It isn’t a secret that the binding option of a book is what defines it as a book. Until the binding happens, you don’t have a book. You just have a set of loose sheets. Binding holds the pages and cover together, creating a neatly arranged and manageable document known as a book.
Several binding options are available for book printing. In this blog, we are going to list some of the binding options. So, let’s dive in.
1. Saddle Stitch Binding
Saddle stitching is an economical binding option and is mainly used for books with smaller page counts. It is a comparatively easier binding process but creates books that are aesthetically appealing and well-functioning.
This binding technique employs wire staples to securely fasten the pages and cover of the book. After the cover and interior pages are printed, they are folded in half and stacked inside one another.
Once the cover and pages are aligned, multiple wire staples are inserted along the fold to secure them.
2. Padded Binding
Padding or padded binding is a binding method that allows you to tear out individual pages. It is mainly used for notepads. Pads are created by painting glue with low strength onto the edge of the book’s stacked pages. Usually, a thicker board is added at the back of the book to make it strong and provide the ability to write on the pad when you hold it.
With pad binding, you can put together multiple paper types. Embellishments, such as embossing or debossing can add a wow factor to the book.
3. Perfect Binding
Perfect binding utilizes a strong, flexible adhesive to secure the pages inside a wraparound cover. When the adhesive is cured, the three open sides of the book are trimmed to give it straight edges. Perfect bound book printing gets its name from this method.
A perfect bound book is an affordable and popular binding method when you have moderately high page counts. It is not ideal for books with lower page counts as the adhesive has to be a minimum of 1/8 inches of the surface for bonding effectively. In case the page count is extremely low, there will be a sufficient surface for the adhesive to secure the page block’s ages which is secured with the cover. It gives your book a professional and clean appearance.
4. Spiral Binding
This binding technique uses a spring-like coil threaded through holes punched along the edges of the book’s pages and cover. Some people refer to spiral binding as coil binding. It is both affordable and durable. Plastic coils come in a range of diameters. This method is suitable for binding books of various thicknesses. Coils come in multiple colors, including blue, white, and black.
The top benefit of spiral binding is that lets you open the book full 360 degrees. This allows your book to lie flat on the table, whether open or closed. Thus, your books can rest on the table or desk without needing to be held open while you check the content. It’s an excellent option for study guides, first aid books, travel guides, coloring books, manuals, and craft books.
5. Comb Binding
Another affordable punch-and-bind method is comb binding. Its function is similar to the spiral binding method. However, it uses a plastic comb-like spine. The spine contains tines, such as a hair comb.
To bind a book, circular tines are spread and inserted into slots punched along the edge of the pages or cover. When the tension in the tines is released, they return to their original circular shape. This securely holds the cover and pages while still allowing free movement for turning.
You can get comb-binding spines in different colors and sizes. They are ideal for study guides, cookbooks, and instructional manuals.
6. Burst Binding
It is another variation of perfect binding where the pages are folded into groups of collected ages that are notched down the spine using a machine for creating a strong bite for glue. That creates a strong binding, which makes it a better option for books with a larger number of pages.
Just as perfect binding, burst binding makes a square spine that implies allowances have to be made in the design for the spine width to ensure the content and images aren’t compromised.
Once you have chosen the type of binding option you prefer for your custom book printing, you need to ensure you are hiring a printing service that offers that binding option. But always make sure that the printing company offers high-quality printing.
