Adhesive Binding 101
May 5, 2014

As print shifts from offset to digital, and run lengths shrink to reduce inventories, a whole new generation of perfect binders has been introduced. These machines are built for short- and medium-runs, and can quickly adjust to changes in both the book block and cover sizes.

Making Your Case
June 10, 2013

You can set up a short-run, hard-cover module that can produce a few thousand books a day without making a million-dollar (or more!) investment. So don't routinely send the work out if you've got it. Looking at the options for bringing it in-house can add to your cash flow and improve your bottom line.

Will A 'New Bind' Arrive?
April 15, 2013

The last major milestone in adhesive binding was the introduction of PUR (polyurethane reactive) glue, which cured by forming a chemical bond with paper. But a newer adhesive system may be about to make a debut.

PURFection
April 9, 2013

There are lots of additional techniques that can be used to enhance the PUR process. One new technique is a plasma-discharge station (similar to the electrical corona discharge used to treat many flexible films). This is thought to change the surface tension and polarity of the book block, enhancing the bind strength.

Hardcover Book Production Coming Up Short
December 17, 2012

In the ’50s, the race began to automate book binding, with firms vying to produce complete, automated systems that could turn out 50-60 hardcover books per minute. The new production model is a smaller work cell requiring a single operator.

Does Giving Bindery Equipment a Makeover Pay Off?
December 3, 2012

Bindery system manufacturers have faced a few tough sales years of late. This has spawned a lot of brainstorming about how to generate revenue. One manufacturer has come up with a program to give older machines a complete “makeover.”

Some Finishing Thoughts from GRAPH EXPO
October 22, 2012

Even though I didn’t get the opportunity to visit all of the finishing system exhibitors at GRAPH EXPO 2012, I did see enough to form some opinions on current trends and developments in the industry. While digital printing was once again the central focus of the show floor, finishing remains key in creating quality, exciting products across the board.

Is Mechanical Binding the Last Short-Run Frontier?
August 21, 2012

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.

Wow! The Bindery Produced That?
August 13, 2012

In the past year, I've had to get up close and personal with hardcover binding and my horizons have been greatly stretched as to what can be turned out in the finishing department. The latest electronic devices even offer opportunities for traditional finishing.

Congratulations Digital Printer, You’re a Bookbinder!
June 26, 2012

Color digital printers now realize that they can produce the complete product in-house, including high-quality hard cover books. The new workflow can produce one or two unique books at a time, where it’s necessary to change sizes rapidly.