FAQ About Bookbinding

CASE BINDING:

Structure:

• Case binding, also known as hardcover or hardbound binding, involves the creation of a rigid cover (case) that houses the book block.

Materials:

• The cover is typically made from sturdy materials such as bookboard or cardboard. It provides durability and protection to the book.

Book Block Attachment:

• The book block (the assembled and sewn or glued pages) is attached to the case by endpapers. The endpapers are glued to the inner surface of the cover, creating a strong and lasting bond.

Spine Reinforcement:

• The spine of the book is often reinforced with additional materials, such as fabric or bookbinding tape, to provide strength and prevent wear.

Sewn or Glued Signatures:

• In case binding, the book block is often created by sewing or gluing together folded sheets of paper, known as signatures.

Aesthetic Options:

• Case binding allows for various decorative options, including cloth covering, leather binding, foil stamping, embossing, and dust jackets.

Durability:

• Case-bound books are generally more durable and long-lasting compared to perfect-bound books, making them suitable for projects that require greater protection.

Cost:

• Case binding tends to be more expensive due to the materials and labor involved in creating a hardcover book.

PERFECT BINDING:

Structure:

• Perfect binding, also known as softcover binding, involves attaching the pages of a book directly to a flexible cover without the use of a hard case.

Materials:

• The cover is typically made from a heavier paper stock, and it is flexible rather than rigid. The cover may be coated for added durability.

Book Block Attachment:

• The pages of the book block are glued directly to the spine of the cover. This creates a clean and flat appearance on the bookshelf.

Spine Reinforcement:

• The spine of a perfect-bound book may be reinforced with fabric or paper tape, but it does not have the same level of structural support as a case-bound book.

Single Sheets or Signatures:

• Perfect binding is well-suited for projects using single sheets of paper or individual leaves, as opposed to sewn or glued signatures.

Aesthetic Options:

• While perfect binding offers fewer decorative options than case binding, it can still include elements such as printing on the cover, embossing, and coatings.

Economical:

• Perfect binding is often more economical compared to case binding, making it a popular choice for paperback books, magazines, and other publications with a lower production cost.

Flexibility:

• Perfect binding allows for flexibility in terms of book thickness and page count, making it suitable for various print runs.