Tips for Better Perfect Binding

To help you pick the perfect binder for your in-plant, and get the best performance out of it, we consulted the folks who know this technology the best.

Before You Start

• Look at your current and future needs when deciding which binder to purchase. Ask yourself: Are my jobs mainly short runs with varying book thickness, or longer runs with fixed book block thickness? What is my current volume? What will my volume be in the future? —Harry Nguyen, Duplo USA

• Take a look at your annual volume before you buy. Would it be cheaper to outsource your perfect binding work or to keep it in-house? Rising transportation and delivery costs, together with the unwillingness of trade binders to take on smaller jobs, can be decisive factors here. —Steve Calov, Heidelberg

• When adding equipment, give careful consideration to material workflow, crewing, and layout. A poorly organized plant can add unnecessary handling costs. Ask your supplier to help you configure the equipment to match your unique crewing assignments. Avoid the temptation to cram the equipment in just to make it fit. A good layout can boost efficiencies. —Jim Kaeli, Muller Martini

• Consider the reputation of the manufacturer and the local dealer, since you’ll rely on them to keep your binder running efficiently for years to come. You want established suppliers that have a strong reputation for service support and parts availability. Technical reliability is also a key consideration. Speak with current customers or visit a shop that is using the equipment. Even better, speak with a long-standing customer who can attest to the value of their investment over time. —Mark Hunt, Standard Finishing Systems 

• For small in-plants that have ultra-short book runs, they’ll find smaller binders with more and more “big system” features, such as automated settings and in-line cover scoring. Important differences in book quality remain between desktop and floor-model production binders. A qualified supplier can help you determine what size binder is recommended based on your book volume.  —Mark Hunt, Standard Finishing Systems 

Tabletop vs. Floor Models

• Some questions users should ask themselves are: Do I have the volume to justify purchasing a heavy duty floor model or will a tabletop model be sufficient? Do the jobs require the superior book block milling and bond strength that comes with a floor model? —Harry Nguyen, Duplo USA 

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