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Originally Posted On: https://kaptiv8marketing.com/2016/02/types-of-print-binding-for-marketing-materials/
There are many solutions for designers to bind a book. The most important consideration for the client is often the budget. Here is a list of several of the most common types of binding for booklets, brochures, catalogs or manuals.
Saddle Stitching (add a link in the content to a project)
Saddle stitching is an affordable and fairly common binding solution. It is created by stapling a number of sheets together where the center fold is, then bending the wire flat on the inside center fold to hold all the folded pages. Because each page is actually one half of one side of one sheet, saddle stitched project’s total pages are always multiples of four. Saddle stitched books have a quick production time and are generally well suited for projects that are less than 80 pages in length. The finished piece can be a variety of sizes.
Comb Binding
An cost effective method that can be used for manuals and books that need to lay flat when open. Rectangular holes are punched through the stacked pages and the plastic comb’s rings are threaded through holes. The edges of the pages making up the spine are covered by plastic comb. The pages of a coil bound book can not opened 360°. Combs are available in a variety of colors and can be opened to add or remove pages. Different materials can be used for the front and back cover as well.
Coil or Spiral Binding (add a link in the content to a project if we have one…)
Spiral Binding is a common binding method that just about everyone can remember from their time in class taking notes. Spiral binding uses a round plastic or metal coil to hold pages together. The plastic coils are available in a variety of colors and the metal coils are available in different finishes. Spiral binding allows the book to lie flat when open or the pages can be turned 360° around the binding. To create a spiral bound book, the pages are stacked and a series of holes are punched through the stack. Wire is then threaded through the holes and then the ends are finished to prevent the coil slipping off.
Tape Binding
This method involves an adhesive tape being wrapped around the spine to hold the covers and inside pages in place. Often pages will need to be stitched together prior to affixing the tape to reinforce and provide added strength. An added bonus of tape binding is the ability to print on the spine.
Perfect Binding
The perfect binding method is better suited for thicker books with a high page count. Perfect bound books also have a feeling of permanence. Perfect bound books can easily have hundreds of pages and be several inches thick. Think catalogs, magazines and paper backs. The production involves stacking folded pages (called signatures) trimming the spine at the folds and then using an abrasive to roughen the spine to improve the adhesion of a glue. The cover of the book is then wrapped around this block of pages and it adheres to the glue along the spine. The cover can be scored on the front and back for ease of opening.
At Kaptiv8 we can help you determine what type of binding is right for your budget and project. From annual reports and informational brochures, to higher quality bound marketing documents we’ve got you covered.
