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Advantage

The Nation's Leader in Quality Book Binding
& Post Press Services Since 1985

410-760-0008
2 Nashua Court, Baltimore, MD 21221

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Artistic Touches for Your Next Book Binding Project

One of the things that takes your book binding project to the next level are the artistic touches that a professional book binder can provide. From die cutting to foil stamping, there are a number of book binding techniques that can give your product the creative edge and appeal you’re looking for. Learn how a professional book binder can give your book binding project an artistic aesthetic in this week’s blog!

Aesthetic Book Binding Techniques

Die Cutting

Have you ever seen windows cut in the pages or dust jack of a book? This practice is known as die cutting, and its especially popular in books where the visual aesthetic is a high priority. This includes books of photography, art, and childrens books.

Foil Stamping

Looking to make your mark on a book? Foil stamping is what you need. Foil stamping is the process of embossing a stamp on a book cover or page with a foil stamp applied with heat. The stamp is slightly elevated from the surface to give it a professional look, and it’s shine is sure to catch a wandering eye.

Dust Jacket

Dust jackets are a standard cover for hardback books, but there are plenty of opportunities to be creative with one. Consider a reinforced French fold dust jacket that protects the edges of the book from fraying.

Custom Case

Don’t forget about protecting your book. To protect a special edition, consider a custom book case designed to your specifications.

Custom Handwork

For those small touches, custom handwork is a great way to finish off your project. Hand-packing and ribbon installation complete the package you worked so long to make.

die cutting

Advantage Book Binding can advise you as to what kind of binding style will work best for your specific project, taking into consideration budget requirements to provide you with the most cost-effective and project-specific solution for you. Please contact us today for more information, and keep up with us on Facebook, Google +, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

How Does Perfect Binding Work?

Perfect binding is a book binding technique commonly used for softcover books, magazines, and other small print publications. Popular for its durability and affordability, perfect binding continues to be widely used across a number of applications. In fact, of all the national magazines in the country, about 40% are bound using perfect binding. So how does perfect binding work? Read on in this week’s blog to learn about the process of perfect binding!

The Perfect Binding Process

Gathering

The printed signatures signatures are gathered together using a gathering machine that holds them together. Inserts and foldouts are also gathered in this process. The completed collection of signatures is called a book block, and is ready to be sent to the backbone cutter.

Backbone Cutting

The process of backbone cutting removes the signature folds at the spine of the book block. The backbone cutter cuts away these folds, which are held together by clamps. Once the folds have been cut away, the spine has to be roughened so the adhesive will apply better. There are several ways to do this. A commonly used one is notch binding, also known as notch perfect binding, which cuts grooves into the spine where the adhesive can penetrate and better hold it together.

Gluing

Once the backbone has been cut, it’s time to apply the adhesive. The book block is clamped together and run through the adhesive application machine, which uses applicator wheels to apply adhesive to the spine. There are several kinds of adhesives that can be used in this process. The most commonly used are hot-melt adhesives. These become a liquid when heated, which makes them easy to apply, and then return to a solid once they dry. PUR (polyurethane reactivate) adhesives are another popular adhesive for perfect binding. This adhesive dries faster than hot-melt adhesives and allows for a lay-flat end product.

Cover Application

After the adhesive has been applied to the spine, the cover is applied. It is folded around the book block and pressed onto the spine to allow the adhesive to apply to the cover.

Trimming

Now we’re nearing the end of the perfect binding process. In the trimming stage, excess materials are trimmed away from the book block to create its neat and final appearance.

Stacking

The final product is complete, and is sent to the counter-stacker which counts the units as they come off the line and stacks them up.

perfect binding

Advantage Book Binding can advise you as to what kind of binding style will work best for your specific project, taking into consideration budget requirements to provide you with the most cost-effective and project-specific solution for you. Please contact us today for more information, and keep up with us on Facebook, Google +, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Source

http://printwiki.org/Perfect_Binding

 

What Kind of Book Binding Do I Need for My Print Project?

Let’s say you have a print project that needs to be bound together. One binding is just as good as the next right? Not necessarily. There are numerous different binding techniques, and some suit certain projects better than others. A thick annual corporate report, for example, would benefit from a hard cover binding technique that could handle the large number of pages it contains. A condensed version of this report, for example, for a shareholder’s meeting, could easily fit in a lay-flat soft cover binding, or even a mechanical binding. Below are the three main binding techniques we offer and some of the projects they’re usually used for.

What Kind of Binding Do I Need for My Document?

Soft Cover Binding

A sort of jack-of-all trades, soft cover bindings can be used for any number of projects. From corporate documents to self-published fiction to technical manuals, there are few projects that a soft cover binding can’t handle. The flexibility of soft cover binding allows it to bind projects both large and small, and lay flat, notch perfect, and Smyth sewing techniques can be used to produce a document that is durable and built for heavy use. Examples of documents that can be bound using soft cover binding include:

  • Brochures
  • Manuals
  • Fiction and Non-Fiction
  • Corporate Documents
  • Graphic Novels

Hard Cover Binding

The strength and durability of hard cover binding make this an attractive technique for documents and projects that will be heavily used and need to last. In addition to its durability, hard cover binding offers a number of customization options that can lend a one-of-a-kind and professional aspect to your project. From custom embossing and foil stamping to marbling, gilding, and more, hard cover binding works great for projects that need to make a statement. Examples of projects that are well-suited for hard cover binding include:

  • Law Books
  • Medical Books
  • Art Books
  • Corporate Books
  • Yearbooks
  • Coffee Table Books

Mechanical Binding

You might know mechanical binding by the more commonly used term spiral binding. The tried-true-technique used in subject notebooks by generations of students, mechanical binding is a hardworking and utilitarian binding technique that is also cost-effective. Great for short runs that need to be done on a tight budget. In addition to traditional wire-O binding, where the spiral is visible from the outside of the binding, we offer fully concealed wire-bound hardback books that keep the spiral hidden on the inside. Mechanical binding works great for:

  • Manuals
  • Agendas
  • Cookbooks
  • Calendars
  • Notebooks

Here at Advantage Book Binding we can advise you as to what kind of binding style will work best for your specific project, taking into consideration budget requirements to provide you with the most cost-effective and project-specific solution for you. Please contact us today for more information, and keep up with us on Facebook, Google +, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

book binding project

 

Government Printing Office Services from Advantage Book Binding

If you’re in need of government printing office services, you want a printing company that you know can meet government printing requirements and standards. Advantage Book Binding is experienced in government printing jobs and has performed government printing office work for numerous government clients at level one standards. We offer the following book binding and printing services for government printing office needs.

Government Printing Office Services

Hard Cover Binding

Also known as case binding, hard cover binding is widely used, especially in government printing office services. Advantage Book Binding is a leader in these types of hard cover book binding:

  • Smyth sewn hard cover books
  • Adhesive bound hard cover books
  • Fully concealed wire-bound hardback books

We also offer finishing options including embossing, foil stamping, and other decorative features. Please read our blog on hard cover binding for more information.

Soft Cover Binding

For flexibility and cost effectiveness, it’s hard to beat soft cover binding. We have extensive experience in soft cover binding for government printing office services. Advantage offers:

  • Perfect binding
  • PUR binding
  • Lay flat binding
  • Notch perfect binding
  • Smyth sewn glue-on cover binding

For more information on soft cover binding, please visit our blog.

Mechanical Binding

You may be more familiar with mechanical binding as spiral or wire bound binding. This type of binding allows for the quick mass production of large quantities of printed materials in a cost efficient manner for government printing office services. Advantage Book Binding offers:

  • Wire-O binding
  • Plastic coil spiral binding
  • Fully concealed wire-bound hardback books
  • Plastic comb binding

Please visit our blog on mechanical binding for more information on this popular binding technique.

For more information on how our book binding and printed materials can fulfill government printing office service needs, please contact us today.

government printing office

Advantage Book Binding has been in the book binding business since 1985, when we were founded on the principle “we do a quality book on time.” Since then we’ve seen plenty of changes both in and out of the industry. While some have sounded the death knell for books and other physical media, we believe that the fact that we continue to be an industry leader into the 21st century is a testament not only to our longevity as a company but to that of our craft. We think it’s important to keep books and physical media on the shelves, which is why we dedicate ourselves to providing you with the highest quality book binding and post press services available.

Keep up with us on Facebook, Google +, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Book Tipping and Glue Folding Solutions

Specialty gluing solutions are one of the many services we offer here at Advantage Book Binding. From book tipping to glue folding for envelopes, brochures and more, we can meet all of your glue needs. Stick with Advantage!

Book Tipping

Need to add in extra pages after your book was printed? Book tipping is a binding technique that allows you to add additional pages to a book which has already been printed and bound. Naturally, this is a complicated procedure which requires precision and experience in order to maintain the integrity of the book. Advantage Book Binding is experienced in book tipping and gluing, and can make your new pages look like they were there all along. So don’t fret if you discover after your book has been bound that important text, pictures, or diagrams are missing. Book tipping is the fix for you.

Glue Folding

Our specialty gluing solutions include glue folding for everything from envelopes and mailers to brochures and pamphlets. Fugitive-gluing is a popular technique which allows for paper to be adhered to other papers or book covers. Fugitive-glue can be easily removed from both substances to which it is adhered and leaves no sticky residue, making it an ideal solution for a temporary adhesive that leaves no trace. For your mailers, we offer many glue folding solutions, such as bangtail envelopes and remoistable glue, which works great for promotional materials, advertising, informational mailers, and more. For all of your specialty glue needs, stick with Advantage!

specialty gluing solutions

Advantage Book Binding has been in the book binding business since 1985, when we were founded on the principle “we do a quality book on time.” Since then we’ve seen plenty of changes both in and out of the industry. While some have sounded the death knell for books and other physical media, we believe that the fact that we continue to be an industry leader into the 21st century is a testament not only to our longevity as a company but to that of our craft. We think it’s important to keep books and physical media on the shelves, which is why we dedicate ourselves to providing you with the highest quality book binding and post press services available.

Keep up with us on Facebook, Google +, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Individual Book Cases and Specialty Packaging

What’s a beautifully bound book without a case to go with it? And what’s a perfectly arranged mailer without the packaging that protects it en route? Individual book cases and specialty packaging are designed to complement printed materials by offering additional design options, protection, and discretion for everything from mailers to menus.

Individual Book Cases

In addition to all of our binding services, Advantage Book Binding also specializes in the manufacturing of individual book cases. These book cases are used to house just one book or other print product, and can be custom designed to fit the dimensions of your print product. Book cases serve several functions. First, they protect the book from damage by keeping it safely contained in a solid case. This is especially useful for books with sentimental value, or older books that may be more sensitive to handling. Custom cases are also useful as objects of display and adding a professional aesthetic to your print products.

Specialty Packaging

Before anyone sees the contents of your latest mailer or the entree list on your new menu, the first they’ll see is the packaging that surrounds it. It’s important to make a good first impression with the packaging for print products, which is why we offer a variety of specialty packaging for all kinds of print products. From paper, fabric, and even leather, our packaging options will take your print up a notch. From small batch mailers to large scale brochures, pamphlets, and more. Don’t let your printed words go without the right packaging. Contact us today for more information on our individual book cases and specialty packaging products for print.

individual book case

Advantage Book Binding has been in the book binding business since 1985, when we were founded on the principle “we do a quality book on time.” Since then we’ve seen plenty of changes both in and out of the industry. While some have sounded the death knell for books and other physical media, we believe that the fact that we continue to be an industry leader into the 21st century is a testament not only to our longevity as a company but to that of our craft. We think it’s important to keep books and physical media on the shelves, which is why we dedicate ourselves to providing you with the highest quality book binding and post press services available.

Keep up with us on Facebook, Google +, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Maryland’s Library Services Continue to Grow

If you haven’t been to the library in awhile, you may be surprised by what’s going on in libraries across Maryland. Books, as always, are still free to browse and check out with a library card, but libraries today are much more than just that. Funded by state revenue and organizations such as the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), libraries across the state and country are providing community outreach and engagement, digital access, and professional development services.

In a recent interview with the IMLS, Maryland’s Assistant State Superintendent for Libraries, Irene Padilla, talked about what libraries in Maryland have been up to in recent years, and what their new five year plan (2013-2017) will bring to the table. Among the Division of Library Development and Services’ accomplishments is the establishment of a partnership with the Department of Education’s Division of Early Childhood to set up family councils in public libraries known as “Parent Cafes,” which serve as public venues for family engagement. The library system also has promoted intergenerational conversations through book discussions via its One Maryland One Book program. In addition, the library system has spurred an increase in access to digital media and communications in communities and schools around the state.

In it’s new five year plan, Maryland’s library system has focused on a number of new wide-ranging initiatives. Last year, legislation was formally adopted that named libraries as a part of the state’s emergency management agency, formally recognizing their importance in emergency and disaster relief and communications services. The plan also includes an emphasis on STEM educational programs and an effort “to develop models with the potential to reduce summer slide in STEM and reading literacy, regardless of socioeconomic background.”

Read the full interview with Irene Padilla about the many happenings at Maryland’s public libraries here.

library services Maryland

Advantage Book Binding has been in the book binding business since 1985, when we were founded on the principle “we do a quality book on time.” Since then we’ve seen plenty of changes both in and out of the industry. While some have sounded the death knell for books and other physical media, we believe that the fact that we continue to be an industry leader into the 21st century is a testament not only to our longevity as a company but to that of our craft. We think it’s important to keep books and physical media on the shelves, which is why we dedicate ourselves to providing you with the highest quality book binding and post press services available.

Keep up with us on Facebook, Google +, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Why Reading is Easier on Paper

If you’ve always felt that you have an easier time reading on paper than on a screen, you’re not alone. In fact, there is ample evidence to support this claim, which is covered in an article in a recent issue of Scientific American. The article looks at more than 100 studies conducted worldwide since the 1980s that compare how people read, comprehend and retain information on paper and on screens. The results show that while screens have made some improvements such as E-ink, which does a good job of imitating real ink, paper is still the preferred reading material and allows readers to better understand and retain the information there.

So what exactly makes reading on paper easier and more successful than reading on a screen? Essentially, the eye perceives text differently on paper and uses information from the entire page to help the brain associate information in the text with a static physical location. This helps the reader better retain the information and associate it with other parts of the text. Here are a few more examples of how the eye is trained to take in information from the physical book itself:

Oh Eye See

Ink and Paper

The ink and paper of a book reflect ambient light in the environment but produce no light of their own. Light on a computer screen, on the other hand, produces its own light, which over time makes the eye tired and strained, making reading more difficult.

Thickness

In a book, the reader can both see and feel the thickness of the number of pages he or she has read and the number of pages left to reader. This helps the brain create a map of where it is in the text, which forms a solid structural basis that helps it place information based on where it is physically located. Progress bars on a screen do not have the same effect.

Location of Text

If you have a favorite passage from a book, you probably remember not only what page it’s on, but where it is on the page. This is no accident. Your brain uses the location of the text as an anchor which helps tie down the information you want to retain.

Scanning

It’s easy to hold your place with a finger and flip ahead or behind a few pages to reread a section you want to go over without losing your place. On a screen, however, it’s easy to get lost and lose that anchor your brain needs, especially in long texts.

reading on paper

Advantage Book Binding has been in the book binding business since 1985, when we were founded on the principle “we do a quality book on time.” Since then we’ve seen plenty of changes both in and out of the industry. While some have sounded the death knell for books and other physical media, we believe that the fact that we continue to be an industry leader into the 21st century is a testament not only to our longevity as a company but to that of our craft. We think it’s important to keep books and physical media on the shelves, which is why we dedicate ourselves to providing you with the highest quality book binding and post press services available.

Keep up with us on Facebook, Google +, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Source

http://twosidesus.wordpress.com/2013/12/02/scientific-american-why-the-brain-prefers-paper/

A Visual History of Book Binding

The history of book binding is filled with a rich collection of materials, styles, patterns and more. As an art form, book binding has gone through many evolutions through the years, from the earliest volumes off the printing press to modern printing techniques that allow for a precise and exact degree of control over the process with the benefit of digital technology. But we wouldn’t be where we are today without the efforts of book binders throughout the centuries, experimenting with binding techniques and handcrafting works of art that gave a prestige to books as a physical art form that they continue to have today.

Many of these examples of early book binding have been lost to the ages, but some remain, preserved in museums, libraries, and private collections. At Michigan State University’s library, a beautifully preserved special collection of books dating back to the 15th century offers a wonderful visual guide to the history and evolution of book binding up to the present day. Photos of a select number of books from the collection are available on the library’s website, along with descriptions of the materials and styles found in each binding, and how practices changed as the years went on. The website also notes the difficulty of dating some bindings, which may use techniques that were common in different centuries, or may have been rebound at some point in time. “Whatever the case, these books will show how the bindings of books have changed over time and offer an appreciation and celebration of the book as physical object.”

book binding history

Advantage Book Binding has been in the book binding business since 1985, when we were founded on the principle “we do a quality book on time.” Since then we’ve seen plenty of changes both in and out of the industry. While some have sounded the death knell for books and other physical media, we believe that the fact that we continue to be an industry leader into the 21st century is a testament not only to our longevity as a company but to that of our craft. We think it’s important to keep books and physical media on the shelves, which is why we dedicate ourselves to providing you with the highest quality book binding and post press services available.

Keep up with us on Facebook, Google +, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

 

Handsome Leather Bound Books and Slip Covers

Leather is among the most prized materials for book bindings and slip covers. One of the earliest book binding materials, leather has a long and rich history that continues today. Though few mass printings are bound in leather, leather is still a favorite material for small run special editions, giving them extra prestige and value. As a medium, leather allows for plenty of creative expression with hand stitching, engraving, monogramming, and other customizations. Leather is also one of the most durable book binding materials, which is why it is often chosen for special editions to ensure that they will last for many lifetimes.

Here at Advantage Book Binding, we offer custom leather bound books and slip covers for all of your publishing needs. Leather can easily bind both hard and soft cover books, as well as other printed forms such as menus, wedding books, photo albums, and more. A leather slip cover can be used to protect hard cover books with a soft yet durable slip cover that adds a classy aesthetic to the book. Take advantage of the customization options offered by leather to add a personalized touch such as a monogram or inscription. This makes leather slip covers especially great for family heirlooms such as a family Bible.

For your books and other published materials that need an extra touch of prestige, leather is the ideal binding material. Customize your leather bindings and slip covers with handsome hand-crafted features created by experienced professional book binders. Contact Advantage today for more information on our custom leather book products.

leather slip cover leather book binding

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advantage Book Binding has been in the book binding business since 1985, when we were founded on the principle “we do a quality book on time.” Since then we’ve seen plenty of changes both in and out of the industry. While some have sounded the death knell for books and other physical media, we believe that the fact that we continue to be an industry leader into the 21st century is a testament not only to our longevity as a company but to that of our craft. We think it’s important to keep books and physical media on the shelves, which is why we dedicate ourselves to providing you with the highest quality book binding and post press services available.

Keep up with us on Facebook, Google +, Twitter, and LinkedIn.