Bindery
Book Binding 101 Definitions:
Adhesive Binding is type of binding in which single leaves are secured together solely with an adhesive applied to the book block spine. Animal glue, polyvinyl acetate glues, and hot melt adhesives are mostly used. This type is sometimes called a perfect binding. Sections with perforations along the folds (or adhesive penetration into the folds to hold each section together) is a type of adhesive binding, which can be done on any perfect binder, having from 1 up to 35 clamps to produce books from 200/hr. up to 22,000/hr. A scored cover is then applied to the book block, with or without a hinge glued to the first and last pages of the book block. Depending on the paper and ink coverage, EVA or PUR glue can be used, which is applied at about 350 degrees F. The finished book is then trimmed on 3 sides.
Saddle Stitching uses Signatures, which are two or more sheets of paper stacked and folded as a group. These signatures are inserted or nested into each other in proper page sequence. A cover (scored or un-scored) is placed on the outside of these signatures and then stapled (stitched) along the folded edge of the book (spine) using 1, 2 or 3 staples. The finished book is then trimmed on 3 sides.
Smyth Sewing Method of sewing through the fold by machine to join multiple signatures to form book block.
Case Binding is a method of binding in which the book case (cover) is made separately from the book block and later attached to it. (As distinguished from leather bindings where the cover is assembled on the book.) The book block is attached to its case by means of super hinge end sheets, and an adhesive.
Margin is the space around the edges of a page outside the printed or written matter. The four margins are commonly designated as: head or top margin; tail, lower, or bottom margin; fore edge, outer or outside margin; and back, inner, inside, or gutter margin.
Drilling vs Punching is the process where paper has holes put in using a hollow high speed drill such as for producing paper with 3 holes for placement into a loose leaf binder, as opposed to punching holes or slots using a male & female die as in calendars & wire-o books, with a limited capacity of about 3/16” vs. over 2” in a high speed drill.
Film Laminating is a process whereby a layer of plastic film is applied to one or both sides of a sheet (i.e.: placemats, book covers & posters), using heat and pressure to adhere the film.
UV Coating is a methodology of adding value to printed substrates by applying gloss, matte or other UV curable coatings.