Out of all methods for binding documents, thermal binding is considered to be the best by many users. This method binds documents using heat and adhesive and provides a high-quality finish suitable for professional documents. Compared to punch and bind solutions, thermal binding is more preferred because it eliminates the punching step. This technology may also help reduce production and assembly time, depending on the system. The binding style allows easily adding new pages or removing bound pages. If you are looking to create permanent documents or books with a professional finish, this is your best bet.
Thermal binding is done with the help of thermal binding machines and thermal covers. The unbound document is covered completely with a thermal binding cover before putting it into the binding machine. Then the machine applies heat so that the adhesive can bind the back of the papers to the spine. The document thus created often looks brand new with a classy look that can’t be achieved with spiral or comb binding.
The high efficiency of thermal binding machines may create an impression that these machines are difficult to use because of their technicalities. However, in reality, thermal binding machines can be used by anyone without any difficulties whatsoever. Some of the sophisticated machines available nowadays can make thermal binding a breeze.
Types of Thermal Binding
There are two basic types of thermal binding. In one of these methods, a tape is used. One side of this tape contains a heat-activated adhesive. This tape binds the sheets and covers them together at the spine. Tape strips of various sizes are used to bind together the pages and covers. In a typical thermal tape binding system, the application of the binding strips or tape takes place while heating the document. Therefore, the hands of the users remain free to prepare the next document. A per-minute production rate of two to four documents can be expected in this method.
The other method uses a wraparound cover containing an adhesive channel. When heat is applied, the cut sheets are bound by the adhesives into the wraparound cover. The adhesive gets activated by the application of heat to the adhesive-coated spine. As a result, the pages are bound within the wraparound cover. Depending on thickness, these systems can bind multiple documents at a time. The binding time required by these systems is approximately 30 seconds.
Advantages of Thermal Binding
- The most important benefit of thermal binding is its unmatched aesthetic appeal. If you want to create a great first impression through your documents, this is undoubtedly the best option.
- In spiral and comb binding, the strength of the paper gets reduced significantly because of punching. Thermal binding offers more strength and durability because it doesn’t involve punching.
- Spiral and comb binding takes a lot of time because these methods involve punching holes, putting the coil and spiral through the document, and cutting the crimping the ends of the spiral. On the contrary, thermal binding can be completed in almost no time.
If you have a binding project in hand, please get in touch with us in RENZ Australia to explore your options.