Binding Options

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Saddle-Stitching

Saddle-stitching is a method of binding a book or other printed piece using two staples set in the spine of the document. As a guide, the fewest number of pages to be saddle-stitched is eight (two sheets) and the most is about 60 (depending on the sheet thickness). Some sheets and methods allow more than 60 pages to be bound. Saddle-stitched books can utilize a cardstock cover or what is referred to as a self cover, where the same weight of paper used for the text is also used for the cover.

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Wire-O Binding

Wire-O binding is a type of mechanical binding that uses two loops of wire inserted into the punched sheets of a book. Wire sizes are determined based on the quantity of pages and the thickness of the book. Generally speaking, the largest spine size for Wire-O is 1.25”. Standard wire colors are black or white. Special colors can be ordered, with differing lead times. A variation of Wire-O binding, called semi-concealed Wire-O, allows printing on the spine of the book or manual.

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Plastic Coil Binding

Plastic coil binding is similar to Wire-O, in that it binds punched sheets; however, instead of using a twin loop wire system, plastic coil is a single loop reinforced with plastic. It is generally stronger than Wire-O. Plastic coil enables binding of a greater number of pages, up to two inches.

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GBC Binding

GBC binding uses plastic spines (combs) that allow for removing and replacing pages without damaging the punched sheets. GBC is an acronym for General Binding Corporation, the original manufacturer of the equipment that makes the punches and combs. Some people may refer to this process as Cerlox binding.

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Perfect Binding

Perfect binding uses an adhesive glue along with the cover to bind a book. Perfect binding can be used on books 1/8” to approximately two inches thick (exact page counts vary based on paper thickness).

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Case Binding / Edition Binding

Case binding (also called edition binding) is the most common type of binding for hardcover books. Depending on the page count and run length, it involves sewing the individual signatures together, flattening the spine, and applying end sheets and a strip of cloth to the spine. The hard (case) covers are then attached. The spine of a case bound hardcover book is typically rounded, and there are hinges (grooves) along the edges of the cover near the spine. Case bound books often have a dust jacket that wraps around the case. Cover materials range from paper to cloth, and occasionally a litho or printed wrap can be adhered to the case. Advances in adhesives have opened up other alternatives to the sewing together of signatures.

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Tape Binding

Tape binding utilizes a thermal tape that binds the cover to the sheets at the spine. It doesn’t require the same setup as other types of binding, which allows for a quick turnaround. This may be an effective solution for a preliminary release of a presentation or other document.