How Do I Bind Documents Using Thermal Binding?

Thermal binding is one of the fastest and easiest bind documents and books. While the process is straightforward, it is still foreign to new users. This blog is here to help. The process is simpler than most people think, and we are going to break it down step by step. While there are instructions for each specific machine, here we will provide general tips and tricks that should work with every thermal binder.

Supplies

To thermal bind, you only need a handful of items.

1. Thermal cover (or other cover + thermal binding glue strips)
2. Thermal binding machine
3. Spine crimper (optional)
4. Document to bind

How to Thermal Bind

1. Choosing a cover: First, make sure that you have the right size thermal binding cover for your documents. Too many pages in a cover will result in the first and last pages not binding securely. You can use our handy-dandy sizing guide and if you are still unsure, it is better to choose a cover that is slightly larger rather than smaller. The sizing guide should also work if you are making your own cover.

1. Jog your papers: They need to be as straight as possible when you place the pages into the cover.

1. Place pages into cover: If you aren’t using a cover premade for thermal binding, first cut a thermal glue strip to size and insert it into the spine first, followed by the pages. Square up the pages neatly in the thermal binding cover, ensuring that the first and last pages are in contact with the adhesive. Fan the pages with your finger to break up any that might be stuck together.
   • Pro Tip: Double check the front page especially, as static electricity can make it stick to the cover instead of the glue. If you spend a few extra minutes on this step, you can increase the quality of your finished product.
2. Insert book into the binder: Place your project spine down into the machine and run a standard binding cycle.

1. Secure your pages: Once the binding cycle has finished, remove your finished product and firmly tap the spine on a hard surface. This helps to ensure that the pages are securely lodged into the hot binding adhesive for extra durability.

1. Let cool: Wait until your book has cooled completely, ideally in the cooling rack, and the adhesive has set before you open it; about three to five minutes should be enough time. Allowing the glue to harden is the only way to ensure a solid, secure bind.

With that, you should have a perfectly bound book in less than 10 minutes. Plus, you can bind multiple books at once as long as they don’t exceed the width of the machine. If you have other questions like how to bind glossy paper and other FAQs check out our knowledge base for other thermal binding articles or give us a call at