Perfect Binding
Perfect Binding uses a Strong Adhesive
Perfect Binding is one of the most widely used book-binding methods for creating softcover books. The cover and pages of a perfect-bound book are bound together at the spine using a hot-melt adhesive that is both durable and flexible.
Perfect Bound Books
Overview & Applications
The cover of a perfect bound book is generally made from heavier card stock, whereas the pages are usually a lighter text weight. Also, the cover often has an optional clear coat or laminate applied. This not only helps improve the book's appearance, it also prolongs the life of the book by reducing scuffs and wear.
Unlike all other softcover binding styles, the perfect binding method creates books that have a flat spine. In most cases, this allows the spine to be printed with the book's title and other information.
Perfect Binding is ideal for a wide variety of books and publications, including manuals, catalogs, novels, journals, directories, handbooks, magazines, and any other bound document that is more than 1/8" in thickness.
PUR is the Best Glue for Perfect Bound Books
Color Vision uses only PUR glue in its perfect binding process. PUR glue (polyurethane reactive) is far superior to the traditional EVA glue (ethylene vinyl acetate) used by many other book printers.
PUR glue offers significantly better adhesion and bonds securely to virtually all surfaces, including UV-coated, laminated, and synthetic stocks. PUR also offers lasting durability and remains strong and flexible, even when subject to extreme heat or cold.
The Perfect Binding Process
The page block is assembled
After the pages of the book are printed, they are assembled into a tight stack. This stack is often referred to as the page block.
The page block is prepared for gluing
The page block is placed into a machine that uses rotating blades to grind notches or "rough up" the spinal edge of the page block. This exposes more paper fibers so the glue can form a strong bond.
The page block is centered within the cover
The same machine then applies glue along the spinal edge of the page block and it is affixed to the center of the inside cover.
The cover is wrapped around the page block
The book's cover, scored and creased to fit neatly around the spine, is then wrapped tightly over the page block and held in place by the glue.
Trimming creates crisp "perfect" edges
Once the glue cures, each book is trimmed along its three open sides to create straight "perfect" edges. This feature is where perfect binding derives its name.
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