November 2004: Organize Binders with Index Tabs

One of the most popular and effective ways to collect information, ring binders are a specialty among the information packaging services at Eckhart & Company. With a variety of information going into today's binders - in both paper and non-paper forms - it's important to keep binder contents organized. The solution? Index tabs!

Planning Considerations
Index tabs require effective planning in order to appear and function properly. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:

Proper tab sizing is important - Tabs are arranged in banks along the face of binders, and should vary in size depending on the number of tabs in each bank. To calculate proper tab size for your binder, subtract 1/2" from the head and foot of your loose leaf sheet dimension (1" total) and divide the remainder by the number of tabs in each bank.

Careful with copy placement - Tab extension copy should be placed at least 1/16" from each edge of the tab extension to ensure even placement. You may also want to nudge copy 1/32" toward the top of each tab extension. This additional margin ensures that tab extension copy is not obscured by looseleaf sheets or other inserted materials.

The addition of Mylar coatings can add value and longevity to your tab applications. Mylar can be applied to reinforce both the tab and the drilled holes along the binding edge.

Add Durability with Mylar
Ring binders are constructed for frequent use; their contents should also be designed to handle such rigors. Applying Mylar reinforcement to the binding edge and extensions of your tabs will help maximize their longevity. For tab extensions only, Mylar is available in a rainbow of colors to complement your binder designs. For binding edge reinforcement, Mylar is available in clear only. Here are a few tips to remember when planning for Mylar tabs:

Paper, coating and ink considerations: Mylar should be applied only over wax-free inks and coatings for proper adhesion. Also, check with Eckhart & Company when selecting your paper to ensure your stock will accept Mylar coatings. Many excessively porous papers will allow air pockets to form once Mylar is applied, causing unsightly bubbles in your tabs.

The Eckhart Advantage
At Eckhart & Company, we can help you design a completely customized ring binder that meets both aesthetic and budgetary needs. In addition to high-quality index tabs, we can perform screen printing, foil stamping and film laminating to a wide variety of binder wraps and cover materials. Give us a call and let us help you plan a successful information packaging product.

Back Issues

• October 2004 Create Appeal with Pad Holders and Portfolios
• September 2004 Toteboxes
• August 2004 Adding Value with Slipcases and Slantcases
• July 2004 Ring Binder Options
• June 2004 Did You Know?
• May 2004 Menu Cover Options
• April 2004 Turn Your Binder into a Display Piece
• March 2004 Material Options
• February 2004 Ring Binder Solutions
• January 2004 Our Capabilties for 2004
• December 2003 Versatile Pocket Styles
• November 2003 Create Attractive Dust Jackets
• October 2003 Point-of-Purchase Displays
• September 2003 Make Products User Friendly with Index Tabs
• August 2003  The Advantages of Prototypes
• July 2003  Creating the Perfect Package
• June 2003  Mechanical Binding Cover Styles
• May 2003  Custom Ring Binders
• April 2003  Mechanical Binding Options
• March, 2003  Award Holders
• February, 2003  Slipcases, Slantcases & Boxed Sets
• January, 2003 Serving Our Customers
• December, 2002 Media Packaging Options
• November, 2002 Ring Metal Options
• October, 2002 Customized Binder Options
• September, 2002 Turned Edge Possibilities