Binding is the perfect way to turn pieces of paper into a professional-looking booklet. When you get the process right you will instantly make your business look more credible. It can make a big difference to your success when launching new campaigns or trying to impress investors. Don’t forget, presentation is everything in business.
There are several different ways of binding. The most common and perhaps the simplest is comb binding. This is when holes are punched all the way along the edge of the paper and a plastic ‘comb’ is pushed through. It’s cheap and effective as well as allowing the booklet to open flat.
Other types of binding include
- Saddle stitching
This type of bonding effectively staples the middle of the document, allowing it to be opened and closed easily.
- Coil binding
This is similar to comb binding but uses a spiral coil that is sturdier and looks great.
- Twin loop
This is an extension of the coil binding process but uses using a wire that is looped through the paper holes twice, adding strength.
- Velo
Velo binding punches 11 holes in the side of the document and joins them with rigid plastic and tines. It’s potentially the most secure method.
Whatever option you choose, it's advisable to get the best possible binding equipment, it will help to make the job easier.
To get perfect results every time you just need to follow these 4 simple tips:
1. Get To Know Your Machine
The first step is to get to know your machine. It will have slots where the binder is fitted. There will also be a punching element that creates the holes in your document. The machine should automatically move the punched document into the binder. You’ll then find a second lever that closes the binder and finishes the document.
By knowing where everything is and practicing first, you’ll get your document looking perfect on the first attempt.
2. Prepare Your Document
The next step is to prepare your document. That means making sure all the pieces of paper are the right way up and facing the right direction. They should be stacked neatly to ensure perfect alignment.
Most importantly, you need to know your machine’s limit. There is a limit to how many pages can be bound.
3. Punch First
If you have an automatic machine it will punch and bind at the same time. If not, punch the holes in your document first and repeat the process until you have holes in every version of the document. Doing it one stage at a time is generally faster as you’ll get a rhythm.
4. Add Comb
Slide the comb into position and then use the lever to add pressure and close it. Repeat for other documents and then step back to admire your handiwork. You will have a neatly presented document that can be used in presentations to great effect.
That’s’ it! Once you’ve had a little practice you’ll find binding is very simple to do.
