January 2008—Answers to Three Common Binding Questions
At Muscle Bound Bindery, our customers and industry friends ask a wide range of binding questions on a daily basis. While we’re always willing to offer individual solutions to unique challenges, we thought it would be helpful to answer three common questions today:
Q: Why should I consider side sewing for my project?
A: Side sewn case binding, also known as library binding, is one of the strongest book binding methods available. In this process, threads are sewn through the full bulk of the text block and endsheets 3/16” from the spine. Side sewing results in strength, durability and longevity superior to adhesive binding where the signatures are glued into the spine. Side sewn case binding is a common binding method for thinner products such as children’s books, educational manuals and reference materials, and is typically more economical than Smyth sewing because there are fewer processes involved. Contact Muscle Bound Bindery to help determine if your next book project would benefit from side sewing.
Q: What is the best option for reinforcing endsheets, blind or exposed?
A:
It depends, endsheet reinforcement is achieved by adding a cambric, or drill cloth, at the spine side edge of the book where needle and thread are applied and the book's cover boards hinge when opened. Endsheets can be produced in either an "exposed" or “blind” reinforcement style. Exposed reinforcement is commonly used with plain white endsheet stock because the white reinforcement strip matches the white endsheet stock and it's visibility is not an issue. "Blind" reinforcement is unseen in the final product and is preferred for books with colored endsheets or printed "self" endsheets, where the reinforcement is not desirable to see. The advantage of the exposed reinforcement is that the books cover boards hinge or open on the reinforcement thus giving them added flexibility and durability. The blind drill has the reinforcement underneath the endsheet material so the cover board hinges on the reinforcement and the endsheet material, making the cover slightly stiffer to open and close. The advantage is the reinforcement still adds durability, yet is hidden or "blind" from view.
Q: How do I decide which hard cover binding option to use?
A: Some of our customers aren’t sure what type of hard cover binding solution they need so we frequently explain the available options to help determine the best fit for their project. Choosing the hard cover binding method that closely matches their requirements depends on a combination of the customer’s budget and what they’re trying to accomplish. For products that are meant to last, such as children’s books or coffee table books, we frequently recommend side sewn case binding. For products expecting lighter use, such as annual reports and light- to medium-use informational products, adhesive case binding is a frequent recommendation. For higher page count books adhesive case binding can provide an economical, user-friendly and reasonably durable solution, with a familiar look.
The Muscle Bound Advantage
Muscle Bound Bindery has been providing strong binding solutions for more than forty years. In this time, we’ve gained a library of experience that we’re eager to share with our customers. Give the friendly experts at Muscle Bound a call today for help in planning your next successful bindery project.
|
