Copresco: October 2005 Overnight Lite

When is a book not a book...

Ring Binding Offers Flexibility, Durability, Economy

   What makes a stack of printed sheets into a book or manual? Binding, of course.
   Whether held together chemically (by glue, as in perfect or case binding) or mechanically (as in wire or plastic binding) the individual pages are permanently melded into one final complete unit.
   There are times, however, when permanent binding is actually undesirable. In such cases, consideration should be given to a binding style that many don’t consider to be binding at all.

Just Kids’ Stuff

   Call it looseleaf, three-ring or notebook style, you have probably been keeping loose drilled papers in a three-ring notebook since you were in elementary school. Any fourth grader can tell you the advantages.
   Easy to update. Is page 72 likely to be revised next month? That would be a big problem for most bound books, but with a looseleaf binder users simply open the rings and replace the old page with a new version.
   This feature is best when the book is actually a collection of bulletins, articles, schedules or time-sensitive announcements.

Why Do More?

   Sure, with Copresco’s on-demand printing service, you could reprint the entire book as often as you like. But why do so if you need only reprint one or two pages? Our sister publication TechTopics is an excellent example of this.
   Protection. A ring binder made of vinyl or polyurethane will cover and protect your materials better than just about any other binding method.
   If your book or manual will be used outdoors, on a factory floor or travel from place to place, a looseleaf notebook will keep its contents intact virtually forever.
   Flexibility. Will users want to add their own materials? Easily done with a ring binder; nearly impossible with any other binding style.

A Perfect Fit for Tabs

   How about using index tab dividers to improve appearance and usability?
   This feature can be used with other binding styles, but is most effective with looseleaf binding. Like the contents, new or updated tabs can be added later with no problem.
   Want to include CDs or DVDs? Special sleeves allow these to be hung on the rings.

Weigh the Options

   Nothing is perfect, so beware of these considerations.
   Cost. Short of a corner staple, looseleaf books and manuals cost less than just about any other binding style.
   The actual ring binder that the pages will be inserted into is another matter and can range from moderate to very expensive, depending upon the features and customization.
   The up-front cost of the binder is justifiable since it is a one-time cost. Once produced, it can be used for many years, no matter how much the material inside changes.

Simply Plan Ahead

   Punch style. Sending books abroad? Our three holes and the two or four holes used anywhere outside of North America don’t play well together.
   TechTopics No. 11 deals with these international standards. See the accompanying story.
   Serving the automotive industry? Their notebooks require a very unique hole pattern.
   These examples needn’t cause problems or undue expense—if they are accounted for and addressed ahead of time.
   Tearing. The biggest single complaint about ring binding. After long periods of rough use, the paper pulls against the rings and tears. This happens most frequently with the first or last pages.
   The incorporation of sheet lifters and/or d-rings into the binders will minimize this problem. Another alternative is to mylar reinforce the binding edges of cover pages and index tabs.
   For the Rolls-Royce of looseleaf, every page can be reinforced. When this procedure is used, the contents of the binder will probably outlive its user!

Dealing with ISO Paper Sizes

   Most North Americans have no idea that metrics, not U.S. measurements, are the paper standards used everywhere in the world, except the United States and Canada.
   TechTopics No. 11 will help graphic arts professionals score major points with foreign-based customers by meeting ISO (International Standards Organization) guidelines.
   The bulletin explains the ISO paper-size concept and includes paper-drilling specifications.
   Easy-to-follow comparison charts of ISO A, B and C series paper formats are included.
   You can get a free subscription to TechTopics by completing a form on the Copresco website or e-mailing Copresco.

You Know Who to Call

So, when you need books or manuals, call the company that will help you find the best alternative to suit your needs…and your budget.
Call Copresco.

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