September 2008 -
Brawn and Beauty All in One Hardcover PUR bound books

Hard cover case bound books are both beautiful and durable.

Hardcover case binding combined with Polyurethane Reactive (PUR) adhesive is a match made to last. Muscle Bound Bindery has long been in the business of producing high quality hardbound books. We are now pleased to offer super strong PUR adhesive binding as another option that offers the strength, flexibility and durability for your most demanding hardbound book projects.

Why PUR?
Case binding is the highest quality binding method available and is often intended to last years or even a lifetime. Case bound books are often either side sewn, smyth sewn or adhesive bound, but when cost is factor and durability is a necessity, case binding combined with PUR glue is perhaps the most attractive combination. PUR adhesive binding is a robust alternative to “typical” perfect binding and is an excellent choice even for jobs with coated stocks and heavy ink coverage.

The layflat capability of PUR glue is just one of the advantages to this form of adhesive binding.

The strength and durability of a hardcover case bound book is complemented by the strength, flexibility and long lasting hold of PUR glue. PUR is considered to be the most durable book binding adhesive on the market. PUR adhesives react or cure from exposure to moisture in the air and paper content, which builds a polymer network resulting in a permanent “thermoset,” meaning once cured the adhesive is impervious to temperature extremes. The adhesive also exhibits an added flexibility over conventional EVA hotmelts and creates a bond multiple times stronger than traditional hotmelts.

Are there layout differences between perfect binding and PUR?
No. When planning layouts for your hardcover PUR bound book projects, the same guidelines apply as in perfect binding. Covers should have a four-page wrap endsheet similar to a perfect bound soft cover. These endsheets must be of a sufficient stock weight for best adhesion and strength; 80# uncoated stock is the recommended choice for best adhesion and stability in an endsheet. A two-page flysheet for both the front and back are optional. Case materials and decorative options are the same as well. Case bound PUR books can be foil stamped, embossed, UV coated or covered with a dust jacket; anything you can do to a traditional adhesive bound, hardbound book can be done here. The only change with PUR is the added strength to your book’s spine.

Click here to view Muscle Bound Specs.

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