Book Binding Techniques – When To Seek The Advice Of A Professional
If you are self-publishing a book, or other substantial document, one of the elements of the process to consider is the book binding method – there are different book binding techniques, but deciding on which is most effective and appropriate for your book is not always straightforward. The book itself is the major consideration, but aspects such as number of pages it contains, the number of copies you want printed, the ‘target audience’ and, of course, your budget constraints all play a part in making the bookbinding method choice – here is some bookbinding information for you to consider:
Book Binding Techniques
All forms of book binding techniques involve assembling the pages together, usually between front and back covers, to create a finished, readable, and professional-looking document. Automatic binding is more often used for larger print runs, whilst the more traditional hand-binding is used on smaller volumes. Different book binding techniques lend themselves to different types of books – for example, soft cover books are more likely to use the following book binding methods:
Saddle Stitch
The saddle-stitching book binding method will result in books with no spines as such – saddle-stitching wire is passed through an open book in which the pages are folded into each other, and saddle-stitching wire is passed through the pages of an open book which is then folded shut. This book binding technique is cheaper, faster, and easier for printers to perform and is therefore ideal for shorter publications such as programmes, catalogues, booklets, and brochures, but not so practical for larger publications.
Perfect Binding
Perfect binding is an ideal option for larger paperback books – these books are bound so they have a definitive spine which is ideal for printing the book title and author and increases the visibility on display on a shelf in a shop or library. The pages are glued against the spine as single sheets making the book more durable as well as providing an appealing and attractive finish. Publications such as magazines, catalogues and photo books are good examples for perfect bound books.
Spiral Bound and Wire-O Binding
A more labour-intensive book binding technique, which can sometimes prove more expensive than other options are the mechanical book binding methods. Spiral bound and Wire O-binding techniques are typical examples of mechanical binding – they entail spiral wires or coils being used to hold the pages together through pre-punched holes in the individual pages. Books bound with these methods produce books that can be laid flat and have the advantage of allowing pages to be easily added or removed. This form of book binding is often used for smaller print runs and lend themselves for documents such as recipe books, employee manuals, directories, or documents for distribution at conventions and business events.
For hardback books, which usually have a flexible hinge, you need a more ‘hardy’ book binding method – these books are usually more durable than their softback counterparts and these binding methods lends themselves to books such as artbooks, textbooks, coffee table books and yearbooks. The following book binding techniques are more appropriate:
Case Binding
Hardcover books tend to be of higher quality and require a more expensive binding option such as case binding which prove more durable and have a much longer shelf-life. In this book binding method, the pages are sewn together into sections and then glued to the last papers and then the covers.
Side Stitching
This book binding technique uses a powerful stapler to secure the pages with lines of the stitching wire moving vertically down through the pages and crimped at the bottom.
Choose Print2Demand – Book Binding Techniques and Services
You want your book to be finished in a professional and appealing manner, so it is always wise to consult with an expert in these matters – your chosen print shop can offer you all the relevant book binding services and will have knowledgeable and experienced staff to best advise you on the most relevant and cost-effective choice of book binding for your publications.
We are an all round UK book manufacturing and printing service. We work closely with publishers, self publishers and authors. We have a state of the art factory, complemented by our sales and marketing office in Westoning, Bedfordshire. We have invested in the very latest digital and litho printing technology, to integrate with a fully equipped craftsman bindery. The conclusion of which means we are offering both softback and hardback books, to a very high standard of quality.
Order your book printing online or contact our team for more information.