Notch Binding – Key Planning Tips
Notch Binding has long been a preferred choice of printers when perfect binding coated stocks, cross grain stocks and multiple paper types within a book. Notch binding has also provided an advantage of saving paper, since a spine grind margin is not required. When considering or planning for a notch bind project, there are several things to keep in mind, so binding problems are not inadvertently created.
It is imperative that a notch perforation wheel is used to perforate the spine when folding signatures for a notch bind project. A notching perforation wheel is designed to remove more paper when perforating, leaving a larger, cleaner channel for adhesive to flow into when the book is being bound. Trying to use a perforation wheel other than one designed specifically for a notch bind, will result in weak or non-existent adhesion strength in the final book.
Folding accuracy is crucial. A spine fold that is slightly off center will narrow or close the notch channel in the folded signature. This will create an impediment to the adhesive flowing up through the notch channel and reaching the innermost leaves of the signature. The result will be inadequate binding strength of the inner leaves of the signature. The folder operator should be able to look directly into the notches of a finished signature and see an open and clear channel for adhesive flow into the center of the signature.
The higher the signature page count; the more important the accuracy and cleanliness of the notch becomes. Sharp perforation wheels and notching blocks must be used to insure that the final binding strength is adequate.
During the binding process, the Binder Operator should perform page pull tests on the innermost leaves of each signature. Structurally, this will be the weakest point of adhesion. Ensuring a strong page pull result on the inner most leaves will help guarantee a successful binding project.
The advent and success of PUR adhesives provides customers with other binding alternatives. Allied Bindery’s Operations and Estimating Professionals will be pleased to explain the alternatives and recommend a binding solution that is best suited to your project.