How To Tips for Book Binding
Mechanical Binding Part 2
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.
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.