Arts >> Books >> Book Publishing

How to Therma-Bind Softbound Books

Using a thermal binding machine makes covering documents a relatively simple task. The number of machines available to thermal bind books allows any sized book to be covered, either hardback or paperback. There are a variety of different covers that can be used, and all of them come with adhesive already inside them. The correct binder should be used for the size of the document you plan to bind. However, no matter which brand you use, all of the machines work basically the same way.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermal binding press
  • Thermal binding cover
  • Papers to bind or paperback book
  • Ruler (optional)
  • Thermal binding glue strip (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Plug the thermal binding machine into an outlet and turn it on.

    • 2

      Gather the papers that you want to bind. Fan the papers with your hands to reduce static electricity between the sheets. Smooth the papers flat and make sure that all of the edges are even.

    • 3

      Hold open the binding cover. Place the papers into the binding cover, with the edge you want bound going in first. This will be the spine of your book. Keep the pages straight and even. Close the binding cover around your document.

    • 4

      Insert your covered document into the thermal binding machine with the spine facing downward. The edge of the binding cover will align to the right of the guide. Most machines should begin the binding process automatically. If your machine does not, press the switch that starts the binding process. Most machines also have a preset binding time. If your machine does not, set the desired binding time.

    • 5

      Remove the covered document from the machine when it has finished the binding process. Press the spine of the new book flat against a hard surface to help the adhesive set.

    • 6

      Place the new book into the cooling stand on the thermal binding machine. After 15 minutes, the spine should be completely set.

Book Publishing

Related Categories