Eight Tips for Binding Presentations with Thermal Binding

Using a thermal binding machine, you can create some of the most professional looking finished products of any binding system available. Even with the prevalence of thermal binding, users often have issues with getting their final product to turn out the way they would like. Generally, people complain that the pages fall out or that the first and last pages aren't bound properly into the spine. These two common difficulties are relatively easy to prevent by taking a few precautions during the binding process. Here we'll walk you through.

1. One of the first things you can do is to properly fan and jog your pages before you bind them. When pages are printed and copied, they build up static electricity that makes them stick together. With a firm grip on the book block, take your thumb and press down on the edge, quickly releasing the pages until you reach the end. This will help to break up the static. When you've finished, jog the pages until the document edges are completely flush.
2. You'll want to watch out for static electricity again when you place the pages into the thermal binding cover; often the front and back pages will stick to the cover. This can cause those sheets to not get properly set in the glue. So before you place everything into your binding machine, make sure that the cover isn't randomly sticking up and the pages are all completely flush.
3. Another issue that can cause inferior binding is the wrong size spine. Too many pages and the glue might not spread to all of them. Too few pages and the extra space could allow pages to work out of the bind after extended use. Therefore really want to ensure that the cover you're using is the correct size. That said, you're better off to have a slightly larger cover than a slightly smaller.
4. Once the binding process is complete, the first thing you want to do is take your project and firmly tap the spine of the book on a counter. Doing this while the glue is still hot will help to guarantee that the adhesive has spread through all of the pages and that they are completely lodged in the glue.
5. When you use thermal hard covers to create hard cover documents, remember that you must also use a hard cover crimper. The crimper presses the book to form a ridged spine as well as ensure that the glue in the spine is pushed up into the base so that every sheet comes into contact with the adhesive.
6. Another reason pages may fall out is a machine that is too cool. If your thermal binding machine doesn't get hot enough, it won't properly melt the glue. This issue is most commonly seen when binding with covers made of thicker paper stocks. In this instance, you may need to run your documents through a second binding cycle to make sure all of the glue is fully activated before you lay your book down to cool.
7. You'll also want to be sure your document is fully cooled before you handle it. It may be cool to the touch after only a few minutes. But if you're looking to improve the binding strength of your documents, don't open or handle them until they're completely cooled, at least fifteen minutes. This will help the adhesive to fully set and create a stronger bind.
8. Finally, it's important to know that no matter what type of adhesive you use, some glossy and coated paper stocks will not stick well. If this is the issue you're having, you might try to rough up the binding edge of your book block before binding. Simply take a piece of sand paper and rub down the edge until it's rough. This will help the glue adhere to the pages better. Another option is to use flat staples very close to the edge to ensure your pages stay together.

While these may not be a cure-all, using these tips will result in higher quality binding. Try them for yourself and see if it works for you.

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Written by Jeff McRitchie
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