What is perfect binding?
Perfect binding is one of the most amazing binding methods available today. Many perfect-binding machines are used for larger runs, but newer machinery is being specifically made for quick binding and fast turnaround. This is making it possible to produce a single, on-demand book professionally and cost effectively, too. Perfect binding is a form of adhesive binding. It is the process of applying hot melt glue to the spine of a book and applying a cover. This binding is sometimes called a “soft cover”, which is similar to a paperback novel binding. It is excellent for books, corporate reports, manuals, brochures, and annual reports. The advantages are: versatility, longevity, inexpensive, excellent overall look and visual appeal. The books in the picture to the right are put together using the perfect-binding method. How does this process work? The perfect bind process involves inserting a book block (sheets or signatures comprising a book) into a carriage clamp that mechanically proce
The printed and folded signatures are first gathered together. The cover is scored to the thickness of the spine, creating a channel or groove for the gathered signatures. Often, an additional score is placed on either or both the front and back covers to act as a hinge to help prevent stress at the binding every time the cover is opened and to allow glue to creep over the edge. The gathered signatures are pressed together and the bind edge is ground to expose the paper’s fibers, hot glue is applied to the roughened edge, and then the cover is joined to the signatures and clamped until dry. The bound books are then trimmed on three sides and finished.
