THIS MONTH'S TOPIC: CASED IN WIRE-O

Do you have a demanding project that requires layflat capabilities from its binding style? What about a high level of durability? Do you need to print on the spine? If you have crossover images or copy, you'll also want a binding style that doesn't "step up", correct?

While that may sound like a tall order, cased-in Wire-O binding can handle all of those concerns. The Wire-O binding allows books to lay flat without stepping up when opened, while the wraparound case provides a sturdy cover that allows products to be used for years.

At Eckhart & Company, we specialize in cased-in Wire-O production for products such as journals, cookbooks, instructional guides and more. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning a cased-in Wire-O product:

Case Materials and Decoration - Cases can be covered with a number of different materials to give your books an attractive appearance, including cloth, offset-printed and film-laminated paper, imitation leather and more. Decoration options are equally numerous, as cases can be screen-printed, foil stamped, embossed and debossed, die cut, UV coated or film laminated to meet your design needs.

Planning Tip: Sturdy End Sheets - In the case binding process, the Wire-O bound book block is attached to the case by gluing the first and last sheets in the book - the "end sheets" - to the inside covers of the case. Therefore, the strength and durability of the book is determined by the strength of these end sheets. The proper weight for end sheets depends on the number and thickness of pages in the book block. Let Eckhart and Co. help you specify an appropriate end sheet for your specific application.

The strength and durability of a cased-in wire-o book is determined by the "end sheets" (the first and last sheets of the book) which are glued to the cover. Proper weight for end sheets depends on the number and thickness of pages in the book block.

The Eckhart Advantage
Eckhart & Company offers a wide range of book binding and print finishing solutions to make your projects functional and attractive. In addition to cased-in and softcover Wire-O applications, we offer spiral wire, plastic spiral and plastic comb mechanical binding; high-speed perfect binding; folding; collating; and a host of ancillary services. Contact Eckhart today to find out how we can help you produce your next great project!

Back Issues:

• June 2004  Quality Mechanical Binding Starts at the Punch

• May 2004  Fully Concealed Wire-O Covers

• April 2004  Turn Your Mechanically Bound Book Into a Display Piece

• March 2004  Large Diameter Spiral Wire Binding

• February 2004  Perfect Binding

• January 2004  Our Capabilities

• December 2003  Turned Edge Advantages

• November 2003  Semi-Concealed Wire-O

• October 2003  The Advantages of UV Coating

• September 2003  Mechanical Binding Inserts

• August 2003  The Advantages of Prototypes

• July 2003  Calendars

• June 2003  Index Tabbing

• May 2003  Plastic Comb Binding

• April 2003  Mechanical Binding Options

• March 2003  News From BookTech

• February 2003  Plastic Spiral Binding

• January 2003  Serving Our Customers

• December 2002  Wire-O Covers

• November, 2002 Spiral Wire Production

• October, 2002 Wire-O Binding

• September, 2002 Mechanical Binding Basics

• August, 2002 Cased-In Wire-O