A raised band, a horizontal protrusion running along the spine, is used to attach the cover boards of a hardcover book. This ridge protects the spine and enhances the ease of opening and closing the book. Additionally, raised bands are attachment points for book labels or other markings.
A raised band along the spine serves two purposes in bookbinding. Firstly, it assists binders in achieving an aesthetically pleasing and level spine appearance. Secondly, it acts as a support for the text block when the book is open. Thus, whether in hardcover or paperback books, raised bands play a significant role in design.
Creating a raised band involves a process called rounding and backing. Rounding entails giving a slight curve to the book’s spine. At the same time, backing consists of adhering to supportive material like cardboard. Materials such as cloth or leather are added to and secured onto the spine with glue or stitches to form the raised band.
Besides enhancing visual appeal by producing an even surface on spines, raised bands prevent text blocks from sagging or collapsing while keeping books open. Publishers value this technique as it allows them to produce high-quality books within tight schedules and budgetary constraints efficiently. The versatility of Raised Band enables publishers to customize their bindings according to specific requirements—whether they’re creating limited edition hardcovers or large quantities of paperbacks that meet diverse reader needs.