Despite the popularity that electronic and audiobooks are rapidly gaining, it is still much more pleasant to hold a printed edition in your hands. And it is even more pleasant if a good book is made in a quality binding. But what does binding mean by itself, and what types of it exist - not everyone understands. To make it easier for the client to choose between different types of binding, we have prepared a short description and overview of each of the materials.
What is binding
Book binding is not just a cover, but a set of elements that unite the pages into a book block and protect the publication from damage. This extends the life of the product and makes it easier to read.
As mentioned above, a book’s binding has several components:ъ
- cover;
- flyleaf;
- footband.
The binding also serves to decorate the book. After all, in many cases, the choice of readers depends not only on the work itself but also on its design. Hence, the expression “Choose a book by its cover …” appeared.
Therefore, when you want to print a book, it is important to choose the type of binding that will match the content and purpose of the printed matter.
Types of book binding
There are two main types of binding in the book publishing industry: hard and soft. Let's take a closer look at each type and their subtypes.
Perfect Binding (Soft Cover Binding)
This is the easiest and most economical type of binding. The process of this binding is really simple. All it requires is to apply a thermal glue along the spine of the cover and then attach the pages there. For its manufacture is suitable cardboard with a density of 160 to 300 g/m2.
Pros:
- cheap;
- low weight:
- beautiful presentation.
Cons:
- bends a lot;
- books don’t lay flat on table when opened;
- the service life is much shorter.
Suitable for: books, magazines, brochures, booklets, catalogs.
Thermal binding
It is one of the more efficient ways to bind up a book since thermal binding requires less effort and time. The pages of the book are glued to the spine by heating, so it’s necessary to have a special thermal binding machine for this procedure.
Pros:
- the most economical option;
- no need to punch the paper.
Cons:
- low durability;
- the book is constantly closing itself, which reduces the readability.
Suitable for: books, magazines, brochures, booklets, catalogs.
Section-Sewn Binding (Smyth Sewn)
As the name would suggest, this type of binding is sewn in several sections or signatures along the spine and glued together for an even sturdier finish. Pages of a book with such a binding cannot be separated from the book without tearing them out.
Pros:
- more durable than many binding styles;
- flexible handling;
- high strength;
- can hold a high number of pages;
- comfortable reading.
Cons:
- more expensive.
Suitable for: books, cookbooks, diplomas, magazines, brochures, booklets, catalogs, look books, art books.
Comb or spiral binding
With this type of binding, the cover of the publication is fastened to the inner block byusing circular plastic rings or metal spiral coil. Moreover, the cover can be both soft and hard. Printed products with this binding can easily open 180 or 360 degrees, so you can put the opened book on the table without worrying about it closing.
Pros:
- longer service life than KBS;
- high strength;
- varieties of sizes;
- unfolds 180 or 360 degrees.
Cons:
- price (more expensive than all previous types of book binding);
- makes the impression of a self-publisher.
Suitable for: children's books, catalogs, calendars, notebooks, office documents, exhibition materials.
Hardcover or case binding
Hardcover book binding is more presentable and durable, which is why many book-lovers prefer it. This variation of a book’s exterior is officially known as case binding. Here, the connection between the cover and the book block is carried out using the flyleaf, and the pages are attached to the endpaper (most often fabric). The cover can be made with a range of materials including vinyl, fabric, paper and leather. Also, embossing and relief can be used to decorate the cover.
Pros:
- highly durable:
- the best protection against damage;
- reliability;
- presentable view;
- wide design possibilities.
Cons:
- high price;
- heavyweight.
Suitable for: books, notebooks.
