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| BOOKBINDING 101 |
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Please note that the steps shown below generally describe the binding process but will not apply to each book that we bind/rebind. Books are reviewed on an individual basis, and the process that is most appropriate to ensure a durable, attractive binding will be done. When you bring in your book, you will be asked to choose
the cover material and color, as well as the stamping color. When you book is processed for binding, it will be assigned a unique alpha-numeric code that distinguishes it
from the other books in the bindery. This code, along with your name and binding
instructions, is recorded in duplicate on a binding slip. One copy stays
with your book; the other is maintained in the office.
The condition of the book's cover and original sewing are examined. If
the original sewing is strong and the cover is in good shape, the book
will be recased. (The steps shown below are most typical of a binding order where several issues of a magazine were being bound together.)
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If recasing
is not an option, the original cover is removed, and the spine is put
through the milling machine to remove any glue and expose clean paper
fibers. |
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The newly-exposed edge that resulted from milling is then notched. The
depth of the notch is adjusted depending on the weight and size of the
text block, as well as the binding margin (space between the spine and
left margin). Endsheets are placed at the front and back of your book.
The alpha-numeric code from the binding slip is noted on the top end paper. |
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The Double Fan Adhesive method is used to adhere the pages together. Flannel
is applied to the spine to hold the pages together, and the book is left
to dry overnight. |
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If the ends of the pages
of your book are uneven, dirty, or worn, the edges will be trimmed to
give your book a clean, even finish. |
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Next, the spine and cover boards for your book are individually cut to
size. The boards are marked with the book's unique alpha-numeric code
to ensure they will be matched later to the text block, whose end sheets
have the same alpha-numeric code. |
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Standard stamping is done on a computerized machine. Files of the imprint information are created, the correct size cloth is chosen, and the cover is imprinted. Any hand
imprinting or special imprinting (i.e. panel lines, decorative imprints)
are done after the cover has been assembled. |
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Next, the cover is assembled.
The cloth is passed through a hot glue machine, and the cover boards,
spine board, and cord reinforcement for the spine (if needed) are applied.
A special machine is used to fold under the excess fabric and create
square corners. |
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At this time, any special
stamping is done. A manual stamping machine where the type must be individually
handset is used. While it is more labor intensive than the automated imprinter,
it provides a greater variety of layout options. Die casts are made and
used upon request. |
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Now, your book
is cased in, meaning the glued text block is adhered to the cover (case) that was created for it. Cased in books are given about 10 minutes for the glue to cure, at which point the book is ready to be pressed. |
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The hydraulic press uses pressure to force any air bubbles out of the space between the cover and the endsheet, making for a firm adhesion. The press also has a component that creates the shoulder on the cover (the attractive groove between where the spine and boards meet up). The press can be regulated in regard to force used and length of time that the book is pressed. These adjustments are made depending on the thickness of the book as well as the quality of paper used. |
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Finally, your book is inspected for strength of the text block, correct construction of the case, and correct imprinting of the titling information.
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