How to Bind using Thermal Binding Covers

These instructions are designed to provide step-by-step instructions for binding one or many books using thermal binding covers.  Note:  Only a thermal binding machine can be used with thermal binding covers.  Covers come in a variety of spine widths to accommodate various numbers of pages.

Individual book assembly:

1. Start by gathering your pages and dividers (if used).
2. Determine which size binding cover is required for the number of pages to be bound for each book. Make sure to include any dividers in the total page count.
   Note:  some machines provide a spine width guide printed on the back of the machine to help you determine the right spine width for your project. If you are still not sure, some machines offer a measuring ledge.
   Note:  If the document falls between two widths, it is recommended that you use the larger size to insure a tight bond.
   
3. Collate pages and dividers in order.
   
4. Nest document face up inside cover with title page showing under the transparent cover.
   
5. Tap document spine firmly on a hard surface to make sure all pages are in contact with the strip of glue on the inside of the spine. This is imperative to the binding process and will have a major impact on the quality of your finished product.
6. Press the power button which will warm-up the machine.  When the machine has reached temperature, the ready light will go on. 
   Note:  Some machines have a various heat cycles.  Please refer to the machine’s operation manual for instructions on the appropriate heat setting for your project. 
   
7. Push down document, spine first, between two binding clamps as far as you can.  When spine has made contact with the heating element, the in-process light will go on indicating the beginning of the binding process. A beep tone will be heard when the process is complete.
   
8. Remove document immediately in order to avoid overheating.  Gently tap the document on its spine once or twice to help evenly distribute the glue.
   
9. Allow document to cool, spine DOWN, for approximately 10 minutes to allow glue to harden.  To ensure a sturdy binding, never open the document or lay it down flat if it is still warm.
   
10. Repeat for each subsequent book.
    

1. Start by gathering your pages and dividers (if used).
2. Determine which size binding cover is required for the number of pages to be bound for each book. Make sure to include any dividers in the total page count.
   Note:  some machines provide a spine width guide printed on the back of the machine to help you determine the right spine width for your project. If you are still not sure, some machines offer a measuring ledge.
   Note:  If the document falls between two widths, it is recommended that you use the larger size to insure a tight bond.
   
3. Collate pages and dividers in order.
   
4. Nest document face up inside cover with title page showing under the transparent cover. Place in pile.
   
5. Repeat until all books are assembled.
   
6. Press the power button which will warm-up the machine.  When the machine has reached temperature, the ready light will go on. 
   Note:  Some machines have a various heat cycles.  Please refer to the machine’s operation manual for instructions on the appropriate heat setting for your project. Machines will stay hot until power button is turned off.
   
7. For each book, tap document spine firmly on a hard surface to make sure all pages are in contact with the strip of glue on the inside of the spine.  This is imperative to the binding process and will have a major impact on the quality of your finished product.
   
8. Push down document, spine first, between two binding clamps as far as you can.  When spine has made contact with the heating element, the in-process light will go on indicating the beginning of the binding process. A beep tone will be heard when the process is complete.
   Note:  For fixed heat cycle machines, you may need to repeat the heat cycle for thermal cover spine widths over a certain size.  Check the operations manual for direction.
   Note:  Some machines may accommodate binding more than one document at a time.  Refer to the products instruction manual for details and heat settings.
   
9. Remove document immediately in order to avoid overheating.  Gently tap the document on its spine once or twice to help evenly distribute the glue.
   
10. Allow document to cool, spine DOWN, for approximately 10 minutes to allow glue to harden.  To ensure a sturdy binding, never open the document or lay it down flat if it is still warm.
    

If you have loose, unglued sheets, this can happen for several reasons:

• Not tapping the spine firmly enough at the start of the process to make contact between the document pages’ edges and the spine glue strip.
  
• Removing the document too early not allowing enough time for the glue to melt and spread properly.
  
• Opening the document or laying it flat while the glue is still warm.
  
• Too short a heat cycle – for variable heat cycle machines.

You may try and repeat the process from the beginning to get the bond you desire.

If you have loose, unglued sheets AND/OR damaged binding, this can happen for two reasons:

• Not removing the document immediately after the heat cycle is completed.
  
• Overheating/too long a heat cycle - With variable heat cycle machines.
  

Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to correct this problem and salvage the document in these cases.

THERMAL BINDING COVERS
These covers have a clear PVC front with a glossy white opaque back.  Extra strength channel of glue in spine provides added bonding strength.  Although the pre-glued spines are a more expensive than other methods of binding, they provide a professional bound document for the low volume user.
 
Use with Fellowes TB450 or other thermal binding systems.

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