Design for Print// Binding

Standard Binding Types 

There are many ways to bind loose paper, folded paper, or signatures together, each with its own set of cost, aesthetic, and durability considerations. Here is a small selection of binding options that are most commonly used

Perfect Binding

Signatures are gathered in a stack rather than nested. The spine side of the stack is milled to remove the folded edges. Melted adhesive is applied along the spine edges of the pages. The cover is applied while the glue is hot and wrapped around the book. The book is trimmed on a three knife trimmer . 

Case Binding (Smythe Sewn)

Gathered Signatures are assembled  and sewn along the spine. The sewn book block is then glued on the spine and trimmed on three sides. The trimmed book block is then glued to an outer cover or case, which is manufactured separately. The case is held to the book block by send sheets attached to the fist and last signatures and glued to the inside covers. 

Side Stitch Binding

Cover and Individual pages of signatures are collected and assembled into a stack and then wire stitched (stapled) at the bound  edges . 

Saddle Stich Binding  

Cover and signatures are nested one  within the other andhung over a chain or ‘sad-die’. Covers are scored and folded on the same machine and then laid on top of the signatures. 

Cover and signatures are wire stiched (stapled) at the center of the spine, and then trimmed 

Tape Binding 

Signatures and covers assembled, collated, and trimmed on all sides. A strip of flexible cloth tape that contains glue is applied on the edges of the spine and heated. The glue melts  and spreads, gluing the covers and signatures together.