Layflat binding, also sometimes known as Otabind, is a type of binding where the book is designed to lay flat when opened.
The Allied Bindery layflat binding method involves collating the pages of a book together, roughening the edge that will be glued, and applying an adhesive to the roughened edge. A strip of cloth, which is known as gauzing, is then applied to the spine of the book, covering the roughened edge and providing reinforcement.
In the gauzing process, the cloth is cut to the appropriate size and applied to the spine, with the edges of the gauze extending slightly onto the inside of the cover of the book. With the gauze glued to the text and the cover glued to the strip of cloth, the cover and spine do not get glued together.
The gauzing process is used to help the book lay flat without compromising its structural integrity. The gauze is typically made from cotton, linen, or synthetic fibers and is designed to be flexible and tear-resistant.
Layflat binding is commonly used for softcover books, such as novels, textbooks, and trade paperbacks. It is not typically used for hardcover books, which require more complex binding methods to attach the cover to the pages.
As a generic term, layflat binding also applies to any binding technique that allows a book to lay flat when opened to any page, without the need to hold the pages down or use a book weight. Here are some examples of generic layflat binding:
- Plastic Coil Binding: Plastic coil binding is a bookbinding method that involves inserting a plastic coil or spiral through small holes punched along the edge of a stack of pages. Plastic coil is also a durable binding option that can withstand repeated use and handling, making it ideal for frequently referenced materials. Read more about Allied Bindery’s services here …
- Wire-O Binding: Wire-O binding, also known as twin-loop binding or double-loop binding, is a bookbinding method that involves threading a double-looped wire through a series of closely spaced holes punched along the edge of a stack of pages. The wire is then crimped at both ends to keep the pages securely bound together. Read more about Allied Bindery’s services here …