BINDING COMPARISONS
Comb Binding
Plastic comb binding is one of the most popular methods of binding. The pages of comb-bound books lie flat for easy reading. The flexible plastic binding can be reopened and closed for easy updating of pages. After updating you can reuse the same binding comb. Pages can be bound up to 375 sheets of 80gsm paper enabling you to bind small or larger documents. Plastic comb bindings come in several colours and are extremely cost effective. The standard length of a comb bind is 21 loops for binding of A4 in length.
Spiral Binding
Spiral Binding offers flexible coil that withstands tough handling. If compressed, the coil bounces back to regain its shape. Coils are available in 3 colours - Black, White and Clear. Books lie flat and open cover to cover 360°. The coil is inserted through the holes manually or electrically with a coil inserter. Coil crimpers allow you to cut and crimp the ends of the coil holding the pages and covers in place. Coil binding is excellent for odd size reports
Tape Binding
Tape Binding Systems bind by wrapping a heat-activated binding strip around the pages of the document and securing the pages together. The tape-bound documents are produced quickly and easily. No hole punching is necessary. The Tape Binding Strips allow you to bind from 5 pages up to 325 sheets of 80 gsm uncoated paper.
Thermal Binding
There are no holes to punch. This heat-activated system uses a unique one-piece cover with a strip of hot-melt glue placed in the spine area. Your pages are inserted into the cover and placed into the thermal binding machine. The binding process is automatically controlled and allows you to bind single or multiple books. Pages may be added or removed by reheating the cover in the thermal binding machine.
Wire Binding
Wire binding allows you to create hi-tech looking reports. The pages in wire bound books open 360 degrees and lie flat. The wire loops encircle the pages. Wire bound reports, once bound, cannot be edited easily and the binding wire cannot be reused.
The 3 to 1 (3:1) pitch is used for books up to about 12mm thick and 2 to 1 (2:1) wire can be used for books up to about 30mm. 2:1 wire is recognizable as the holes are larger than those produced for 3:1 binding and are spaced further apart. There are 23 holes on an A4 size sheet when it has been punched 2:1, 3:1 has 34 holes on an A4 sheet. As a rule of thumb add 3mm to the thickness of your book (uncompressed) to choose the correct wire.