Acme's on-demand printing and binding service offers a reasonably priced, attractive hard cover binding option that is easy and fast. Our service provides a one-stop solution for high-quality, variable quantity production of hardcover books. Acme has been making books since 1821. In fact our company president, Paul Parisi, is the co-editor of the national standard on Library Binding, ANSI/NISO/LBI Z39.78-2000.

Printing Process Description

Pages can be scanned from an original copy or you can send in a PDF file. We assume that all printing/scanning is to be 600 dpi, 1-bit black and white. If you require grayscale (8-bit) for halftone images or color, please call to get specific instructions for the preparatioin of your job. All printing uses a digital process. It is possible for us to produce as many copies as you require, plus we can make a PDF CD as well. We print on 50# and 60# alkaline paper that is designed for use on laser printers. Our paper is natural (cream) or white, acid-free, long-fiber, and will have the grain running in the correct direction to facilitate easy reading. Paper meets the requirements of the ANSI Standard for permanence of paper Z39.49-1992 (R1997). All printing will be duplex (double-sided), unless we are instructed otherwise.

Binding 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 bindings 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 80# or 100# text weight paper cover which we will film laminate to produce an attractive hardcover book. If printing on a coated paper it must be coated only on one side (C1S). 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 digitally printed 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