Tape Binding vs. Perfect Binding: What’s the Difference?

When deciding on a book binding method, you need to know all the facts before you can make the final choice. All lot of places will give you the details of their machines, but no one tells you about the supplies or process in general. That’s where we come in. So to start your comparative analysis, we have placed tape binding vs. perfect binding to give you the necessary information to make a proper educated decision.

Tape Binding       

Tape binding usually involves a strip of tape lined with a heat-activated adhesive or pressure sensitive adhesive. The tape is applied to the spine of a stack of paper. Typically, tape-bound documents use a clear or report front cover and a report back cover of some sort. If using a clear or frosted cover, it is important to make sure that it is heat sensitive or else it will warp from the heat of the machine.

Advantages of Tape Binding

• Cost efficient
• Quick turnaround time in comparison to perfect binding
• Stacks flat
• Nice finished presentation
• Easy to file and mail
• Easy to use machine that does all the work for you
• Able to use Tab Dividers in your book
• Option for binding hard cover books

Limitations/Disadvantages of Tape Binding

• Adhesives aren’t as strong as perfect binding
• Limited to how far the pages can rotate and the book can lay
• To bind Hard Cover books, additional supplies and equipment needed
• Size limitations up to 14” in length

Perfect Binding

Perfect binding is a punchless book binding method that works by securing the book block to the cover spine, similar to tape binding. The book block is roughened or sanded, to create better adhesion, and glued together along the spine with strong glue. The cover is then wrapped around the glued pages, and the product is trimmed to its finished and final size. It can also be referred to as unsewn binding or adhesive binding. Perfect binding is often used for softcovers books and is most familiar to people in the form of a paperback book.

Advantages of Perfect Binding

• Ability to print on the spine
• Professional finished look
• Can customize cover in house
• Stacks flat
• Its longevity and durability
• Ability to interleaf pages using a number of colours, finishes and paper weights
• EVA glue is non-toxic and doesn’t have to be cleaned from the machine after use
• Option to bind Hard Cover books

Limitations/Disadvantages of Perfect Binding

• Loss of design space in the inner margin on a press sheet, also known as the gutter
• Does not allow for hands-free reading since it does not lay flat
• Unable to use Tab Dividers in soft cover books
• Recommended curing time for glue to adhere
• If using PUR glue, must have proper ventilation
• If binding Hard Cover books, additional equipment and supplies needed

  Have you made your decision in the tape binding vs. perfect binding battle? Contact Southwest Bindings to let us know the winner and get your project started today.