Perhaps you have ideas about publications you would like to bring to life. Like most would-be publishers, you probably believe that fancy equipment and oversized production facilities are a must. You could not be further from the truth. Self-publishing is possible. Even better, self-publishing is simple and affordable. All you need is a tabletop and the right equipment. The specific type of equipment you will need will depend on the type of document you would like to publish. For many self-publishers, FastBack binding provides superior results for hardback and paperback books. In just a few minutes, you can teach yourself to use this machine to make beautifully bound documents in a variety of colors. This style works on documents ranging from three to 350 pages. When bound, FastBack documents lie flat for easy use and reference. You can even purchase components to emboss foil designs and text onto the covers. This is a premium solution with a premium price tag. Another option that also provides that perfect bound look is thermal binding. This style binds your publication using a one piece cover that is adhered to the book using a strip of heat-activated glue. These machines are a very affordable option ranging in price from $100-$150 for machines that can bind one book at a time. Not bad at all for perfect binding. With a price like that, you can pay for the machine with just a few sales of your self-published books. Depending on your needs, color coil binding may be what you are looking for. You have seen this binding type on church cookbooks, workbooks, and school directories. Equipment associated with this type of binding is available in a huge range of prices and capabilities. One of the advantages of this type of binding is that the publications created can be turned 360 degrees. A nice feature of color coil binding is the degree of customization. You can choose custom covers and colored spines. You can even get the coils printed. Plastic comb binding is similar to color coil binding in appearance, but it looks more like a comb (hence the name). This makes for easy photocopying and reading. This method also allows your publication to lie flat when opened. You can bind publications ranging from half an inch to two inches. Like spiral coil binding, plastic comb binding is very economical and easy. With so many affordable self-publication options now available, you can get started on your project now. Some documents people frequently choose to self-publish include: Collections of essays and poems Family histories Biographies Novels Scrapbooks Portfolios Cookbooks Graphic novel and comic books Chapbooks User guides Think about the powerful impression your book can make by virtue of its professional binding. The greater the visual impact your publication has, the higher the price tag you can set for it. Consider starting your own press today using one of the binding methods outlined in this article.

A great way for your company to enhance its image is to enhance its written communications. By binding your business proposals, training materials, and marketing plans, you communicate a strong sense of professionalism and organization to your prospective clients and employees. If you are looking for a way to showcase your documents and improve your image you are going to need to find a way to bind your documents. This article will outline ten popular ways to showcase your presentations. Plastic Combs: GBC binding or Combbind is one of the most types of binding, and, not surprisingly, it is also one of the least expensive. Comb spines use 19 rings to bind a typical 11" document. This binding is popular for cookbooks, reference guides, engineering documents and training materials. Twin Loop Wire: Wire binding is also known as double-o wire, double loop wire or wire-o binding. The spines for this style start out as a "C" shape which is closed with a special tool called a wire-closer. Wire bindings use either 21 or 32 holes for a typical 11" document. Spiral Coil: This type of document finishing is also called ez-coil binding, colorcoil binding, or coilbind. The plastic spirals are spun through the holes on the edge of the paper; the ends of the spines are bent over to keep the coil in place. Velobind: Velobinding is a strip-based system using a pair of plastic strips, one on the front and one on the back of the document. A hot knife system rivets the strips together in order to bind the document. This type of system is frequently chosen by those requiring a higher level of document security, such as law offices and governmental agencies. Therm-A-Bind: Originally developed by GBC, thermal binding involves using a a preformed cover with a hot melt glue in the spine to bind your documents. Thermal systems are simple to operate. You place the document in the cover, and then place it in the machine. The machine heats up the spine to melt the glue and adhere the pages. Unibind: This type of system uses glue and heat like thermal systems do; however, the spines are constructed of steel. Obviously, this provides a very durable bind. Pre-made covers are available, as are the separate steel spines. Unibind makes it easy to bind documents and is very popular for photo albums and scrapbooks. It is also a popular choice for real estate agents and developers who are looking for a high end look for their documents and proposals. Proclick: GBC Pro-Click uses the same hole pattern as double loop wire, but provides a different look and feel and allows for easy editing. This style relies on snap shut spines that you open using a zipper tool that is provided with the binding system. This style is an excellent choice for high-use documents and for sales materials requiring frequent updates. Zipbind: Similar to Proclick, documents finished with this type of spine are easy to edit. This system works with 19 hole comb bind punched documents (Proclick spines use 32 hole wire bind punched paper). You open and close zip-bind documents using a specialized tool that is included with each pack of supplies. This product provides an ideal complement to a plastic comb system. Clear View Ring Binders: Clear view ring binders are a big favorite for correspondence records and training manuals. Clear view binders include clear pockets on the front and spine into which users can insert their own customized cover and spine text and designs. While 3-ring binders lack the professional edge of other document finishing systems, they are quite practical for high-use documents requiring frequent updates. Staples: It may seem silly to mention, but staples are, by far, the most common way people bind documents. Staples are functional and work well for simple binding needs; however, staples are probably not the best choice when you're soliciting new clients and need to make a great impression.

Who should think about book binding options? Professionals who need to present messages and concepts in print. It can take considerable resources (time, money, effort) to write, edit, illustrate, review, revise, and approve print-based information. After all of that hard work, it seems ridiculous to assemble the final product in a haphazard manner. For the same reasons you would not wrap a diamond in an old newspaper; you should not encase your project proposal or user guide stapled and stuffed into an envelope. The wrapping is the first indication of the quality of the contents. Many businesses rely on the simplest and least effective form of binding-the staple. While stapling documents works on a basic level, stapling communicates a lack of attention to image and detail. Since virtually everyone uses staples on a daily basis, there is nothing special about the staple. It communicates a sense of the commonplace and mundane. Slightly more discriminating businesses use ring binders to organize information. Binders work well for documents requiring frequent revision and updates. Like the staple, ring binders are ordinary and boring. However, for more static documents, other types of binding pack a lot more bang for the buck. Bound documents are more professional looking and remain organized. They help to enhance the image of your organization and amplify your message. Highly polished and professional business documents can easily translate into improved perception and enhanced profitability. They help you to establish a professional image while keeping your information in order. Binding your documents helps you to ensure that your message is not lost before potential clients or employees can evaluate them. Plus, binding is often less expensive and more efficient than punching holes and inserting documents into binders or file folders. Document binding has almost limitless applications. Think of all the print information we handle at work, home, and school. Binding is perfect for all sorts of documents in a variety of industries. Some applications include the following: Sales and Marketing Presentations Grant proposals Bids and quotes Catalogs Marketing plans Training and Education Workbooks New employee kits Policy and procedure documentation User guides Reference materials General Business Administration Financial reports Inventories Directories and contact lists Safety guidelines Employee handbooks Benefits guides The physical appearance of a document should be an extension of its content and the hard work and attention to detail that went into it. Whether you choose plastic combs, spiral coil, double loop wire, Velobind, Proclick, Zipbind or Unibind for your documents, the quality of the finished proposal serves as a visual indicator of the quality of the text contained within. Bound documents appear to be of a higher caliber and deserving of attention. In addition, binding allows companies to customize materials for each client or employee. Personalized materials can be produced for one person or one thousand people without sacrificing the polished look binding provides. Because there are so many binding options, it is easy to find the perfect solution for your needs.

Choosing an attractive binding cover is the one of the most important steps in creating impressive bound presentations. Such presentations can be made for projects done by large corporations, small businesses, home offices, government agencies, schools, churches, and many other establishments. Before you get to the point of deciding on the right binding cover for your presentation, you must first consider several other factors in the binding process. Let's start at the beginning. First, you must choose what information you want to present and how you want to say it. Typeface, graphics and other visuals should all be considered when putting together any kind of presentation. Once you know what is going into the booklet, you must decide what type of paper you want to use. It can be flimsy or rigid, purple or green. Choose carefully because looks mean everything in these circumstances. You may also want to laminate the pages. This creates a more durable, impressive looking booklet. Colors are brighter and pages are going to stay fresh-looking and clean for a much longer time than paper alone. Once you have your pages printed, organized and stacked, it is time to choose what type of binding style you want to use to finish your reports. There are several options when it comes to binding your reports and presentations: * Plastic Comb Binding: Comb bindings utilize 19 plastic rings that insert into corresponding rectangular holes on the edge of your bound document. * Spiral Coil Binding: Coil bindings consist of a continuous coil that spirals through the holes in the paper. This type of binding is plastic or and is available in more than sixty different colors. * Twin Loop Wire Binding: Also called double loop wire or wire-o, twin loop wire is made from a single piece of wire formed into a double loop. These wires are shipped in a C shape and are closed into a round shape using a twin loop wire closer. * Velobind: Sometimes called strip binding, Velobind uses a thin plastic binding strip that is applied to the edge of the document. Velobind can be applied using a hot knife Velobind system that rivets the strips in place or using recloseable Velobind strips that snap into place. Documents bound with plastic comb binding, twin loop wire and spiral coil binding can all open flat. Wire bound and coil bound books can also be folded back, so the front page meets the back page. This is great for convenience and durability. After you have selected the right binding style for your document it is finally time to choose your binding cover. The first step in choosing a binding style is to select the color of cover that you are looking for. Binding covers are available in almost every color that you can imagine including black, blue, green, red, light gray, dark gray, ivory, white, purple, brown and more. It is important to choose the right color of cover that corresponds with the color scheme of your company or the color of your binding element. After you have selected the right color of binding cover it is then important to select the right material for your covers. Binding covers are available in different types of paper, clear plastic, embossed poly, vinyl and more. Certain covers are better for certain applications. For instance, plastic covers are moisture resistant and do not tear. However, paper covers provide a more traditional look and feel. It is important to consider these factors when choosing a binding cover. Finally, it is important to choose the right size of binding cover for your application. The most common sizes of binding covers are 8.5" x 11" and 8.75" x 11.25" with round corners. However, binding covers are also available in a number of other sizes including 9" x 11" for reports with index tabs, 8.5" x 14" for legal sized documents and 11" x 17" for large format documents. From the cover to the binding supplies, you should be able to obtain everything you need from one place. This helps to ensure compatibility between products, as well as making it more convenient to purchase. If you choose, you can even get your hands on the actual machines that bind and laminate materials. This allows you to do it all completely on your own time and budget. The binding cover is truly the icing on the cake when it comes to booklets. It is both the first and last thing a person will see when using a booklet. When creating such materials, keep in mind the importance of first impressions. A professional and polished booklet can take you a long way, regardless of the setting. Put a little extra time into creating an impressive presentation and you'll surely wow your audiences.

Whether it's for presentation or preservation, it makes no difference. Laminated documents are always more impressive and more durable than any old piece of paper. Colors are brighter and the pages are cleaner. The laminators that make this possible utilize several different modes to get the job done. Here are your options when it comes to laminators: * Roll Laminator: Roll laminators are used for bigger materials or high volumes of smaller materials. They are most often used for posters and signs. This type of laminator is usually owned by a larger company. These are also commonly used by schools and print shops. * Pouch Laminator: Pouch laminators use laminating pouches to get the job done. These laminators are usually owned by smaller establishments, such as home offices or small businesses. Pouch laminators are also commonly used by print for pay organizations and for making name badges and ID's. Now that you know the two main types of laminators, you have to decide whether hot or cold lamination is what you are looking for. Hot laminators heat up to somewhere between 180-300 degrees Fahrenheit. They work by melting the adhesive to the paper. Hot lamination makes for longer-lasting and more durable documents. Cold lamination is sometimes used when the documents are heat sensitive, this can include faxed documents or materials printed on special kinds of paper. Cold laminators function by applying a specific amount of pressure to stick the adhesive to the paper. These machines are considered safer than hot laminators because they don't use heat and often don't even require electricity. However, options for cold lamination are often more limited than options for hot lamination. What Next? Once you have your documents laminated, its time to take the next step in creating an impressive presentation. For manuals, reports and other related documents, it's wise to have the materials bound together. Special binding machines can be purchased to finish off the job. Both the binding machines and laminators can be purchased from office product manufacturers. Binding machines offer several options for putting together the necessary materials. Comb bindings use plastic teeth that insert into each tiny hole in the paper. Coil bindings use one long coil that spirals through the holes. Lastly, wire bindings, form a double loop through the holes. Coil bindings are by far the most durable. All of these binding options allow the documents to lay flat and coil binding and wire binding can be folded from the front to the back. This makes documents easy to use, for everything from a church phone directory to a new business proposal. Whether you choose hot or cold lamination, wire or coil binding, you will also need various lamination and binding supplies. These materials can usually be purchased from the same companies that sell the machines. Cost depends on which supplies you are purchasing and how much you need. Keep in mind that the size of your business, school, or church makes no difference; everyone can make use of a binding machine and laminator. Office product companies offer the machines in different sizes to accommodate establishments both big and small. This is fortunate for all of us because impressive looking presentation materials are important no matter how you are using them. Laminated and bound documents are far less likely to be thrown away. Better color, impressive delivery and durability are among the qualities that give such well-presented documents some major staying power. Laminated and bound materials grab attention and don't let go. That is what every establishment is looking for when they put together a visual presentation.

When speaking to customers who are interested in a hot knife binding system I am often asked to explain the difference between GBC Velobind and GBC SureBind binding machine systems. The binding machine systems look nearly identical and are priced similarly. Both binding systems are made by General Binding Corporation (GBC for Short). However, both binding systems were not always made by GBC. A number of years ago, VeloBind and GBC were competitors in the binding machine industry. GBC was the leader in the binding industry and was responsible for binding supplies and products such as twin loop wire binding and plastic comb binding. However, GBC found that they were beginning to lose some of their loyal customers to a new binding system called Velobind. This new system used a hot knife technology to securely rivet documents together with a permanent small binding strip. Surebind was GBC's response to the Velobind product. Velobind and Surebind work in the same way but used a different hole pattern than the VeloBind product. Both binding systems use an 11 pin binding strip. However, GBC designed the SureBind binding machine system to be compatible with the 19 Hole GBC CombBind hole pattern. The binding machines look the same, however the holes are in different positions and the strips look a little bit different. The Velobind strips have 11 equally spaced pins of equal length while the Surebind strips have one longer prong and the pins aren't equally spaced. Several years later, GBC acquired the Velobind brand and now they make both the Velobind and SureBind binding machine Systems. However, there are several considerations when choosing between the two binding machine systems: Since there are considerably more Velobind binding machine Systems on the market, the SureBind system is actually more secure as a binding system. In order to edit a document bound with either VeloBind or SureBind, an individual would need to debind the document (cut off the binding strip) and then use the VeloBind or SureBind binding machine to rebind the document. Velobind strips are available in more colors and sizes than SureBind strips. If you are interested in colored binding strips or binding large documents it is best to first check to see if the strips you are going to want are going to be available. For individuals who are looking to save time and subject their punch to less wear pre-punched paper and covers are available for the Velobind binding machine systems. Unfortunately, pre-punched items are not widely available at this time for the SureBind binding machine system.

When shopping for a Velobind or SureBind binding machine, customers often call wanting to know the difference between the four machines that are made for each binding style. Really, the differences are fairly simple and understanding them is essential in choosing the correct system for your needs. Here is a brief overview of the difference between the different machines: 1. The Velobind / SureBind system One (the Velobind System One binding machine is also referred to as the GBC v800pro) is the lowest priced hot knife Velobind system on the market. This binding machine has a manual punch that can punch a maximum of 20 sheets per lift. The Velobind and SureBind system One binding machine can bind documents up to 1" thick (approximately 250 sheets). 2. The Velobind / SureBind system Two binding machine offer an electric punch that can punch a maximum of 22 sheets per lift. It offers a slightly shorter cycle (approximately 10-12 seconds to bind) and it can bind documents up to 2" thick (approximately 500 sheets). 3. The Velobind / SureBind system Three binding machine offers a foot pedal operated heavy duty electric punch that can punch a maximum of 25 sheets per lift. It offers a faster cycle on smaller documents (approximately 8 seconds for documents up to 1 inch) and a slightly longer cycle for larger documents (approximately 18 seconds for documents over 1 inch). The Velobind / SureBind System Three binding machine includes a built in debinding feature and is the only binding system on the market that can bind documents up to 3" thick. 4. The Velobind System Four Bind is a standalone electric binding head that operates in much the same way as the Velobind System three. It includes a built in electric debind feature and can bind documents up to 3 inches thick. The System Four binding machine binds documents up to 1" thick in approximately eight seconds and binds documents over 2" thick in between ten and twelve seconds. Many users who elect to buy the Velobind System Four binding machine use their Magnapunch or other modular punch for increased productivity. This allows one individual to punch documents while another binds. All of the Velobind / Surebind binding machine systems above have the ability to bind documents that are 8.5", 11" and 14" long using the appropriate binding strips. These systems are all hot knife binding machine systems utilizing 11 pin strips that are riveted into place using heat for a permanent, secure and tamper resistant bind. These binding machine systems are not compatible with the smaller desktop Velobind units on the market.

If you have ever tried to use a clear cover with a Unibind SteelBack binding spine you probably discovered the hard way that they don't work well together. Unfortunately the heat from the Unibind machine will warp or sometimes even melt the clear cover. Obviously this doesn't leave you with the beautiful finished presentation that you want. This article is designed to help you understand what types of covers you can and cannot use with your Unibind SteelBack spines. 1. Clear Binding Covers: Most 5mil, 7mil or 10mil standard clear covers are not compatible with your Unibind binding machine. The heat from the binding machine will ruin the cover and your document. However, special heat resistant clear binding covers are available for use with Unibind and Fastback binding systems. These heat resistant clear binding covers are made from a different material that can withstand higher temperatures. 2. Vinyl Binding Covers: True vinyl binding covers such as imperial vinyl covers are NOT compatible with your Unibind system. The heat from the system will melt these covers. This is only true for covers made from actual "vinyl". Some individuals call poly covers which are actually plastic vinyl covers. As you can see below poly covers are compatible with Unibind spines. 3. Poly Binding Covers: Nearly all poly binding covers should be fully compatible with your Unibind system. However, if you have a particular style of poly cover that you are thinking about using it is always a good idea to try a sample in your Unibind machine to make sure that it won't melt or warp. Generally speaking, the heavier the cover the better chance that it will work properly in the machine. 4. Regency Leatherette Covers: All regency composition leatherette binding covers are fully compatible with the heat from your Unibind system. These covers are available in approximately ten different colors and give your documents an elegant look and feel with a leatherette finish. 5. Paper Covers: Generally speaking paper covers are fully compatible with the Unibind System. Many users like to use linen weave binding covers along with steelback spines or you might try using a metallics cover to co-ordinate with your aluminum SteelBack spine. This covers most of the different categories of covers that are available on the market. However, if you have a question about a particular type of binding cover it never hurts to try a sample in your machine to see how it reacts.

One of the greatest challenges in choosing a wire binding machine is the fact that you are required to choose either 3:1 pitch (3 holes per inch) or 2:1 pitch (2 holes per inch). If you select a 3:1 twin loop binding machine you are limited to binding books that are 9/16" or smaller. In the past, if you selected a 2:1 wire-o binding machine you would be limited to books that were 5/8" thick up to 1-1/4" thick. However, with the introduction of new smaller sized 2:1 pitch wire, a 2:1 wire binding machine can now be used to bind books as small as 1/4". This new small sized 2:1 pitch wire works the exact same way as the larger 2:1 pitch wires that you use with your machine. Simply punch your documents, insert the documents and binding covers onto the C shaped wire and use your twin loop wire closer to close the wire into a circle. The 2:1 pitch small sized wire is fully compatible with most of the 2:1 pitch twin loop binding machines that are available on the market. However, if you already have a 2:1 pitch wire-o binding machine you will need to check and see if the wire closer is adjustable for smaller sizes. Some 2:1 wire binding machines on the market do not allow you to adjust the wire closer for sizes smaller than 5/8". With this new option it is no longer necessary to have two wire binding machines if you want to bind both large and small sized books. However, even though it is possible to use a single machine for this purpose, many individuals still opt for a combo machine which allows them to bind documents with both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch wire. These customers often like the look of the smaller holes and more tightly looped wire that you get with the 3:1 pitch binding spines. Plus, the cost of 3:1 pitch small sized wire is less than 2:1 pitch small sized wire which allows users with a 3:1 pitch wire binding machine to save money on supplies over time. The option of using small sized 2:1 pitch wire for binding your documents is ideal for the office that binds more large books than small books. However, if you are looking to purchase a new wire binding machine and you bind primarily small sized books and only occasionally need to bind larger reports, I would suggest purchasing a wire binding machine that is capable of binding both 2:1 and 3:1 pitch wires as it will save you money on supplies over time and will provide you with more options in binding your documents, reports and presentations.

Choosing the right binding cover for your needs can be both confusing and difficult. Different terminology concerning the thicknesses of the covers make comparing different cover stocks incredibly difficult. This article is designed to give you a quick overview of the different measuring standards used for cover stocks and paper stocks that are commonly used in binding. * Most of the clear binding covers and poly binding covers available on the market are measured in Mil's (also sometimes referred to as gauge). At first glance, it might appear that this is a measurement in millimeters. However, one mil actually equals 0.001 inch. Thus a 10mil clear cover has a caliper measurement of 0.010 inches and a 19mil poly cover has a caliper measurement of 0.019 inches. * Regency composition / leatherette covers are measured in points rather than mils. For instance, most of the regency composition / leatherette covers are rated as 17pt covers. Each point is equal to 0.001 inches (the same as mil's or gauge). Thus 17pt covers have a caliper measurement of approximately 0.017 inches. * Most paper binding covers are measured in weights. For instance, GBC's linen weave paper covers are made from 80lb cover stock. This measurement is the actual weight of 500 master sheets (25" x 38" in size for cover stocks). Depending on the type of paper you are using the weight is based on different master sheet sizes making it very difficult to compare weights of bond paper with offset paper or index stock with cover stock. However, to give you an idea, 80lb cover stock is approximately equivalent to 9.5 Mils, 90lb cover stock is approximately equivalent to 10 Mils and 100lb cover stock is approximately equivalent to 11 Mils. We know that this can all be a little bit confusing but to help you compare apples to apples, there are quick reference conversion charts available on the internet that show several of the different types of paper and their approximate equivalents.

If you are looking to give your company's image a boost one of the best ways is by improving your documents, reports, presentations and proposals. Here is a quick list of the top ten binding styles that companies use to prepare their documents. Check them out... 1. Comb Binding: This is the most popular style around and is also one of the least expensive. This style uses 19 rings for a standard 11" letter sized document. You might have seen this style used on a cookbook or other presentations. Smaller combs are round while large documents use oval shaped spines. 2. Twin Loop Wire: This style is also called wirebind, double loop wire or wire-o binding. The wire for this style comes in a "C" shape and you use a special wire closer to squeeze the spine until it is round. This style uses either 21 holes or 32 holes for a standard 11" document. 3. Spiral Coil: This one is also known as plastic coil, color coil or coilbind. The plastic pre-formed spirals spin through the holes on the edge of the document and the ends of the coil are bent over using a special pair of pliers to keep the spine from spinning off the book. 4. Velobind: This is a strip binding system that uses two plastic strips. One along the front and one along the back of the document. The strips are riveted into place using a hot knife system that permanently welds the document together. This is a popular option for lawyers, government offices and other organizations where document security is a high priority. 5. Thermal Binding: This style uses a pre-formed cover with glue down the spine. With therm-a-bind all you need to do is drop your pages into the cover, put the cover into the machine and let the document cool after it has been heated. The machine will heat the spine of the presentation, melt the glue and secure the pages into the cover. 6. Unibind: Similar to therm-a-bind, Unibind also uses glue and heat. However, with Unibind the spines for the books are made from steel. This provides a longer lasting stronger finish for the documents. You can buy premade unibind covers, hard covers and even just the steel spines by themselves. Documents are very easy to bind with this style and it is a great option for creating photobooks. 7. Proclick: Designed for use with the hole pattern used by 3:1 wire, documents bound with Proclick are designed to be easily edited. Proclick spines snap shut and can be opened using a special zipper tool that comes with the supplies. This is a popular binding style for frequently accessed documents and for sales presentations that need to be updated in the field. 8. Zipbind: Like Proclick, Zipbind spines are designed to be easily editable. However, Zipbind spines are designed for use with 19 hole combbind punched documents (Pro Click spines are used with 32 hole wirebind punched paper). Documents bound with Zip Bind can be opened and closed using a special zipper tool. Zipbind is a perfect companion product to a Comb binding system. 9. Clear View Ring Binders: For many companies, clearview ring binders are still the option of choice for binding training manuals and internal correspondence. These binders usually have a clear vinyl overlay on the front, back and spine allowing users to customize the binder. These do not look as professional as some of the other binding options but are easy to use and are practical for documents that need to be frequently handled. 10. Staples: As much as I hate to admit it. More documents are bound with staples and paperclips than with any of the above styles. However, I guarantee you that your documents will look better if you put the stapler away and professionally bind your reports, presentations and proposals. Especially if you are looking to take your company's image to the next level.

Are you having problems with pages falling out of your Unibind Photo books? Some glossy paper stocks are difficult to bind with the Unibind system. In fact all thermal glue binding systems have difficulty with these paper stocks. Many times, these heavier sheets will have a tendency to work themselves out of the bind over time. This is obviously a problem, especially for photobooks that get used a lot. However, there are a few things that you might consider in order to work around this problem. 1. One of the easiest ways to prevent pages from falling out of your Unibind book is to staple the edge of the documents. When I first suggest this option to customers they are usually hesitant to try it. However, if you do it right, the end users of your books will never know the difference. The key to stapling your document is to use a heavy duty stapler and to set the staples as close to the edge of the document as possible. Remember, the staples are not going to need to hold the book together. Instead, they are being used to keep any single page from working its way out of the bind. By stapling the book block as close to the edge as possible you will ensure that the staples will be hidden inside the steel binding spine (you will never see them) and you will never have to deal with pages falling out. 2. If you aren't comfortable stapling the pages of your book or if your books are too large to staple you might consider an alternative method for ensuring a superior bind. When using glossy stocks it can sometimes be helpful to use sand paper to rough up the edge of book. This will take the slick coating off the edge of the book so that the glue can better adhere to the book block. This is a technique used by many traditional perfect binding machines to ensure a strong bind. This doesn't work quite as well as stapling the book blocks but is still effective for binding glossy stocks. If you wanted to take this method one step further you could cut small slits in the edge of the spine of your book. Again this is a technique usually used in perfect binding to ensure superior adhesion. 3. In addition to one of the two possible solutions above there are other things that can help to ensure that pages don't fall out of your Unibind photobooks. One thing to try is running your books through two binding cycles with your Unibind binding machine instead of just one. This will help ensure that all the adhesive in the Unibind spine is fully activated. Depending on the batch of adhesive used in your Unibind spines (there is no way to tell) the melting temperature can vary slightly. A second binding cycle can sometimes help to solve problems caused by not enough heat in the binding process. 4. Whenever binding documents, reports, presentations or photo books with your Unibind machine it is helpful to remember to tap the spine on a hard surface while the spine is still hot. This will help the pages of the document to fully settle into the adhesive and will result in a stronger bond. 5. Finally, pages can sometimes fall out of books bound with Unibind if they are not completely flush when they are inserted into the cover. If the front or back page is sticking up even an eighth of an inch it is possible that it will not come into contact with the Unibinding glue. For this reason it is important to jog your pages together and make sure that the book block is completely square before starting the binding process. These are five tips to help solve problems with pages falling out of your Unibind photobooks. Using one, two, three or more of these ideas can help ensure that you have a superior bind that will withstand years of use and abuse.