Tips for Better Perfect Binding

• Ask about pricing flexibility, but consider more than just price. Suppliers might be able to bundle accessories, adhesive supplies or even service support into a deal. These can bring more long-term benefit than a lower initial purchase price. —Mark Hunt, Standard Finishing Systems

• Ask the supplier to bind some of your most challenging applications—lightweight paper, coated stocks, digitally imaged covers and stocks. Assess the samples. Get hands-on time with the binder for one of your operators. Have the supplier teach them how to complete a changeover. Do your own time studies to verify that the production rates being quoted are realistic and not just “cycle times.” Review finished books for consistency. Book-to-book irregularity is a tip-off that settings may be prone to wandering. —Mark Hunt, Standard Finishing Systems