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This part of the binding process is where saddle stitching gets its distinctive name. The publication travels along the apparatus with its outer spine facing up and each side of the publication hanging over the sides like legs on a saddle. This creates a small lap which aids the machine in opening the unbound publication to the centerfold, assuring each publication is correctly pulled onto the stitcher’s conveyor. The groups of folded pages, known as signatures, are intentionally printed and folded to be longer on one edge than the other. A heavy arm applies a final fold, called the knife fold, to the parent sheets along the fold line with great pressure. The folding process ensures crisp, precise folds along the spine. The cover of the publication is usually combined with the parent sheets, so long as the substance of the cover is able to be folded alongside its pages. The parent sheets are sent into gates in a folder machine which are set to the proper fold size for the sheets. Once a publication’s parent sheets leave the printing press, a gatherer organizes the sheets into the correct sequence. In commercial printing, saddle stitching varies between machinery and binderies, but the basic process in a saddle stitching line is as follows.
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After trimming, the end product is a sleek, softcover publication bound with staples through its spine. In this binding process, sheets of printed paper are folded and nested together, then metal wire is stitched through the fold line to create the spine. Saddle stitching, also called the two-wire stitch or stapled spine, is a popular, cost-effective binding method widely used for thinner magazines, catalogs and booklets. In this series, we explore how different binding processes are performed in a commercial setting and how they affect the final product. From the look to the weight to the longevity of the finished publication, it’s important to know how each binding technique can suit the unique needs of your publication and differentiate you from the competition.
SADDLE STAPLED PDF
Standard printing specifications also apply, with your artwork file to be exported as a high-resolution PDF with 3mm bleed and crop marks.There’s so much more to binding than just paperback or hardcover. A single page document should be supplied as 1 file with 16 pages NOT 16 separate files.
SADDLE STAPLED HOW TO
How to set up your artwork file for saddle stitched booksĪlthough saddle stitched books are printed as spreads, the majority of printers will request for your file to be supplied as a 1 up multiple page file. Typically, the recommended maximum page count is 48 pages but it’s best to check with your printer regarding the best stock option/page count. If your book is too thick you will notice bulging at the spine. The maximum number of pages for your saddle stitched book is dependent upon the thickness of the stock. Therefore, the page count must be divisible by four – for example, accepted page counts are 8, 12, 16, 20, 24. Saddle stitched books are printed in spreads (1 double sided spread is made up of 4 pages). What is the best page count for saddle stitched books? Minimum Page Count Saddle Stitched binding is recommended for the following printed products The minimal weight and bulkiness of saddle stitched books will make the packages lighter and therefore cheaper to transport.
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Not only are you saving on material costs this will also benefit any delivery charges. This is due to the minimal amount of binding materials required.
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Saddle Stitched is one of the most cost-effective binding options. Saddle Stitched is the cheapest binding option What does Saddle Stitched Binding look like? Saddle stitched binding can be applied to all book dimensions and both portrait and landscape orientation. These pages are then stapled together through the fold line. The technique uses printed sheets which are folded and nestled inside each other. Commonly known as book stapling, ‘saddle stitched’ is one of the most popular binding methods.
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