March 2005: Planning Perfect Binding Text Layouts

While perfect binding signatures usually rank well below covers during the project planning stage, they are no less important to the success of your finished product. Let’s take a look at a few guidelines to help you design and produce better signatures:

Signature Concerns
Avoid placing two- or four-page signatures at the front or back of a perfect bound book, as these light-weight forms may not jog properly. Adding larger signatures at either end adds weight and stability to the project. Placing smaller signatures between larger ones can deliver a sturdier product.

The dashed lines on the sixteen-page signature above represent where perforations might be made to release air and force signatures to flatten.

Many printers perforate signatures to release air and cause the signatures to flatten. This is ideal to prepare signatures for binding, but perforations and notches that are too large can permanently weaken signatures and cause them to tear apart during the gathering process. As a result, signatures with heavy notches or perforations may require additional spoilage, a percentage which will vary by project and paper quality.

Stock with high fiber content, for example, is structurally more sound than low-fiber count papers, and will likely pass through machine processes more easily. Heavily perforated signatures may also require additional time to produce.

Layout tip: Though ample trim area is necessary for most perfect binding jobs, excessive head and foot trim can be problematic. Consult with your binder to determine what length of trim is appropriate.

Planning tip: To ensure proper side glue adhesion, leave an area of at least 3/16” clear of inks and varnishes on the first and last pages of the book block. Otherwise, books may not fully adhere to covers, reducing the overall strength of the product.

The Riverside Advantage
At the Riverside Group, we’re always available to work with customers on perfect binding layouts, impositions and scheduling—we’ve found collaboration often yields the best results. Our complete ‘under one roof’ service takes your projects from design through delivery. Give us a call today to get started!

In August 2004, The Riverside Group began selecting one lucky graphic arts company every month to win a hand-delivered six-foot Subway sandwich - perfect for feeding the entire office!

Qualifying for our monthly drawing is easy - simply go to our website and register to receive these great tips each month! We'll never misuse your email and you can opt out at any time. Existing customers who have already signed up for our monthly tips will be automatically entered.