All About Binding
Anyone in the industry knows that there are a number of ways to bind documents together… but with so many choices, how do you choose which method is right for you? This guide will walk you through the basics of the most popular binding methods in the industry, explaining the advantages and limitations of each binding method. We will review Wire-O Binding, Plastic Coil Binding, Plastic Comb Binding, Velo Binding, Pro-Bind Thermal Binding, Tape Binding, Perfect Binding, Saddle Stitch Binding, and Paperlock Binding.
Wire-O Binding:
Books that are bound with Wire-O (also known as double o wire or twin loop wire) use a continuous hinge of double loops of wire to hold the book covers and pages together. Wire binding is popular among graphic designers & offers a stylish metal finish.
This traditional method of binding secures pages so that they cannot be modified without de-binding the book. Books bound with Wire-O Looped Wire lay flat and the sheets are able to turn 360°, making it the perfect solution for calendars and notebooks. Holes are available in round and square, and 3:1 or 2:1 pitch (holes per inch). The Wire-O supplies are available in 10 different colors and sizes ranging from 1/4" up to 1-1/4". The wire can be bent out of shape so this is not the favorable choice for heavy usage and or mailing.
Plastic Coil Binding:
Plastic Coil Binding is modern and durable, and one of the most popular binding methods on the market today. Spiral Coil Binding is where a continuous plastic coil spins through a series of closely spaced holes along the binding edge. Pages bound with spiral coil can turn 360° so books lay flat & stay flat. This is a durable method of binding that retains it's original shape, even with excessive use. There are several Coil colors available, (including custom color matches) and they are available in diameters from 6mm (1/4" - about 35 sheets of 20# paper) up to 32mm (1-1/4" - about 290 sheets of 20# paper).
Plastic Comb Binding:
Plastic comb binding is a traditional, economical, and simple binding method. Made of PVC Plastic, the combs consist of a spine of round rings that spread open for sheet inserting. The rings fit into rectangular holes along a binding edge. The standard length of a binding comb is 11" and it has 19 rings. Plastic Comb Binding is prefect for those who will need to edit their documents, as the bindings can be easily opened and closed. Additional and custom lengths are available. 16 different diameters are available ranging from 3/16" up to 2". Combs are round in sizes 3/16" up to 1". 1-1/4" and larger combs are oval shaped with 3 locks to hold rings together. The comb spines can be imprinted with titles, company names, logos, and more.
Velo Binding:
VeloBind Binding, commonly used in the legal industry, is a secure method of binding. The Velo strips are made of rigid plastic. There are two strips used in the binding process. One with 11 prongs made to be inserted into the punched paper. The other is flat with 11 corresponding holes. Using a hot knife VeloBind machine, the prongs are inserted into the holes of the flat spine. Using heat, the two plastic Velo strips are melted and sealed together, creating one of the most secure binds available. VeloBind strips are available in 1", 2" and 3" capacities and 8-1/2", 11", and 14" lengths.
Pro-Bind Thermal Binding:
The new line of Pro-Bind binding machines is sure to exceed your expectations for desktop perfect-binding systems. Perfect binding uses a thermal adhesive in the spine for adhering to the paper. Unlike many of the competitors' products, Pro-Bind covers come pre-folded with the thermal adhesive pre-applied for easy binding. No punching or clean up is required. Simply place your loose pages into a thermal binding cover, place in the binding machine, and press a button. Seconds later your bind is complete. Both soft and hard Pro-Bind covers are available providing a polished and finished look to all bound documents.
Tape Binding
Accubind Thermal Tape binding offers a professional look by applying a high quality linen cloth binding strip to the spine of a set of documents. The strip is applied using a thermal tape binding machine and creates a strong bond quickly and easily. There is no punching is required. Tape Binding is perfect for mailers because they are flat, and do not have a bulky spine. Accubind Thermal Tape Binding creates a quick & permanent bind that allows your books to lay flat.
Perfect Binding:
Perfect Binding, also referred to as soft cover binding, is similar to paper back novel binding. Unlike some binding processes that require sewing the pages into the spine of the book, Perfect Binding requires no sewing, and instead uses a strong adhesive is used to hold the pages in place by attaching them to a soft cover. When finished, Perfect Binding creates a clean look with a flat spine.
Sometimes referred to as case binding, the use of Perfect Binding also lends itself to smaller publishing concerns, such as desktop publishing and self publishing in the publish on demand businesses. The equipment required to create a perfect bind is relatively simple and easy to operate. Glues used in this binding technique are also easy to work with, making the task of creating a professional look possible even by people with little binding experience. Perfect Binding is utilized for many types of soft-cover type books, manuals, corporate reports, brochures, and other simple collections of documents.
Saddle Stitch Binding:
Saddle Stitch is one of the simplest and most widely used methods of binding. Saddle Stitching can be done using two different pieces of equipment: a Saddle Stapler, or a Saddle Stitcher. Both machines provide the same results, however, Saddle Staplers use actual staples with Saddle Stitchers use Stitching Wire. Folded booklets are placed over a "saddle" and then the staples or stitching wire are inserted along the spine. Books bound using saddle stitch lay relatively flat and are most commonly used for applications including booklets, brochures, newsletters, pamphlets, direct mailers, magazines, and catalogs. They also have the ability to accommodate special inserts such as business reply envelopes, membership forms, order forms, etc.
Paperlock Binding:
PaperLock is a revolutionary new binding method that is attractive, eco-friendly, and secure. Using paper that has been punched on a traditional plastic comb binding system, the Paper Lock binding system inserts a patented PaperComb that securely binds your documents. Paper Combs are offered a variety of attractive colors that will compliment any corporate brand identity. They are an eco-friendly binding solution, which in today's society, is a key factors in every corporate buying decision. The materials used to produce the paper combs are environmentally friendly and can be recycled. The PaperCombs allows the bound document to be completely protected. The pages are locked together and cannot be detached or removed. Whether using it for legal purposes or financial reports, just add your stamp or seal and the tamper-proof document is completely secure.
If you have any questions or are interested in purchasing a Binding Machine, visit Tim the Tutor at Binding101.com. They have great pricing on a full line of Book Bindingand they charge only for shipping UPS Ground. Shop online now!
Meet Tim the Tutor! With over 11 years experience in the document finishing industry, Tim is a qualified Product Specialist for BUY101.com, Binding101.com and OfficeSupplies101.com. His helpful product tips offer an insider's honest opinions on products, giving you the information you need to make educated purchases. Tim the Tutor lives up to Buy101's motto, "We do the homework for you" by doing the research that answers your most common questions. Tim is trained and skilled in the areas of binding, laminating, paper cutting, shrink-wrapping, drilling, folding, booklet making and much more.
