Professional Reprographics

OK, so now you have all these copies and documents printed, now how do you fit them all together?

You bind them!

There is more to binding than 3 rings and here’s the scoop on binding. Each one has pros and cons and is designed for a different look and application:

1. Saddle-Stitching is a method of securing loose printed pages with staples down the middle of a folded sheaf of papers. Many booklets are saddled-stitched. Side-stitching is a similar method where the pages are stapled about 1/4″ from the spine. This is a cost effective way to attach up to 40 pages and can save quite a bit. Pros: cheap! Cons – not for bigger presentations.

Saddle Stitch Binding

2. Comb Binding : is the most common binding style used in North America and has been around for more than 40 years, is simple and readily available.  Plastic comb binding books have the ability to open flat for easy copying and can be easily opened and closed with a comb binding machine for editing purposes. Plastic comb bindings are available in several colors and in sizes up to 2”. Comb binding is the most economical outside of Saddle Stitching. Pros: inexpensive step up from saddle stitching. Cons: not as sturdy as coil or twin loop wire binding and if your presentation is for repeated use, may not hold up long term because the teeth break off.

Comb Binding

3. Coil Binding: Spiral coil binding is a great option for individuals searching for a different look for their presentations and proposals. Spiral coil binding involves winding a single piece of pre-coiled plastic binding onto the edge of your book. Spiral coil binding is available in more than 60 different colors making it ideal for marketing firms and designers that are looking to match unique colors with company logos or report covers. Coil bound documents can open flat and can also wrap around for easy copying and reading. Documents bound with coil binding are ideal for documents that need to be mailed since the spines are flexible and retain their shape exceptionally well. Although spiral coil binding is available in sizes up to 2”, coil binding documents that are larger than 1” can be very difficult. Binding supplies for coil binding are more expensive than plastic comb bindings but are still reasonably priced and readily available. Pros: Angie’s favorite! These are usually the most economical and sturdy for documents that you need to last. Cons: cost a little more than plastic combs.

Coil Binding

4. Twin Loop Wire Binding: Twin Loop Wire binding  is a popular binding style available for individuals who want a professional and durable bind. Twin loop wire binding comes out of the package in a C shape and a wire binding machine is used to close the wire binding so that it is round.  Twin loop wire binding provides an elegant look and feel but is slightly more expensive than coil binding or wire binding. Depending on the use, this is often worth the extra cost. Twin loop wire binding has all of the advantages of coil binding above. Pros – slick and sturdy look. Cons – don’t lay heavy loads on top of your presentations, you might bend the wire which makes the pages harder to turn.

Wire Binding

5. Velo Binding - Have a document that you want to make difficult to copy? Want a compact, book-like bind for your presentation so it stacks easy? Velo binding is for you. Velo binding involves punching 11 small holes along the edge of an unbound book. A strip of plastic with rigid tines is inserted into the holes from the top of the book, and a strip with corresponding holes is placed on the back with the tines protruding through. The book is then placed in a machine that holds the book tightly while the excess length of the tines is cut and the tips heated and melted to seal the bind. Velo binding is great if you want a permanent bind that makes it difficult to remove pages from. Pros: near impossible to copy! Safe and secure – the best option if you desire this. Stacks easy on a shelf. Con: doesn’t lay flat, not good for conference presentations and not designed to take apart and put back together.

Velo Binding

6. Perfect Binding - Perfect binding is book binding – the type you see on paperback books. This type of binding looks awesome and is available for presentations and books. Well kept secret: you can perfect bind anything is you use a digital print shop. You can even self-publish a book and make it look really professional! Pros: stacks nice and neat, looks awesome and great for larger presentations. Cons: Permanant – no removing pages and doesn’t lay flat, not as sturdy as other options.

Perfect Binding

Angie Ryan

Professional Reprographics

www.prnashville.com

angie@prnashville.com

615-255-6094