There are many ways to put together your proposals, reports, and presentations, all of which have their proper place and time.Thermal binding allows you to give your
documents the dignity of a perfect-bound book, just like you would find
on your shelf or the bookstore. For all that, you may be surprised to
learn that thermal binding is also one of the most simple ways to bind
your documents. Here are some important things to know about thermal
binding.
There are many ways to put together your
proposals, reports, and presentations, all of which have their proper
place and time. If you are looking for the very best, most permanent
and professional-looking product, however, you would be well-served to
take a close look at thermal binding. Thermal binding allows you to
give your documents the dignity of a perfect-bound book, just like you
would find on your shelf or the bookstore. For all that, you may be
surprised to learn that thermal binding is also one of the most simple
ways to bind your documents. Here are some important things to know
about thermal binding.
As stated above, thermal
binding is one of the simplest binding methods out there. You simply
place the pages inside your chosen cover, and the machine does the
rest, adhering the pages to the spine with heated glue. When it is
done, you simply allow the book to cool, and it is ready to go.
When
you decide that thermal binding is right for your document, you will
first have to decide on what type of cover you want. One common choice
is the linen weave paper back, also known as a utility cover. This is
the most cost-efficient of the available covers, and very useful in its
own right. If you are looking for something a little more high-profile,
however there are many other choices, such as special heavy paper
stocks that are emblazoned with your company logo.
Thermal
covers are sized exactly, and have pre-applied glue, so it is important
to match the cover size to the number of pages your document contains.
Seems like a no-brainer, but many a project has gotten hung up or
delayed on that detail.
When you really want to impress
potential clients or shareholders, you might want to consider using a
hard cover. For those occasions, it would serve you well to have a
machine on hand that features adjustable heat setting, and a hardcover
crimper. If you skimp on this, you may find yourself running your books
through the thermal machine several times each before they properly
adhere.
For the most professional look, and for proper
adhesion, another small detail that can get overlooked is to make sure
that all your pages are lined up properly. Even when the pages are
inserted, and the glue is still hot, it is a good idea to tap the the
spine of the book on a table or other flat surface to make sure that
all the pages are properly seated in the glue.
For one-offs,
mock-ups, or other extremely short-run productions, there is the
possibility of creating your own thermal binding covers. You simply
design and print your cover, and score it to the size of the cover of
the document. Place a glue strip below the cover and the thermal
binding machine will do the rest. The process can be a tad tricky,
however, so if you run into problems or have any questions, please
don't hesitate to ask.
Jeff McRitchie is the director of marketing for MyBinding.com and lives in Hillsboro, Oregon. He writes extensively on topics related to Thermal Binding Machines,
Binding Supplies, Thermal Binding Covers, Binders, Index Tabs,
Laminators, Laminating Pouches, Roll Film, Shredders, and Paper
Handling Equipment.