Notched Binding

Also called notched signatures, notch binding is a method that involves creating notches or cuts in the spine of folded signatures (groups of pages) before they are glued together. This technique is a common variation of perfect binding, which is used for paperback books.

The main benefit of notch binding over standard perfect binding is its durability. The notches allow for improved adhesion between the pages and the spine, reducing the likelihood of pages falling out. Also, this method provides a stronger, more durable binding than traditional perfect binding, while still being more cost-effective than sewing the signatures. Finally, notch binding is particularly useful for books that will be handled frequently or need to lie relatively flat when open, like textbooks or schoolbooks.

Get the best binding for your print project with personalized notched binding!

As a trade printing expert, we take each binding process very seriously, so that your clients’ demands go beyond their expectations. Here’s an general overview of the notched binding process:

Signatures: As in standard bookbinding, the book is printed on large sheets of paper, which are then folded down to create signatures (group of pages).
Notching: Unlike standard perfect binding, where the spine of the signatures is just glued, in notch binding, the spine edge of each signature is notched or cut before the gluing process. These notches can be made in various ways, such as by cutting slits or removing small sections of the paper along the spine.
Gluing: The notches create more surface area and spaces in the spine, allowing the glue to penetrate more deeply into the signatures. When the glue is applied, it seeps into these notches, creating a stronger bond between the pages.
Cover Attachment: After the gluing, the cover is attached to the spine in much the same way as in standard perfect binding.