27 Oct Is it Necessary to Get Your Documents Bound?
Some business owners consider document binding to be outdated or unnecessary. In reality, document binding is necessary for all sizable printed documents. Without document binding, you risk the document falling apart in time. Let’s take a look at document binding and when and why it is necessary.
What is Document Binding?
Document binding is a method for assembling large documents with adhesive or a binding mechanism like a wire, staple, spiral, comb, ring, or strip. Binding documents gives them a more professional appearance, and ensures that the document stays together as intended while in use. Some bound documents have a printed spine covering the binding, while others have visible binding.
When Should You Consider Binding Your Documents?
While not all documents require binding, you should consider binding a document when:
- It is thicker than a staple or binder clip can handle.
- It will be easier to read through the document if it is bound.
- You want to prevent people from removing materials from the document.
- You want it to be used over and over again.
- You want it to last for years.
- It will get heavy use.
- You want it to look professional.
- You are planning on shipping or selling it.
Choosing the Right Type of Binding
There are a variety of different types of binding to choose from:
- Comb – Comb binding, also called spiral binding, is one of the most common ways to bind a document. It is a simple, fast, and cost-effective method that works for almost any size document. Holes are punched through the left-side margin of each page, and a plastic comb is threaded through the holes to bind the pages together.
- Color coil – Color coil binding can be used to make a document stand out with a colored coil that looks like a pig’s tail. It’s also effective for color coding manuals or records. Color coils can be used on documents up to 440 pages.
- VeloBind – A VeloBind is a permanent binding option largely used for legal briefs. Adhesive or plastic binding strips are placed along the binding and melted into place with a hot instrument. This method of binding is secure and tamper-resistant.
- Screw Post – Screw post binding uses aluminum or plastic screw posts inserted into three holes that are punched along the left-side margin of the document. They are adjustable to accommodate almost any document thickness, and offer a unique appearance.
- ACCO Binding – This type of binding utilizes folded metal brackets to hang documents in a flexible binder. It is a less common form of document binding but can be an effective choice for training booklets or presentations.
To learn more about your options for document binding in Southern Arizona, contact us at Reproductions Inc. at (520) 355-4902 or request a quote online.