Acme's on-demand binding service offers publishers and printers of short run editions a reasonably priced, durable and attractive hard cover binding option. This binding service has been designed for the needs of modern demand printing, providing rapid turnaround of gathered single sheet format books like those produced on high-speed copiers and Docutech machines.

Process Description

Pages are bound using a notched double-fan adhesive (DFA) process. DFA produces a very strong but flexible binding. Because of its durability DFA is used extensively for binding periodicals and monographs for research libraries around the world. DFA is not to be confused with perfect binding, this process first entails notching the spine to increase surface area for gluing, then PVA adhesive is applied by fanning the spine in one direction, then the other. PVA is a chemically stable adhesive that has long-term aging characteristics equal to that of acid-free laser paper used in digital printing. A stretchable spine lining is then applied that will allow rounding and backing and casing in.

The Ultrabind

Most Demand bound volumes are constructed on the Ultrabind, a computer controlled adhesive binding machine which Acme Bookbinding helped to develop. It produces high-quality adhesive bindings which rival the strength and flexibility of Smyth sewn books. The Ultrabind requires zero make-ready, ideal for short run jobs. This machine has eight integrated in-line stations...loading, milling, spine notching, sanding, double-fanning (a superior method of adhesive application), notch filling (a second application of PVA adhesive), cloth lining and unloading. Ultrabound books open beautifully for easy reading and photocopying. Because they will stand up to the toughest use and abuse, Ultrabound books have been especially well received in libraries, where books must withstand heavy circulation and repeated photocopying.

Options

Demand bindings can incorporate a preprinted 70# or 80# text weight paper cover which we will film laminate to produce an attractive hardcover book. Cover type and art can be handsomely stamped in foil or pigment on a wide range of colored bookcloths. Decorative headbands, printed dust jackets, individual shrink wrapping and/or boxing and fulfillment services-- all are available. Perfect bound paperback binding of Xerox DocuTech editions is an available option.

DEMAND BINDING FEATURES

Hard Cover binding

*Film laminated covers
*Foil or pigment stamped cloth covers

Standard Size Books

* 8-1/2" x 11"
* 7"x 10"
* 6" x 9"

Custom Size Books

* Maximum Width 16 inches
* Maximum Height 15 inches

Ultrabind double-fan adhesive binding

* Minimum Thickness 3/8 inches
* Maximum Thickness 2 inches

Hand double-fan adhesive binding

* No Minimum Thickness
* Maximum Thickness 3"

Oversewing

* No Minimum Thickness
* Maximum Thickness 5"

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

* Perfect binding
* Printed Dust Jackets
* Decorative Headbands
* No Minimum Order
* Fast Service
* Fulfillment services
* Shrink Wrapping
* Label Mounting
* Disk/CD Insertion
* Individual Boxing