What Kind of Book Binding Do I Need for My Print Project?

Let’s say you have a print project that needs to be bound together. One binding is just as good as the next right? Not necessarily. There are numerous different binding techniques, and some suit certain projects better than others. A thick annual corporate report, for example, would benefit from a hard cover binding technique that could handle the large number of pages it contains. A condensed version of this report, for example, for a shareholder’s meeting, could easily fit in a lay-flat soft cover binding, or even a mechanical binding. Below are the three main binding techniques we offer and some of the projects they’re usually used for.

What Kind of Binding Do I Need for My Document?

Soft Cover Binding

A sort of jack-of-all trades, soft cover bindings can be used for any number of projects. From corporate documents to self-published fiction to technical manuals, there are few projects that a soft cover binding can’t handle. The flexibility of soft cover binding allows it to bind projects both large and small, and lay flat, notch perfect, and Smyth sewing techniques can be used to produce a document that is durable and built for heavy use. Examples of documents that can be bound using soft cover binding include:

• Brochures
• Manuals
• Fiction and Non-Fiction
• Corporate Documents
• Graphic Novels

Hard Cover Binding

The strength and durability of hard cover binding make this an attractive technique for documents and projects that will be heavily used and need to last. In addition to its durability, hard cover binding offers a number of customization options that can lend a one-of-a-kind and professional aspect to your project. From custom embossing and foil stamping to marbling, gilding, and more, hard cover binding works great for projects that need to make a statement. Examples of projects that are well-suited for hard cover binding include:

• Law Books
• Medical Books
• Art Books
• Corporate Books
• Yearbooks
• Coffee Table Books

Mechanical Binding

You might know mechanical binding by the more commonly used term spiral binding. The tried-true-technique used in subject notebooks by generations of students, mechanical binding is a hardworking and utilitarian binding technique that is also cost-effective. Great for short runs that need to be done on a tight budget. In addition to traditional wire-O binding, where the spiral is visible from the outside of the binding, we offer fully concealed wire-bound hardback books that keep the spiral hidden on the inside. Mechanical binding works great for:

• Manuals
• Agendas
• Cookbooks
• Calendars
• Notebooks

Here at Advantage Book Binding we can advise you as to what kind of binding style will work best for your specific project, taking into consideration budget requirements to provide you with the most cost-effective and project-specific solution for you. Please contact us today for more information, and keep up with us on Facebook, Google +, Twitter, and LinkedIn.