Types of Binding
The first factor in narrowing down binding methods is page count. The most prevalent binding method is saddle stitching. Time magazine is a good example of this binding method. Projects over approximately 112 pages cannot be saddle stitched due to the physical thickness of the piece. Yet, almost any piece may be bound using any of the methods shown below. In general, the use of the piece will guide you to the optimal binding method
Perfect Binding
Perfect Binding yields what are commonly called paperback books. The interior sheets are bound to the cover using a liquid adhesive. Characteristics: impressive appearance, suitable for large page counts, spine can be printed with company name and/or title. Note: perfect bound books do not lay flat when opened. |
Spiral Binding
A wire is wound in a spiral fashion through holes punched into the book. The wire can be coated with various colors. Characteristics: suitable for larger page counts, pieces lay flat when opened, in most cases the cheapest binding method for thicker books, generally thought of as having a better appearance than GBC binding. |
Double-O-Wire Binding
A variation of spiral binding. Final product appears to have a series of parallel wire loops holding the book together. Characteristics: suitable for larger page counts, pieces lay flat when opened, most expensive type of loose sheet binding, generally thought of as having a better appearance than GBC binding or conventional spiral. |