8 Most Commonly Used Types of Binding

Binding is the act of physically assembling sheets of paper within a cover. Today, there are several different types of binding. Several factors affect the types of binding that you should choose. These include cost, page count, and what the book will be used for. There are also custom binders available, just in case you need to personalize the binding for your use.

Some types of binding will definitely burn a hole in your pocket, but you can get decent ones at an affordable price. Below are the eight most commonly used types of binding:

Type #1: Perfect Binding

These types of binding can also be referred to as softcover binding. The material used is made from a thick cardstock, which is then coated or laminated to protect the book. It’s an excellent option for books that require shipping and is excellent for book presentations.

The binding process begins with folding pages of paper, then trimming their spine off to make gluing them together easy. Next, they are glued to the wrap-around cover of the binding. This method is economical, but you have to consider the fact that it’s permanent. A perfectly bound book cannot lay down flat and is not considered as sturdy as one bound using other binding methods.

Type #2: Hardcover Binding

This binding option is the most durable due to the materials used. In most cases, the cover material is made of heavy paperboard, which is covered with cloth or buckram, heavy paper, leather, or binder’s board.

First, the pages are sewn together in several sections. They are then glued or sewn to the cover’s spine. These types of binding are also referred to as case binding. Though it’s the most expensive binding method, it’s the most durable option. Some books that commonly use hardcover binding are law books, text books, medical books, and art books, children’s books, and coffee table books.

Type #3: Spiral Binding

Spiral binding also goes by the name coil binding. In this method, a plastic coil is used to bind the papers together. These types of binding are readily available and reasonably priced.

Holes are punched on the edge of the paper. The coil is then threaded through them. The ends of the coil are crimped to ensure it doesn’t unthread. Spiral binds are handy when you need to brand your books. They are available in different colours. This binding method allows an open book to lie flat, a flexibility that’s convenient for publications such as cookbooks, colouring books, and workbooks, as well as business presentations.

Type #4: Saddle Stitch Binding

This is the most economical binding method since all you need to bind pages together is staples. Loose papers are folded and stapled down the middle. With saddle stitch binding, you can’t bind many pages together since it’s difficult to hold a thick bunch of pages using staples.

As a result, this method is considered limiting. It works best for brochures, magazines, pamphlets, and catalogues.

Type #5: Three-Hole Punch

For these types of binding, papers aren’t bound together permanently. You can remove a specific page for printing, then return it. This technique involves punching three holes on the edge of the pages, which are then inserted into a three-ring binder that keeps the pages stable and organized. This is a natural, cheap, and fun binding technique that can hold a large number of pages.

The binders may be imprinted, labelled, or stamped to personalize them. Books that use these binders spread relatively flat when opened. It’s used for books that are constantly revised and updated.

Type #6: Tape Binding

This binding method uses a heavy strip of tape that’s coated in thermoplastic glue. The pages are placed in order, then a front and a back page are added. Next, the tape is placed on the spines of the pages. Glue is then melted into them.

This tape creates a strong, lasting bond. The tape binding technique also goes by the name thermal binding. It’s a low-maintenance binding option compared to several other binding methods. It adds a professional touch to the book. Tape binding is mainly used on manuals, training material, guides, and handbooks.

Type #7: Velo Binding

This binding method involves punching several tiny holes along the edge of a paper. Through these holes, a strip of plastic that has rigid tines is inserted from the top. Another strip featuring corresponding holes is placed at the back of the pages where the tines protrude through.

Next, the book is set in a machine that holds it together tightly, while the extra length of the tine is cut. The tips are then melted to ensure the bind is sealed.

This is the best types of binding for books that you intend to make difficult to copy or remove pages from. It’s a permanent binding process that can only be unbound using a unique cutting tool, which is included in the binding machine. A Velo bound book can’t lay flat while it’s in use.

Type #8: Wire Binding

This method is similar to the spiral binding. However, after punching the holes on the edges of sheets of paper, a formed wire is used to bind them together. The binding wire comes in different colours and length options.

Unlike spiral binding, the number of pages bound together using this technique is limited. Wire bound books are mainly used in formal settings.