Perfect binding is a method of bookbinding wherein pages and covers adhere together at their spines to create a sturdy yet cost-effective book that meets mass market needs. Perfect binding is commonly employed when mass-producing paperback books where durability and cost considerations precede professional appearance considerations.
Ideal books are typically assembled using perfectly bound pages cut on a fold line – an almost borderless fold located away from the spine – that creates small margins on either side of each page where glue can be applied. Once set sufficiently, fans are used to open and spread out all pages simultaneously for review and assembly purposes.
Once the pages are in their bindings, the cover is placed over them, and an adhesive – typically stronger than what was used on their pages – is applied on its interior to secure their long-term integrity.
Perfect binding is an efficient and cost-effective solution that makes perfect sense for mass production. Pages and covers are then cut down to size before receiving one last inspection before perfect binding commences.
Perfect binding has its drawbacks, however. First, perfect-bound books open more flexibly than other binding forms and may limit reading comfort. Furthermore, the adhesive used can eventually wear away over time and lead to book damage.
Perfect binding offers several advantages to publishers. First, it is cost-effective. Second, ideal binding enables a range of cover designs–including full-color images–while still being completed quickly and effortlessly – an essential feature when working to tight deadlines.
Perfect binding does have some drawbacks, however. These include not being as durable as books stitched or stapled together and difficulty opening and closing them if their pages become stuck too tightly together.
Though perfect binding has drawbacks, it remains integral to book publishing. The excellent binding provides publishers with a cost-effective method of producing quality books at reasonable costs.