Wednesday 16 March 2016

What is ...Spiral Binding?

What is ...Number 27
Regular followers of this blog will know that in the middle of the month, I publish a "What is ....? post. The article covers various aspects of paper, printing and finishing in greater depth. However, many of these subjects are complex, so these posts are only intended to be a brief introduction to the topic.

What is ...Spiral Binding?
Spiral binding, also known as plastic coil binding is a useful, functional binding method and a worthy alternative to Wiro Binding. The advantages are that the text pages lie completely flat when open and that the plastic is virtually crush resistant, unlike wire-o, which when bent, will never truly regain it's shape.

Here's an example of a project which has been spiral bound using a clear (transparent) spiral
 ...a close up of the spine:
The binding elements are available in 16 standard colours and can even be bespoke manufactured to special colours for large enough runs. They come in standard sizes from 6mm to 50mm in diameter.
Image courtesy of Dash Finishers: http://dashfinishers.co.uk/
Using a specialist binding machine, these elements are “spun” through punched holes in book blocks and crimped in place. Below is the Hato Press studio Cookbook, bound in a deep red spiral.
Spiral binding is a popular option for products that are frequently handled in classroom and industrial settings such as calendars, children’s books, cookbooks, instruction manuals and even paper swatches!
One important consideration when using spiral binding is the "step up" which happens. As you might notice from the picture below the page on the right is stepped up and this is because it is made from one continuous spiral.
Below is a detail of the top of the spine
 ...and the bottom of the spine:
Therefore the one important piece of advice when using spiral binding is to avoid image or type read-overs over the spine. 

With thanks to Dash Finishers for the information and help.

http://dashfinishers.co.uk/?p=68
Posted by Justin Hobson 16.03.2016

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Thanks for your comment! If I like it, I'll add it on. Cheers J