It’s not about us, it’s about you!
We are truly fortunate and grateful to have such a very wide array of clients!
So if we haven’t met, and you might be on the hunt for someone to help you in your book production, take the the time to let us know a little about yourself. What is the motivation for your book project? Our mutual success depends on understanding your needs.
We know we can’t be everything to everybody. But we do handle a wide array of bookbinding needs. Here are some examples of the type of customers we serve, and as you can see, how vastly different their needs may be from one project to the next.
Artists, Illustrators and Photographers
Creative types such as fine artists, illustrators and photographers often come to us to have portfolios produced, short run lengths of a self published coffee table photo book, children’s books, and large oversized fine editions. Their needs are very discriminating as image means everything to this type of customer. Selections of cover materials runs the gamut from fine European cloths, Bonded Leathers and special treatments of decoration on a cover ranging from embossing, tip on photos and custom die stamping are a few examples of techniques we can provide.
Photo Books, Art Books and other fine editions
Servicing the needs of the Book Printing Industry
We are the quiet trade servant behind the scenes for several book printing companies (primarily digital book printing firms) who do not have their own in-house capabilities for hardcover bookbinding. Typical volumes still primarily hover in the short run length niche from 25 copies to 1000, with occasional projects exceeding that. Many of these customers have a narrower range of choices for their clients and speed of service is usually of utmost concern. Their final product is generally a retail (trade edition) book suitable for distribution into bookstores and libraries. Whereas many of the projects are beautifully done, the needs and requirements of these customers are usually different than a fine edition project.
Stacks of children’s books at Quality Control Checkout Department
public and school/university libraries
Serving this sector is where our company started. The needs of public and academic libraries may differ, so they cannot all be clumped into one category either. Services here focus on preservation, periodicals, newspapers, restorations, digitization and rebinding. There are a myriad of other specialized services we provide for the library market. We are one of the oldest “certified” library binding companies in North America.
Yearbooks, textbooks and textbook rebinding
Genealogy, family history and biographies
We work with several historical societies, genealogy publishers and individuals who may have been referred to our company through other satisfied customers over the years to produce short run length sets of a family history, memoirs or work of poetry as an example. Here again, the needs and range of work can differ from project to project. We are very experienced in producing the archival library binding style, durable, multi-generational treasures that will stand the test of time.
Family History Books, Memoirs, Biographies
As you can see, there are so many different ways to bind a book. No two projects are 100% identical. Especially yours! So before we begin our journey, tell us all about yourself and your project. After all, your book project- is not about us, it’s about you!
Your comments and questions are welcome.
Martin Pugh | Houchen Bindery Ltd. | 1-800-869-0420 | mpugh@houchenbindery.com
(C) Copyright 2012 Martin Pugh All Rights Reserved
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Everyone Has A Story, and For Every Book, We have a Binding!
While subject matter may vary, everyone does in fact have a story to tell. Be it Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Prose or maybe just the simple adventures of a family vacation. Possibly yours is a collection of paintings, illustration, sculpture or photography.
Reinforced Side Sewn Binding
Smyth sewn and/or PUR Adhesive Case Bound
For every style of book, we have the proper type of hardcover binding to go along with it. From thin cased side sewn for children’s books and photobooks, to Smyth sewn binding for art and coffee table editions, Ultra Bind (Double Fan Adhesive Binding) for genealogy and short run works of fiction to PUR adhesive case binding for textbooks and many other styles of digitally produced books we have it all! If you are a printer with customers asking for hardcover binding, you need to call us!
Photo Books
Foil Stamping
Double Fan Adhesive Binding
Short Run Length Smyth Sewn Edition Binding
Edition Binding using the Smyth Sewn Binding method is perhaps the most well known method of binding for a coffee table book, historical or reference manual and other types of well deserving editions. The openability, and layflat features of the binding, coupled with the durability and longevity of this style of binding are the reasons why certain publishers, and book lovers like this binding method so much.
Smyth sewn binding is achieved by sewing “through the fold” of a 16 page signature. End sheets are tipped on to front and back signatures of a book. Consecutive signatures are run together and then later “nipped” (pinched to eliminate extra air and space between signatures) and “crashed” with a fabric liner going over the spine section- achieving a secure bond between front end sheets, book block signatures and the back endsheets of the book.
Here is a short video clip taken recently of a book that was 6 x 9″ size, with sixteen 16 page signatures per book. The total run length for this job was 750 copies. Note how with this manually fed Smyth sewing machine, it is helpful to have collated, folded signatures supplied to the operator.
(C) Martin Pugh 2012 All Rights Reserved.
Short Run Length Smyth Sewn Edition Binding
How to Choose the Right Book Cover Material
Choosing the right book cover material for your edition binding project is very important. There are many choices and options available. Houchen Bindery Ltd. is a certified Library Bindery. As such, we often use F Grade Buckram materials for a majority of this work as well as for many genealogy related types of books. F Grade Buckram is highly laminated, durable and archivally stable. Here is a link to the 15 standard F Grade color choices Houchen Bindery Ltd stocks.
F Grade Buckram Cover for Genealogy edition
If F Grade Buckram is what you were thinking of for your book project, then look no further. It is truly the best choice for certain projects. However, if you want different colors or textures, there are many options available. You just have to make sure to consult the bindery early in your project so that sourcing of the exact materials is performed seamlessly.
Amongst the choices you can go with for an edition, you can chooose a printed, laminated cover, or a wide assortment of cloths, and imitation leathers. While true calf skin leather is sometimes used, it is usually only reserved for ultra high end (expensive) fine editions. The price of “real leather” is usually not at all practical for trade edition binding.
PhotoBook with Printed Laminated Cover
One of the first considerations to make regarding book covering, is to decide if you want a printed cover material vs. a cloth or imitation leather style. The photobook at the right uses a printed, laminated cover. How is this achieved? First we print the cover on 100 lb text gloss. Then we use a gloss film lamination to provide long lasting protection and finally we make the case from this material. Houchen Bindery Ltd. also has a few options for lamination: Gloss, Matte or Linen finish. Typical types of books that use printed, laminated covers- or what we sometimes call “graphic covers” are textbooks, childrens books and some photobooks and comic book collectors sets..
Family History Edition Bound with Advantage 9
Advantage 9 cloth choices
Advantage is an acrylic-coated paper that combines strength and moisture resistance with a kid leather embossed surface that decorates beautifully. LBS offers Advantage in two weights (9 and 7pt) and a large assortment of colors.
At Houchen Bindery Ltd. we stock the Advantage 9 choices in 6 different colors: Cranberry, Hunter, Navy, Sapphire, Chocolate, and Black. The good folks at LBS also have recently helped me with placing orders for some of the Advantage 9 in matte finishes.
Advantage 9 is a great choice for foil stamping, due to it’s smooth surface and price wise, it is economical.
Arrestox B cloth for Edition Binding
Arrestox B Cloth
Arrestox B Grade Cloths are widely used at Houchen Bindery Ltd. for short run length edition binding projects such as the book pictured above. Some of the Arrestox cloth seem to have more lamination than others. The texture and array of color choices almost always satisfies most demands of publishers producing short run edition binding projects.
In the words of LBS- Arrestox B is “strong, beautiful and eco-friendly, our B grade book cloth is 100% cotton with a water-based acrylic finish.” Editor’s Note: Arrestox B-Cloth is soon switching over to a poly cotton cloth – though we still have some cotton stock.
Verona Book Cloth
Publishers who have been used to ordering cloth for editions produced in Asia or Italy may be familiar with different brands of cloth. This is sometimes a challenge to address when it comes to producing shorter run length work here in the USA.
The good news is that LBS now stocks Verona cloths. Verona, which is a Rayon book cloth is the standard of excellence in Europe. With its paper backing, bright vibrant colors and natural fabric appearance, Verona is an excellent choice.
With some recent fluctuations in cloth pricing, it is good to consult the bindery on pricing before settling on a certain cloth choice. More recently, Verona cloth was in the same range of pricing as B grade Arrestox.
Leather Choices
The picture here of the swatch book does not do justice to the feel and textures available when it comes to leather choices. I use the word “leather” but do mean “imitation leather” or also sometimes call Bonded Leather. Materials such as Taratan II, Sturdite and the newer Kensington and Eurobond come in a nice array of various colors and textures. I can also confirm that foil stamping on these materials works very well, whereas real leather is not as consistent and can make it much more difficult to foil stamp.
While leather choices can drive the unit price of a book up, the distinctive look and feel of these materials are undeniable. We use these materials on projects such as fine editions, photo albums, limited editions and memoirs and more.
For more details on imitation leathers, check out LBS’s description here.
Pre made Hard Covers for Photo Book Industry using Luminaire cloth
At the recent Graph Expo 2011 (Sept 11-14), in Chicago, Houchen Bindery Ltd. unveiled Bindsource.com a new online service in alliance with Convertible Solutions. Customers of Mohawk Panoramic Papers now have 24/7 access to a cost-effective source for short-run photo book covers.
Pictured above here are some of the Luminaire sample covers we provided to Convertible Solutions who were making photobook samples from the Panoramic Paper right at their booth during Graph Expo.
In closing, you might have noticed the considerable mention of our first tier supplier of book cloth materials- LBS. Why do we use LBS? Is it the fact that we have a 30 year relationship with their company, or is it all of the hard working staff that we value so much? Maybe it’s the snappy turnaround time we get from them? The high quality of all materials we receive from them? The occasional special favor….(thanks Joe, and Rob!!). I have to say the answer is all of the above.
As you know, there are even more choices for book cover materials out there. We use many different brands based on the specifications given by our customers. But whenever the decision is left to me, I would recommend any of the materials I have listed from LBS above all others.
For further information on these services, please contact Martin Pugh at Houchen Bindery Ltd.
mpugh@houchenbindery.com or 1-800-869-0420.
Copyright 2011 Martin Pugh All Rights Reserved.
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Book cloth choices for hardcover binding
Hard Cover Binding for the Digital Age
As I have spoken to many printers throughout the midwest and beyond, it is evident that many are not fully aware of all the methods of binding available, especially for digitally printed books. Perhaps the most well known form of hardcover binding is Smyth sewn binding. Smyth sewn binding is a great option, however for the digital printer- not practical. I will explain why below.
The next thing printers want to know is how the book will “lay” when it’s open. Will it lay flat, or will it stay tightly shut?
I have taken a few photos of a few of the main book binding methods used at Houchen Bindery Ltd. With some explanation of each. I hope you find this information helpful.
Side sewn binding side view
Reinforced side sewn binding is a very permanent solution for book blocks both of coated or uncoated papers. The thread sews through the “side” of a book block, taking away 1/4″ of the gutter margin. Our limitation for thickness on this method of binding is about 3/8″. As you can see in the photo to the left, the side sewn binding will not lay flat, but will be held together very securely. This is also an approved Library Binding Institute method. We use this for children’s books, photobooks, year books and many other editions which are less than 3/8″ thickness.
PUR Adhesive Bound Hard Cover
A newer method of binding showing lot’s of promise is what we call PUR adhesive, or PUR Case Perfect Binding. As you can see, the pages will lay flat fairly nice. With pressure applied, each spread will
open nicely. There is no fear of pages falling out. PUR Adhesive is supposed to be the strongest adhesive on the market currrently. Although it is not yet an approved Library Binding Institute method for libraries, there is rumour it will soon be approved. It is now in wide use for commercial applications with printers and publishers. PUR adhesive works well on all types of paper, even aqueous coated stocks or with heavy ink coverage or uncoated papers.
Smyth Sewn Side View
Smyth sewn binding is a well established standard for artbooks, coffee table books, etc. The issue for digital printing is that Smyth sewing requires us to use a 16 page signature. Most short run digital print runs are not using that large of a parent sheet and consequently, “nesting” 4 page signatures into a 16 page signature become cumbersome and impractical. Smyth sewn works well for coated or uncoated papers, and as you can see, will have nice openability. With pressure applied, each spread of this book opens very nicely.
Ultra Bind- Side View
“Ultra Bind” is the brand name of a machine used at Houchen Bindery for a method of binding called double fan adhesive binding. This method notches the spine edge and applies a microscopic bead of PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue on either side of the sheet in the spine edge. This as you can see, makes for the easiest, most flexible openability and “lay flat” quality. The restriction here is that PVA glue works well with uncoated paper stocks, but I do not recommend it on coated papers.
There’s a fairly new method of binding out there on the radar screen now and it’s offered through companies such as Mohawk Fine Papers and it’s creator Convertible Solutions. For the ultimate in “Lay Flat” and zero gutter loss, check it out. I see it’s usage growing in the area of photo and wedding books. We are not currently producing these style books, but are working with these 2 companies to provide pre-made hardcover cases for them. We have setup a special wholesale trade portal for this at Bindsource.com
For further information on these services, please contact Martin Pugh at Houchen Bindery Ltd.
mpugh@houchenbindery.com or 1-800-869-0420.
Copyright 2011 Martin Pugh All Rights Reserved.
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Book Binding Process: Case Making and Case-In Explained
If you’re new to bookbinding, you may hear us use a few terms frequently used that if you haven’t set foot in the bindery itself- you may never really understand what we are talking about! I was deeply involved in other areas of the printing business for a few years before I got around bookbinding, so I know how that was. I was afraid to ask, because I thought I SHOULD have known what they meant.
So if you found this blog post to learn more- here goes:
Here’s a few terms I never fully understood until I worked in a book manufacturing plant.
1) Case Making
This is the process of gluing the cloth ( or printed paper) over the boards, turning the edges and making a finished “case”- usually consisting of 3 board pieces as shown in the picture here. Back board, front and inlay
(or spine).
a case is made of a cover wrap and 3 pieces of board as shown here
Here is a picture coming off our casemaking line in the “west end” of Houchen Bindery Ltd where one of our valued team member case makers is cranking out the children’s book cases on any day of the week on a semi automatic case making machine that produces hundreds of cases per hour. As you can see the different colors indicate different titles. At Houchen Bindery Ltd., we specialize and focus on short run lengths. All of our machinery is purchased, installed and operated around that primary niche of “short run lengths” which is usually between 1 and 1000 copies, with some projects exceeding those numbers for various reasons.
Stacks of cases for children's books roll of the line in the west end of Houchen Bindery Ltd.
2) Case-In
Semi Automatic Case-In Process
Well hope you have learned something here. Let’s talk about binding! As always, there may be more questions, which is why I am always available to discuss your project needs by email at mpugh@houchenbindery.com or toll free at 1-800-869-0420.
Copyright 2011 Martin Pugh All Rights Reserved.
Oak View Park, Pinnacle of a Czech Legacy
On May 31, 2011 Houchen Bindery Ltd. hosted a tour for Linda Wostrel of Omaha who recently printed a book through Standard Printing: Oak View Park, Pinnacle of a Czech Legacy is about the small community of Verdigre, NE in the 1880′s to 1940′s
This biographical story with over 250 historic photos will take you back to an era when families got together in
the 1880’s – 1940’s to have a good time. Houchen Bindery Ltd. is handling the binding of both hard cover and soft cover editions of this book.
Linda Worstrel and friends tour Houchen Bindery Ltd.From left to right: Mike and Patty Vodicka, Bryan Morhardt, Linda Wostrel and Martin Pugh
Being located in South Central Nebraska, we don’t often get customers willing to travel out to our neck of the woods and make a visit. Personally, I always love giving a tour when they do come. I was very impressed with Linda’s comments about the desire to “keep it local” and have her book produced in the State of Nebraska. We wish her much success on the project and hope to be binding the 2nd editions real soon! Please click the title link above to order books directly from the author.
Portfolio of Some Binding Styles and Techniques
Smyth
Sewn Historical Edition with Offset Printed Cloth
SMYTH SEWN EDITION BINDING
This sample is representative of a Smyth Sewn Hard Cover Book. Houchen Bindery can do Smyth Sewing on a book block up to 10.5″ wide and 12″ Height. This book has a special feature in that, the printer we bound this for was capable of offset printing on cloth. This is a somewhat unique capablity. The edition run length was about 200 books.
Smyth sewn book with head and tail bands side view
As you can see in this photo at right, the book lays flat when opened. This is a distinctive advantage to Smyth Sewn books. Smyth sewn books, however must be made from 16 page signatures.The standard press size for a book that is 8.5 x 11″ would need to be a 40″ press, so it will be capabale of delivering a 16 page signature.
If you want to produce a Smyth Sewn book and it is printing on a digital press, you will need to “nest” 4 page signatures into atleast a 16 page signature.
DOUBLE FAN ADHESIVE BINDING
Double Fan adhesive binding (DFAB) is a library binding style method that utilizes polyvinyl acetate glue (PVA), instead of thread for the binding. This binding method places a microscopic bead of glue on either “side” of the pages after notching the spine edge. This too creates a nice lay flat quality. While this method is often used for periodical binding (which may have lighter weight coated papers), I do not personally recommend an edition to be bound with this method if the interior pages are a coated paper stock such as an 80 or 100 lb text gloss.
DFAB is great for a family history style genealogy edition which will be using uncoated text weight paper on the interior of the book. One of the big advantages here is it is also ideal for short run lengths. Single sheet collated book blocks such as what you would get from a copier or a digital print stream work great. You can also use folded and gathered signatures with this style of binding.
Double Fan Adhesive Binding
Double Fan Adhesive side view 3 inch thick
Double Fan Lay Flat Side view
The book in this example was 1276 pages on a 28 lb Finch Acid Free Paper. The bulk of the book was 3 inches and total weight was 4 lbs!
The edition was for a total of 150 copies. There are not too many binderies out there that can bind a book this thick!
Here’s some of the specifications on this title:
Cover: Navy Blue F Grade Buckram
Page size: 8.5 x 11″ portrait
Text: 1276 pages printed on 28 lb finch bright white acid free
approximately 200 pages had 4 color photographs
approximately 1076 pages were printed in black ink only with many black and white photographs throughout.
Binding Style: Double Fan Adhesive
Blue/White Head and Tail Bands
Silver foil stamping on front and spine of book
150 copies
SIDE SEWN BINDING
Side sewn binding is a method of binding you might also sometimes hear referred to as: “Reinforced Library Binding”. We utilize this method for thinner cased books ranging from 3/8″ thickness or less. It is ideal for Children’s Books, Photo Books, school yearbooks and others.
Make no mistake, this method of binding will last! The polycotton fiber thread that is used to sew through the “side” of a stack of paper is very strong! With side sewing, we are sewing through the side, as opposed to with Smyth sewn binding you are sewing through the “fold”.
Picture of an unbound side sewn book block
To discuss how you can achieve a “crossover” style photo or art on double page spreads in this binding style, please call or email me. I can go over the technical details required to achieve this.
Cloth Bound Side sewn photobook with tip on photo
At the right here we have an example of a side sewn photobook. The book is a typical photobook- about 40 pages in length and thus- very thin. The interior pages were printed on a 100 lb dull gloss text and the book was bound in a light green linen finish Arrestox B grade cloth. Topping it off were some special treatments such as personalized Silver foil stamping on the front cover and the addition of a 4 color mounted tip on photo. The photo below shows the fancy black silk moire endsheets we used for this one-off book project. These type of end sheets do add some extra cost to a book, but the “Wow” factor is priceless.
Fancy Silk Moire End Sheets
Well that’s all for now! Keep checking back for more information on Edition Binding. If you have any questions, please email me at mpugh@houchenbindery.com. Or call me Toll Free 1-800-869-0420.
