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Taking the “bind” out of print bindery techniques.

Print finishing and binding techniques, when executed properly, can significantly enhance the value of your project.

A multi-page document, such as a brochure, book, or booklet, requires finishing to achieve the best possible look and feel. The process of gathering and assembling multiple pages is known as binding. There are various methods for binding, and below are techniques that may be familiar to you, along with some that might introduce you to new possibilities for elevating your bound project.

Saddle Stitching

Saddle Stitching is a method similar to simple stapling, where groups of four pages (known as a signature) are collated together and stitched using metal wire at the center fold. The wire is stitched inward from the outer spine and is visible on both the inside and outside of the document. Depending on the weight and thickness of the paper, you can bind from 8 pages (2 signatures) up to 72-84 pages using this method. However, a higher page count can cause the pages to extend beyond the spine, a phenomenon known as creep. This can be managed by properly imposing the pages for printing.

Square Back Saddle Stitching

A recent advancement of the saddle stitch is Square Back Binding, which elevates the saddle stitch to a new level. This technique results in a square spine formed by a special module inserted into the machine. The “square folder” applies pressure to the spine of the saddle-stitched book, creating the flat spine typically found in perfect-bound books. The advantage of this technology is that it accommodates a higher number of pages. However, it’s important to note that the staples remain visible on the spine, which can impose certain design limitations.

Side Wire Stitching, also known as stab stitching, involves piercing a metal wire through the edge of loose pages from front to back. The wire is then folded back on itself and covered using binding tape or a custom-printed spine cover.

Perfect Binding

Perfect Binding employs grouped sections or loose pages (leaves) that have a hot glue coating along the edge and are then placed inside a separate wrap-around cover. This binding method is considered premium and requires a minimum spine thickness of 3mm. Contrary to popular belief, simply increasing the weight of the cover while reducing the weight of the text pages is not advisable, as this can weaken the binding. For bindings with a minimum thickness of 3mm, it is better to use a cover thickness around 250gsm and increase the text page weight to 170gsm for a more substantial and durable finish.

Wire-o Binding

Wire-O Binding consists of a document made up of loose leaves with a loose front and back cover, which are punched along the edge and held together using wire. These wires come in a wide variety of colours, lengths, and diameters to suit almost any application. This binding method allows documents to lay flat and can be easily combined with different page widths to create stepped catalogues, as well as accommodate tabbed dividers.

Half Canadian Wire-O Binding

This method is similar to standard Wire-O binding but includes the added benefit of allowing for a printable spine and partial covering of the wire. A single-piece cover is creased and folded around punched loose leaves, and a wire comb is then bound through the back cover only. This creates the appearance of a spine, while the comb is only visible from the back of the document.

Full Canadian Wire-O Binding – This method offers a finish very similar to Half Canadian Wire-O binding, with the key difference being that the wire is bound through both the front and back covers, while still providing a printable spine.

Plastic Comb Binding – This method is similar to Wire-O binding, although it is currently less popular. It is another option for gathering loose leaves with various cover options. Instead of square or round holes as in Wire-O binding, a comb binding uses a rectangular slot punched along the binding edge. After the document is punched, a comb is stretched open and the document is hooked over it. Once the comb is closed, the teeth of the comb secure the pages under the spine element.

Chicago Screw Binding

This binding method collates loose sheets together to form a book block. Two to four evenly spaced holes are drilled along the spine side, approximately 1 cm from the spine edge. The Chicago Screw consists of a two-part element with a screw that sinks into a threaded barrel. These are inserted through the holes, and the slotted cap screw is tightened. This method allows for creative cover options, such as duplex board, which can be combined with a Swiss-style bind where the book block attaches to the back cover.

When considering binding options, the choice of cover material is crucial. Some documents work well with 250gsm or 300gsm gloss or silk art board, while others may benefit from Folding Box Board (FBB), which offers a different level of bulk for added protection. Publications with a longer lifespan may feature lamination, available in gloss, matte, or soft touch finishes. It’s also possible to use a lightweight jacket over the cover, which tucks into the inside front and back covers.

Certain covers can incorporate French flaps, where the cover folds back into the front and back, creating a more prestigious finish and providing additional durability.

The scope of book binding is vast. In an age where internet-driven print services can dictate your options, engaging with an experienced bespoke print house can yield better results, allowing for greater creativity. Unlike internet “shed” portal print providers, we don’t restrict the paper stocks used; you can vary the paper within your publication.

With over three decades of experience in commercial print, we can help you achieve more. Why not start a conversation with us?

Are you comparing Like for Like?

Why we’re different:

We care. We treat you and your print project as a complete entity. It may be old school, but when we work on your project, it is our primary focus.

Our attention is on your job:

Unlike online print providers, we don’t combine multiple jobs, which often compromises quality. We concentrate solely on your project.

Artisan approach:

We never compromise on materials. Our focus is on what will achieve the best results for you. Whether it’s selecting the right paper or board for traditional print, ensuring the durability of vinyl for large graphics, or choosing the best grade of cloth for printed or embroidered garments, we specify materials that ensure success. Our sourcing is extensive, and you won’t find this level of care online.

Craftsmanship:

Our team is experienced, trained, and skilled. What we do matters deeply to us. Every team member has a keen eye for detail. Unlike online print portals, which automate much of the process, we take pride in offering personalized attention to every project, beyond just handling a job number.

Bespoke Solutions:

If you need to stand out, that’s our specialty. We are capable of offering unique options and know more methods and materials than you may find through online print portals. Whether it’s specialized binding (we offer over seven types), custom sizes, or precise colour matching, our hands-on approach sets us apart.

Locally Made:

Do you know where your print materials are sourced? We can help you be responsible by reducing courier mileage, sourcing paper sustainably, and ensuring good accreditations. Plus, spending your money locally supports our local economy and helps create jobs in your area.

Honest Communication:

While we may not be the cheapest option, you receive far more engagement with us. We provide honest assessments of products and solutions, striking a balance between price, quality, and speed. We’ll let you know when something could be improved, as we understand what it takes to make your project truly successful, and no one enjoys compromising on quality.

Customer service is standard with us. We are here to help, provide ideas, brainstorm, or introduce you to products you won’t find online. You won’t encounter chatbots; you will engage with real people.

If it matters to you, it matters to us. We are grounded, real individuals who love delivering excellent results for genuine people like you.

Are you comparing Apples with Pears?

A few instances have popped up in the last few weeks, where we know we aren’t being compared equally. It’s all about attention to detail.

Example one… We ask about the thickness of a laminate on a dry wipe board, it comes in two thicknesses – 25 mic and 100 mic. As you can imagine, we know the difference and why you’d use one over the other. And yes, it does affect the costings of the end product, yes the 100 mic, is more expensive and requires different application techniques in production, which are more bench time-consuming. So, for example, one of Apples or Pears.

Example two… We’ve seen various Hoodies and Apparel recently which have made us slightly curdle at the poor quality of the embroidery. We assess every job and ensure that the structure of the image, and logo being embroidered will actually work as you’d expect with edges which are clear and non-raggy etc. Getting this right is important, firstly it’s the quality of the job, it might have more stitches in it, which yes is chargeable. Secondly, a lesser considered or thought through with fewer stitches will wear considerably faster, than one that is properly constructed with the right stitch detail. Key members of our garment print team have been trained by relevant industry suppliers in threads, backings, file construction and associated technologies. Of course, cheaper suppliers have to cut corners to offer cheaper rates. However, you will end up buying twice. Again, are you comparing Apples to Pears?

Example three… Sticking with Hoodies and Apparel. Our DTF Print for garments uses globally recognised ink technology, which has high degrees of stretch-ability, a colour gamut which renders images correctly, and importantly is accountable. We also use industry benchmark heat presses by Adkins, combined with finishing materials which stabilise and provide the right finish to the relevant surface which has been printed on. Yes, in recent weeks we’ve seen Glossy non-finished prints on a Scout Group’s kit, which we know will lift, peel and degrade quicker for lack of appropriate finishing. So again, cutting corners on this is a false economy – so Apples to Pears?

Example four… A print broker who placed regular work with us, whilst under pressure from the client to cut costs, due to funding issues, spread a round of quoting further afield than usual. Please note, this is not us being bitter, but the facts of us losing the job, were purely down to a non-like-for-like specification. The paper we used on the job, was fully FSC accredited from UK merchant routes. However, on finding out who eventually won the job, we lost out to lesser accredited stock (Asian cheap imported, with lesser, if any accreditations), printed using a different method to ourselves. We are aware of caveats in funding for the arts, where a level of responsibility is expected, so care should be taken to ensure specifying meets expectations. Yet again Apples to Pears comparison.

So how do we overcome this?

We have a print audit tool, which for tangible print users, we can identify what matters, and tailor our approach to making your print work harder for you. We can assess ways and means of achieving minor shifts in purchasing habits to maximise how the budget works.

We are a responsible Print Service Provider, signed up to TwoSides and the industry body for a better understanding of the use of paper and board products.

We exist as a proper face-to-face print service provider, as this relationship between you and us, allows us to understand you and equally achieve what you want.

Like all things you pay for what you get, if you cut corners, then specification, and service will diminish. We describe ourselves as a “proper” print service provider. Based on honesty and realism within what we do and deliver.



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