Tips and Tricks for Binding Thermal Documents

Perhaps you have recently purchased a thermal book binding machine or are thinking about experimenting with a thermal book binding machine. Either way, there are a few things that you can do to make thermal book binding a little bit easier and to ensure a better finished product. Here are a couple of things to remember:

1. Make sure that your thermal binding cover is properly sized for your document. If you try to fit too many pages into your cover you will find that the first and last pages will not bind securely. If you don't have a cover that is the exact size for your proposal, it is best to go a little bit larger and not smaller.

2. Carefully square up your pages in your cover before book binding. Before putting your cover into the binding machine, fan out the pages in your document to be sure that none of the pages are stuck together. Then make sure that your pages are squared up neatly and that the front and back pages come in contact with the glue in the spine. If using a thermal cover with a clear front be especially careful with the front page of your document. Static electricity can sometimes cause the front page of the document to stick to the clear cover preventing it from coming into contact with the glue. Taking an extra moment at this point in the binding process will help to ensure that you have a better finished product.

3. After your book binding machine has finished its cycle take your document out and firmly tap the cover on a hard surface. This action will help to ensure that the pages are securely seated in the hot thermal glue and that the binding will be secure for years to come.

4. Be sure not to open the book until the document has completely cooled and the glue has set. This usually takes between three and five minutes and it is important that the book be given this time for the glue to harden so the binding will be secure.

5. Remember that you are not limited to binding one book at a time. Thermal book binding machines are able to bind multiple books at one time up to total capacity of your book binding machine. Binding multiple books at one time will help to increase productivity and get the job done faster.

6. If you are binding documents with high gloss paper or photo paper it is often best to staple the book block together before binding. If you do not staple the book block these glossy heavy papers can sometimes work themselves out of the binding. Stapling the book block will make it nearly impossible for a page to ever work its way out of your document. If you do not have a stapler that is large enough to staple the book block or don't want to use staples you can try using a piece of sandpaper to roughen the edge of book block to help it adhere better to the glue.

Following these simple tips will ensure a better finished product and save you time and money. Thermal book binding is the fastest book binding method available and when done right provides a finished product that is professional and will make the impression that you want.