Many factors go into creating a professional-looking dissertation, from fonts to colors to printed size and paper selection. But the binding keeps your work together, and that can make all the difference. Bindings come in various finishes and styles that can enhance your publication’s appearance, durability and functionality. Here is a quick rundown of the most common binding options:
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Spiral and Wire-O Binding
Spiral binding is one of the types of binding materials in which plastic or metal coils are looped through holes punched along a document’s edges. This type of binding allows documents to lie flat while open and can be customized in various colors, sizes, and loop lengths. It is also durable, making it a great choice for booklets that will be handled often. Known as wire-o or double-loop wire binding, this type offers a more sophisticated look than spiral binding. It is ideal for documents that need to lay flat while in use (like cookbooks) or for books or booklets that will be referenced frequently, like workbooks or journals. It is also available in a variety of colors and lengths of wire. Like spiral binding, this style is more expensive than saddle stitching and may require a heavier-weight paper stock to ensure durability.
Perfect Binding
A popular method of paperback binding, perfect binding is ideal for high-page count publications. Also known as adhesive binding, this print bookbinding holds the internal pages together by applying glue to the spine and wrapping a cardstock cover around it. It is used for books, telephone guides, catalogs, and magazines. All internal sheets are gathered together (collated) and placed along a rectangular spine to make a perfect bound publication. The spine edge is then ground to roughen up the surface to improve the adhesion of the binding glue. Two types of glue are commonly used for this type of printing: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and Polyurethane Reactive (PUR). Both have advantages, but PUR has gained popularity due to its increased durability and strength compared to EVA. When used correctly, a perfect-bound book can lay flat without breaking the spine or pulling away from its covers. From a consumer standpoint, these benefits are enough for many to opt for this form of paperback binding. The finished book is light, portable, and easily fits into a handbag or briefcase. From a producer’s perspective, perfect binding is relatively affordable and provides a professional look and feel to the finished product. However, it is shorter than the saddle-stitched hardcover or spiral binding materials.
Hardcover
The prestigious and durable hardcover binding method is often chosen for books that will be treasured for years, such as children’s books, coffee table books, or yearbooks. It can also look professional to legal texts, medical journals, or architectural guides. With this type of bookbinding, bundles of pages are glued together at the spine, making it easy to lay a hardcover book flat. The pages of a hardcover book are secured with either EVA or PUR glue, depending on the size of the finished product and the desired durability. Another advantage of hardcover binding is its durability, which can withstand a great deal of rough handling. As a result, these books are popular among collectors or those seeking a classic aesthetic for their library. However, it’s important to remember that hardcover books can be more expensive than their paperback counterparts. This can lead to a lower sales rate, particularly in categories where the competition is more aggressive with their price points. This is why many fiction titles, especially newer authors, will come out in paperback first and eventually be released in hardcover. This allows them to stay competitive and entice buyers with a more affordable price. A paper wrapper called a dust jacket is typically used to protect the binding and often features the book title, author’s name, and artwork.
Chicago Screw
Chicago screws, also known as screw posts or bookbinding screws, are an inexpensive and easy-to-use way to bind documents together. They can handle thick capacities and allow for document editing, making them popular for price books, menus, swatch books, architectural and engineering drawings, and more. Screw post binders are available in aluminum, brass, or steel and come in plastic, silver, gold, and antique brass colors. They can be expanded to larger sizes using simple screw post extensions. Aside from the advantages of these fasteners, there are a few disadvantages to consider. First, they aren’t as secure as rivets because the connection is not permanent and can be unseated with a little effort. Second, they offer different strength levels, best suited for light-duty applications. When purchasing Chicago screws, looking for a quality product is important. You can find them at online stores, hardware shops, and specialty shops. These retailers usually have many options and competitive prices so that you can find the perfect screw for your project. They should be made of high-quality materials and feature a rounded head that fits the hole in the document. They should also be rust-resistant, easy to install, and durable. A high-quality screw from a trusted source ensures you get the best possible product.
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
