Perfect Binding
A Seamless Finish
Perfect binding (also known as adhesive binding) is one of the most versatile bookbinding methods used in the book manufacturing industry today. It’s ideal for high-volume production and is visually appealing on any shelf. Whether you’re publishing a novel, an easy-to-hold children’s book, a workbook, or catalogue, perfect binding is the ideal balance of quality, efficiency, and affordability.
What is Perfect Binding?
Perfect binding involves collating printed and folded sections, or signatures, then preparing the spine by either grinding the pages loose or leaving notches, depending on the specifications of the project. A strong hot-melt adhesive is applied to the book spine, then, in the case of a softcover book, is pressed onto the cover and trimmed for a clean professional finish.
The process is similar for a hardcover book, but unlike softcovers, they include front and back endsheets in the collating sequence. Instead of attaching the hard cover directly to the book block, a strip is applied to the glued spine to reinforce the book and preparing it for encasing (the process of attaching the hardcover).
Cost Effective
Perfect binding is more economical than hardcover or sewn bindings, making it ideal for medium to large print runs. It can also reduce shipping costs due to its lighter weight.
Professional Look
Perfect bound softcover books have clean, square spines and crisp edges, giving them a polished look.
Versatility
This binding method accommodates a wide range of thicknesses, from slim manuals to multi-hundred-page books, making it suitable for most softcover applications.
Flexibility
Perfect binding supports the use of different paper types within the same book, such as glossy pages for images and uncoated pages for text.
Common Uses for Perfect Binding
- Softcover Books
- Magazines
- Catalogues
- Corporate Reports
- Manuals
- Educational Books
- Reference Books
Helpful Hints
- Friesens recommends that Perfect Bound books be printed on our HP PageWide T250HD, however they can be printed on our offset or other web presses.
- If your softcover book has flaps, the perfect binder will require multiple passes if the book thickness is greater than 1.96″.
- The approximate maximum spine width is 3.125″ for a hardcover (depending on book width) and 2.75″ for a softcover.
- The maximum trim size when printed on the Inkjet is 8.75″ by 11.875″.
- The cover of perfect bound books with less than a 0.125″ spine can shift on the book block and cause spine type to wrap onto the front or back cover. We recommend removing any spine type on books with a spine size smaller than 0.125″.