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Hard Case Binding

Summary

Hard case binding (also known as hard cover binding) refers to the binding of a book in which a separate case bound cover is involved. The cover is non-flexible and is supported by a paper-back board, making it incredibly durable. The process of hard case binding involves a few steps, the first being the joining of the book's sections, this process is known as thread sewing. Just like many of the other binding processes the book block is added creating a book spine which in turn allows the cover to be added. The last process, in which the hard cover is applied, also referred to as casing in, involves pieces of board being trimmed to the cover size and lastly being fed into the case making machine. The case making machine then securely applies a cloth-like cover to the pieces of board by applying an adhesive, creating a strong, hard cover for the book. These covers can be pre-printed or later embossed with the book's title.

Advantages

  • The end product is very durable and unable to be bent as it is encased by a hard cover which in turn makes the product more durable than other styles of casing.

  • The finished product has an exclusive look which in turn gives a classy effect to the product.

Specifications

 

Minimum Size    h100mm x w100mm x spine 3mm

 

Maximum Size  h375mm x w280mm x spine 80mm

 

Maximum Size  h375mm x w300mm x spine 30mm

 

Board thickness range 1mm to 4mm

 

 

Important Tips & Procedures

  • Book spine must be varnish-free 3mm either side of the spine fold.

  • The front and last section must be varnish-free 5mm up from the spine to ensure endpaper adhesion.

  • Printed endpapers must be varnish-free 5mm from the spine on the side it is tipped and no varnish on the panel that glues.

  • Grain on the endpaper MUST run head to foot.

  • Grain direction of the text should always run head to foot.

  • Both round backed and square back books are options. Please specify which you would like on placing an order.

  • Please also specify the thickness of board that is required for the cover. There are three types that are most commonly used which include 1800um, 2400um and 3000um.

  • There is a variety of materials which can be used to manufacture the case. Please specify which of these you would prefer.

  • Case material should be no heavier than 150gsm

  • If using a printed material for the book's case we highly recommend that 25mm bleed is allowed on all edges above the finished size.

  •  Please note that the case will be larger than the book block. This can vary but usually is 4mm on the top, bottom and fore-edge.

  • It is important to specify whether the finished product is to be foil stamped or embossed. Stamping or embossing can be on both the front and spine of the book.

  • Ensure that any film applied for stamping is negative.

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