Common Uses For Perfect Binding
Printed pieces may benefit from low-quality perfect binding. However, case-bound books or soft-cover books are better choices for printed works that need high-quality finishing. Listed below are the common uses of perfect binding. To know more about this process, read on.
Low-quality perfect binding
Choosing the correct type of bookbinding is a critical decision if you wanted to get your book perfect bound. While there are many styles to choose from, the best binding method for your piece will depend on its contents and its impact on readers. Although soft-cover books require high-quality perfect binding, it is not necessary for printed pieces that last a long time. Soft-cover books are costly because of their weight and the fact that they are expected to be used a lot. On the other hand, lower-quality perfect binding is an excellent option for printed pieces with a short shelf-life. These include weekly magazines, trade show materials, quarterly reports, and monthly catalogs.
Soft-cover books
A paperback, or soft-cover book, is one of two main types. They are made from thick paper and held together by glue rather than staples or nails. On the other hand, hardcover books are bound with cardboard covered in cloth, leather, or plastic. The process used to create softcover books is very similar to that of hardcover books. The primary difference between the two is in the binding style.
A hardback book is bound with a rigid spine, whereas a soft-cover book is secured with a flexible spine. As a result, a soft-cover book opens flatter than a hardcover book, and it can be produced in gloss or matte finishes. While both binding styles have advantages, the most common soft-cover book binding style combines both.
Case-bound books
There are many uses of case-bound books. The text block is placed inside a casing made from woven fabric and various chemical compounds. The book cloth is then glued into the book block, leaving a thin strip of the first or last page free to be glued into the cover. Case-bound books also feature endpapers, giving the reader a more premium look. The book’s body may also feature a cover flap, a raised or lowered part of the cover, or even be printed.
Another everyday use of case-bound books is for hardcovers. A hardcover book is bound similarly to a case-bound book, but the cover is made from paper. The body is then attached to the hardcover board with adhesive. Both types of bookbinding have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right kind of book for your purpose. Perfectly bound books are typically more durable than case-bound books.
Printed pieces
When books or catalogs are bound, a perfect binding technique is used. With this type of binding, pages are stacked, the edges roughened to enhance adhesion, and the spine and cover are wrapped around one another. This type of binding is usually used for books and magazines with a high page count. It is also used for booklets and photo books. Perfect binding is commonly used for paperback books and is also a popular choice for magazines, such as National Geographic. For thicker brochures, perfect binding is a popular choice. It also provides a professional look for books. But be sure to check out the specifications of the excellent binding method before choosing it for your next print project.
Automation in perfect binding equipment
With shrinking run lengths and shorter turnaround times, the need for automated perfect binding equipment has increased. Mechanical binders have shorter make-ready and set-up times and require less training than manual binders. New technologies like barcode recognition reduce manual errors and increase productivity. Touchscreen technology guides operators through the set-up process, reducing time wasted in manual operations. Automation also reduces the risk of spoilage.
The latest generations of perfect binders incorporate barcode readers and inline integrity solutions. The latest versions perform signature and sheet tracking, book block matching, and cover-to-book block identification. They also reject incomplete book blocks, generating a reprint file. These new features make perfect binders easier to use. Automation increases efficiency by reducing rejects and waste. As a result, automation saves time and money.
