Binding guide PDF

all you need to know about binding
saddle stitching:
This is where the sections are gathered around each other then stitched with wire (what some people call a
staple, but we call a stitch). This style is best suited to booklets and brochures.
Max size 420mm x 297mm (A3 portrait)
Min Size 120mm x 76mm (portrait)
See table below for approximate number of pages self cover to suit paper weight:
Coated:
100gsm
115gsm
130gsm
150gsm
170gsm
128pp
112pp
96pp
88pp
80pp
Uncoated:
90-100gsm
120gsm
140gsm
170gsm
112pp
80pp
72pp
48pp
perfect binding:
This is where the sections are gathered on top of each other then glued with a square spine. This style is
best suited to books, booklets and brochures not intended for long term circulation as the glue will lose its
strength with usage. Recommended maximum text weight is 170gsm.
Max Size
Min Size
Max Spine
Min Spine
390mm x 290mm (portrait)
115mm x 75mm (portrait)
63mm
3mm
See table below for approximate number of pages to suit the minimum spine:
Coated:
115gsm
130gsm
150gsm
170gsm
52pp
44pp
36pp
28pp
Uncoated:
90gsm
120gsm
140gsm
170gsm
44pp
40pp
32pp
24pp
burst binding:
This is where the spine of each section is notched to allow the glue to penetrate. This is a slightly stronger
bind than plain perfect binding. The spine is not as square as perfect binding, plus the notches are visible if
the book is pushed down and spread open. Recommended maximum text weight is 170gsm.
Max Size
Min Size
Max Spine
Min Spine
390mm x 290mm (portrait)
115mm x 75mm (portrait)
63mm
3mm
See table below for approximate number of pages to suit the minimum spine:
Coated:
115gsm
130gsm
150gsm
170gsm
52pp
44pp
36pp
28pp
Uncoated:
90gsm
120gsm
140gsm
170gsm
44pp
40pp
32pp
24pp
pur binding:
This is where the sections are gathered on top of each other then glued with a square spine. This style is best
suited to books, booklets and brochures that will be in use daily, as the glue is more flexible and lasts longer
than perfect binding.
Max Size
Min Size
Max Spine
Min Spine
390mm x 290mm (portrait)
115mm x 75mm (portrait)
63mm
3mm
See table below for approximate number of pages to suit the minimum spine:
Coated:
115gsm
130gsm
150gsm
170gsm
52pp
44pp
36pp
28pp
Uncoated:
90gsm
120gsm
140gsm
170gsm
44pp
40pp
32pp
24pp
thread sewn/section sewn:
This is where the sections are gathered on top of each other then thread sewn and glued with a square spine.
This style is best suited to high quality books and brochures that need longevity and high strength.
Max Size
Min Size
Max Spine
Min Spine
390mm x 290mm
115mm x 75mm
63mm
3mm
See table below for approximate number of pages to suit the minimum spine:
Coated:
115gsm
130gsm
150gsm
170gsm
Uncoated:
90gsm
120gsm
140gsm
170gsm
52pp
44pp
36pp
28pp
44pp
40pp
32pp
24pp
case bound:
This is where the sections are gathered on top of each other then thread sewn and glued with a square spine
and a hard back cover. This style is best suited to high quality books and brochures that need longevity and
high strength.
Max Size
Min Size
Max Text Thickness
Min Text Thickness
380mm x 297mm
115mm x 85mm
63mm (which makes approx 68mm including the case)
3mm (which makes approx 8mm including the case)
See table below for approximate number of pages to suit the minimum spine:
Coated:
115gsm
130gsm
150gsm
170gsm
60pp
52pp
44pp
36pp
Uncoated:
90gsm
120gsm
140gsm
170gsm
48pp
44pp
36pp
28pp
wire-o binding:
With this binding method punched pages are inserted
onto a “C” shaped spine and then the wire is closed
to squeeze the spine until it is round. Documents that
are bound with wire binding will open completely flat
on a desk and allow for 360 degree rotation of bound
pages. This binding style is best suited to reference
publications, manuals or pads. A wide range of wire
colours are available.
Max Spine Length
Min Spine Length
Max Spine Thickness
Min Spine Thickness
600mm
40mm
32mm
1 sheet
Here are some other binding styles...
book binding
Most common cover style. Separate front and back covers.
Opens easily back to back.
half canadian
The partially hidden wire is exposed on the back cover.
Flat spine allows easy identification.
reverse binding
The binding is hidden and the spine is flat.
Back flap can be glued down or left free.
pocket binding
The wire bound insert is designed to slip into the cover sleeve.
full canadian
Partially hidden wire is exposed on the front and back cover.
Flat spine allows for easy identification.
cased in
Standard wire, glued into a hard case with all the opening advantages.
semi exposed
One piece wrap around cover with a permanent look.
Binding appears on the spine of the book.
glued back
Wire bound insert is pasted inside a one piece flat spine cover.
Binding is concealed and spine can be printed.
publisher
One piece spine cover that opens in reverse, creating a flat spine
for identification.
calendar and tent card
Wire bound calendar with hanger or free standing as a tent card.
Pages flip over.
comb binding:
This is where round plastic spines with rings are
inserted into holes in the pages made by a rectangular
hole puncher. The rings on the spine open and insert
into the holes in the page, then rest against the body
of the spine, resulting in a closure that can be opened
again for making changes to the book. This style is
best suited to presentation or low budget applications.
D ring binder:
These are binders in which drilled pages (2 or 4 holes)
are held by means of D-shaped retainers running
through the holes in the paper. Binders come in many
standard colours and many sizes in respect to the
capacity and the overall size of binder.