Binding - Comb

As we approach Christmas, Don Piontek is feeling more optimistic than ever about print and print finishing.

We have seen lots of advances in adhesives for bookbinding over the years, with PUR (polyurethane reactive) adhesive being the last major game changer. But there is now a revived interest in protein-based adhesives.

With so many options, it can be tough to determine the best binding method for your project.

The New Products Reference Guide offers an exclusive pre-show preview of some of the new products and services that will be on display.

Central Bindery in Phoenix has managed to both survive, and even thrive. Founded 31 years ago, Central has evolved into a broad-based trade bindery offering traditional and not-so-traditional services. Along with folding, perfect binding, saddle stitching and all forms of mechanical binding, Central Bindery offers pharmaceutical folding, round cornering and shrink wrapping. Owner Andy Delph has "seen it all" since its startup, and he and his team have had to adapt to many challenges and opportunities.

We see tons of packaging in retail every day, but luxury packaging is a different breed.

It's no secret that we're dealing with a greatly compressed printing industry as opposed to the "roaring '90s." For trade binderies, the news has been even worse. In the last few years, some of the largest trade shops in the Chicago-land, the East Coast, and more have closed their doors. But, amidst the bad news, there are trade binderies that are not only surviving, but doing well, thank you. What are their secrets?

Mechanical binding remains the most practical finishing method for a wide variety of products, which benefit from the “lay open” quality of the process. Newer, larger machines have been introduced that combine the collating, inserting, punching and binding operations into one process.