Helpful Tips

This Month's Topic: Adhesive Binding Options
October 2003

Adhesive binding is a functional and attractive binding solution that’s ideal for a wide range of book applications. Versatility is also a hallmark of adhesive binding. There are literally hundreds of adhesive formulas available, as well as several application and binding methods. That makes advance planning a must to be sure your books have the quality your customers expect.

EVA Hot Melt vs. PUR Adhesives
EVA hot melt and PUR are the two main binding adhesive families, and they each have distinct characteristics that should be considered when planning a project. EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is the “standard” adhesive used for perfect binding, and it’s available in many different formulas. EVA adhesives are also versatile enough to be used on both coated and uncoated stock. PUR (polyurethane reactive) is the strongest and most flexible binding adhesive available. It is impervious to both hot and cold temperature extremes, and works well with all stocks and coatings, including synthetics and plastics. PUR adhesive is ideal for layflat binding, which benefit from its flexibility and durability. The aggressiveness of PUR makes it ideal for applications with heavy ink or coating coverage in the spine area, as signatures need no grinding prior to binding. Lastly, PUR adhesives are applied thinly, which helps prevent wavy spines on extremely thin books.

Alternative Binding Style
Layflat adhesive binding - With this binding style, the cover is affixed to the book block using side glue, which creates a “detached” spine that allows the book to lay perfectly flat when opened.

Planning Tip
Leave sufficient curing time - While EVA hot melt adhesives cure quickly, PUR requires more time to achieve proper strength and flexibility. For that reason, PUR adhesive needs a little more planning for quick-turnaround projects.

The Allied Advantage
At Allied Bindery, we offer a complete range of adhesive binding capabilities to give you plenty of design freedom. In addition to durable and flexible PUR binding, layflat binding and notch binding, we can also handle two-up book formats as well as thin books with spines down to 1/16”. Let the experts at Allied Bindery help you plan your book projects for efficient production and exceptional quality, and rest easy knowing your books are in capable hands.