Commercial Printing and Binding Methods

If you are printing a multi-page document, you will probably need to choose a binding method. Commercial printing firms use many different kinds of methods for holding the sheets of paper in place. Which kind of binding methods should you choose?

Read through the following to get an idea of what options are available to you. Binding is the final touch on your printing project. No matter how well-designed the rest of your project, the wrong binding methods can ruin the whole thing.

Ring binding
Commercial printing on a budget may best be bound using rings. Ring binding uses a strong or stiff outer notebook cover with three or more rings that can be opened or closed. This will give you ease of access so you can add or remove paper easily.

Comb or coil binding
When you need a semi-permanent solution, comb or coil binding may be your best bet. Comb binding uses dozens of small plastic “teeth” that close around small holes to hold the paper together. Coil binding uses a wound piece of metal that is threaded through dozens of small holes.

Thermal binding
Commercial printing companies use thermal printing when large documents need to be bound permanently. A heavy strip of cloth is affixed to the edge of the paper using extreme heat. The result is a very clean look and feel that allows the book to be opened to lay flat.

Saddle-stitch binding
Ideal for smaller books, commercial printing firms use saddle stitch binding or stapling to hold several sheets together. This is accomplished by folding the paper in half, and then the papers are stitched or stapled along the fold.

Perfect binding
For large books, such as telephone directories or novels, perfect binding is the commercial printing method of choice for a strong but clean look. An outer cover is wrapped around the pages of the book. The pages are then attached to the cover along their edges by a flexible adhesive.

Whatever your binding needs, talk to your favorite commercial printing firm about one of the above options. On a tight budget or sparing no expense, binding is the final piece of the puzzle that completes your printing project: so choose carefully.

Kaye Z. Marks is an avid writer and follower of the developments in the commercial printing industry and its benefits for small to medium-scale businesses.

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