages:
− It requires precise folding, since any variations in folding may allow the notches to be visible
− It has a limited shelf-life
− It is sensitive to temperature changes – the glue can reactivate or become brittle in very cold or very hot
temperatures
3- The PUR (polyurethane) glue method
This method of perfect binding has become very popular since 2005, and is now commonly used. This type of glue is very flexible and durable. The binding follows the same steps as the classic method, but using this very powerful glue. PUR glue has revolutionized the printing and binding industry.
Advantages:
– It is much more flexible than the hot EVA glue
− It offers the same production speeds as the classic method
− It uses a stable glue that does not reactivate in the heat or become brittle in the cold
− It is ideal for works printed on coated stock with the wrong grain direction for binding
Disadvantages:
− It has a binding production cost which is about 5-10% higher than that of the classic method
− It requires a longer drying time
− It is more fragile during the first 24 hours after production, which must be taken into account on rush
jobs (and heaven knows we often work on rush jobs!)
4- The sewn method
This is a high-quality method of production, used for works such as dictionaries, bibles, product catalogues, and high-end books. The bound product is far more superior in all aspects. The signatures are gathered without any spine grind-off. They are mechanically sewn together, giving the finished product incomparable durability and shelf-life.
Bookblock sewn with nylon thread.
The thread is visible in the middle of the signature, and may also show the rise of the glue.
Advantages:
− It is impossible for the pages to fall out
− It has increased flexibility
− It is more durable in all aspects
Disadvantages:
− It requires a longer production time than the other methods, since inserting, gathering, and sewing are
steps that must be done before the perfect binding
− The binding production cost is about 50% higher than the classic method
− The thread is visible in the middle of the signatures
Note : The cost of binding is on average about 5% of the total production cost of a work (book, magazine, etc.). Binding is often an overlooked element but when well-chosen, it can offer added-value and result in a superior product. Contact us for further information about the many advantages of our binding methods. One of our specialists will help you make the best decision based on your needs and your budget.
We hope to hear from you soon!
