Our last edition focused on different aspects of Mechanical Binding,
primarily paying attention to Spiral Binding.
This second edition to our series on mechanical binding will address
Wire-O / Twin-Loop Binding, and Punching
Patterns. Along with Punch Patterns, we also have a chart
available for you on punching patterns and margin allowances.
This chart would be helpful for designers, as well as pre-press
personnel, to keep words and copy from getting punch holes through
it. You may click the chart on the right or click
here to visit our webpage for complete information and charts.
Wire-O/Twin Loop Binding
First off, why all the confusion about what to call this type
of binding? Well, do you want a Kleenex, or will a tissue do the
same job. Both names of wire have been trademarked by the manufacturers,
so they can develop brand recognition. In reality, there is no
difference to the end users of the books. The manufacturing process
at
the trade bindery can experience some different throughputs with
one companies wire over another, but the end users will rarely
ever notice a difference.
Wire-O is what we commonly refer to as this style of wire, and
basically this wire element is pre-formed onto a spool by the
manufacturer. Wrap-Ups will order the wire to be spooled according
to the size and color you want for your books. We have machines
to insert and close these elements. Wire-O is considered by some
to be the "High End" style of binding, because it has
a cleaner presentation of binding. This style also creates a direct
parallel alignment from the left page to the right page with respects
to cross overs.
Punching Patterns
Different elements require different punch patterns, and some
punches are bigger than others, and consequently require more
margins for paper removal. This link should help detail the necessary
margins for punch pattern. http://wrapups.com/docs/service/mech_bind.html
Also, keep in mind that top to bottom dimensions of a book can
also be affected by the number of holes per inch in a punch pattern.
Some patterns do not allow you to remove a punching pin, so the
consequence becomes a book with an adjusted size. Take for example
Spiral Binding on a book that is 5 3/8" x 8 3/8". If
we were using a 4 : 1 spiral die pattern on the 8 3/8" dimension,
the size would need to be adjusted. If you did not adjust the
size of the book, the pin would punch out a partial hole at the
top or bottom of the book. An easy way to adjust for this is to
alter the size of the book.
Your Coordinator at Wrap-Ups can guide you with a recommendation
on size if you wish to send in something to us cut to size, or
we commonly make these adjustments when cutting these projects
in house. Whichever you choose, remember that the size of your
book can be impacted by the Punch Pattern. We'll be glad to help
you, but you must remember to call us early enough so we have
the opportunity to guide the project.
Thank you for spending the time to read this Newsletter. We hope
you find the information worthy and helpful. Hopefully we can
service you soon in this area of Bindery Finishing. As always,
feel free to give us a call.
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