March 2008- Book Size Minimums, Coatings in the Spine, Grain Direction and More!

Most bindery projects can benefit from some planning advice. While different binding styles require different production methods, they share a common thread when it comes to planning. That’s why you need to communicate early in the process with your binding partner who may be able to provide layout or design suggestions to ensure that your project is ready to roll when it comes to the plant.

These are samples of books bound by Muscle Bound Bindery.

At Muscle Bound, we have five dedicated binding lines for perfect binding, Otabind layflat adhesive binding and side-sewn case binding.  We pride ourselves that our mix of equipment allows for maximum flexibility for run length and product type.
Here are some tips to avoid potential trouble spots when planning your next adhesive binding project:

• Small books: For perfect bound or Otabind books, the minimum untrimmed signature size we can work with is 4” x 5-1/2”. Perfect bound books can be trimmed down inline to a final size of 2-3/4 x 3-7/8”. Otabind books can be trimmed down inline to a 3-3/4 x
  4-7/8” final size.  *Offline trimming can achieve smaller final sizes.

Minimum sizes apply to adhesive bound products.

• Small books with gatefold covers: Perfect bound or Otabind books require a minimum untrimmed cover feeder size, of 8-1/2” wide. This needs to be accounted for when a gatefold cover is required on a smaller trim size book. For example, if your book with a gatefold cover has a spine thickness of 1/2", the minimum width of the final product can be no less than 4” regardless of binding method, either perfect binding or Otabind.

• Check on trims: Ask Muscle Bound about our trim requirements for your next adhesive binding job. If trims margins are insufficient, then the bindery will either not be able to produce your job efficiently or in some cases, not be able to produce it at all.

• Watch for inks and coatings: Varnishes and UV Coatings should be kept out of the bind edge an additional 1/8” after grind off. This will ensure proper paper fiber adhesion in the binding process.
  
  
  
• Keep the grain parallel: Otabind covers printed on cross-grain stock can exhibit waviness and be susceptible to chipping during the 3 knife trimming process. Avoid unattractive spine waviness by making sure your pressroom prints your covers with the grain parallel to the spine edge. Text stock is also recommended to run grain parrallel to avoid waviness and promote the best fiber adhesion.

The Muscle Bound Advantage
Muscle Bound offers a wide range of binding solutions including layflat Otabind, side sewn case binding and, of course, high-quality perfect binding. We also provide folding, shrink wrapping, laminating and many more post press services. With a binding style for every application, we are poised to meet your needs. Call us to discuss your next binding project.