Product Information | Hard Cover Books - Case Binding
Hard cover case binding is a form of book making in which the cover is assembled from a thick boxboard shell. The shell is wrapped with a printed cover sheet on the outside and covered by blank lining sheets on the inside. The cover sheet and lining sheets are bound to the boxboard shell using adhesive.
The finished cover and internal pages are then bound along the spine using strong adhesive. All of our books are glued using extra strong resin to ensure a super tough bind between the cover and internal/text pages.
Our covers are assembled using a unique automated and environmentally friendly completely dry process which doesn’t require any liquid chemicals or glue.
Hard cover case bound books have specific artwork set up instructions. It is very important that your artwork is created as per the instructions outlined below to ensure your artwork is correctly supplied.
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Perfect Binding Comparison
Hard cover case bound books are different from perfect bound books in that:
- The covers are assembled using ultra-thick boxboard to give an extremely strong, rigid & durable finish. In comparison, the thickest cover stock we can offer for perfect binding is a 350gsm artboard. This is about 8-10 times thinner than the cover for our case bound books.
- The covers are always bigger than the internal/text pages. This means the covers slightly overhang the internal pages when the books are finished. Whereas for perfect bound books, the covers and internal/text pages are trimmed flush
The result of this is that hard cover case biding produces more durable and substantial books when compared to perfect binding.
Book Assembly Explained
Details on how we construct and assemble hard cover case bound books can be found below:
1) Blank Pre-Assembled Hard Cover Shells
First we start with a blank 3mm boxboard shell (with an in-built patented steel spine). Each shell is covered with a special paper containing a thin layer of hot melt on the outside. When heated the layer of hot melt allows the printed cover sheet to be adhered to the cover shells.
2) Printed Cover Sheets
Next we print the cover design on oversized sheets. The sheets are then wrapped around and adhered to the the blank cover shells. We offer printed cover sheets in 3 options: Linen stock finish, gloss laminate finish or matt laminate (anti-scuff) finish.
3) Inside Cover Lining Sheets
The next step in the process is the application of the inside cover lining sheets. These sheets are made from a special uncoated stock which when heat activated adheres them to the inside front and back cover shell. These sheets are available in 2 colours (Black or White) and due to their unique construction they cannot be printed on.
4) Final Construction
Lastly, the in-built square shaped steel spine is formed ready for the the internal pages to be inserted. The internal/text pages are then inserted into the pre-assembled cover, fitting snugly into the square shaped spine. Super strong resin (built into the spine of the cover) is then heated until it becomes liquid. The internal/text pages then sink into the melted resin forming a powerful bond. The spine is then crimped to provide a clean, professional finish.
Stock Options
Printed Cover Finishes:
- Linen Finish
- Matt Laminated Finish
- Gloss Laminated Finnish
Inside Cover Lining:
- Black Uncoated Lining (Unprinted)
- White Uncoated Lining (Unprinted)
Internal/Text Pages Stocks:
- Uncoated Bond- 100gsm, 140gsm
- Recycled Uncoated Paper- 100gsm, 120gsm
- Linen Uncoated Paper- 100gsm
- Gloss Artpaper- 115gsm, 150gsm, 170gsm
- Matt-Satin Artpaper- 115gsm, 150gsm, 170gsm
- Recycled Matt-Satin Artpaper- 150gsm
How to supply artwork for Hard Cover Case Bound Books
Please provide all artwork as PDF’s with the cover and internal/text pages supplied as separate files.
Detailed instructions on how to set up artwork for the front & back cover and internal pages can be found by expanding the sections below.
Creating Artwork for the Cover
- The outside front and back cover must be supplied as a two page spread (see diagram below).
- The cover must contain 10mm of external bleed.
This is to allow for the printed cover to wrap around the cover shell. All background images, colours and graphics graphics which finish on the edge of the cover must bleed 10mm past the edge of the cover. - The cover must contain 5mm of internal bleed.
All text, logo’s and important graphics must be kept 5mm inside the edge of the cover. - We don’t recommend placing text within 15mm of the spine on the front and back cover.
This is because text placed in this area can be affected by the spine creasing. - The cover artwork must be the correct size including the correct spine width. Spine widths differ depending on the stock type and number of pages in the book. Cover sizes and spine widths can be found by expanding the tab’s below (tabs are provided for each paper weight / type).
- E.g. A 44pp + Cover A4 portrait book printed on 100gsm laser bond would have a 7mm thick spine. Therefore, the cover size including the spine would be 434x304mm (+ 10mm of external bleed on each edge).
- Due to a 1-2mm tolerance in the folding, binding and gluing processes, where possible we advise against:
- Placing text on the spine (particularly for narrow spine widths).
- Designing your artwork to line up flush along the spine and the front or back cover.
If artwork is supplied like this, variances during the printing/binding process may be exaggerated which can result in the spine showing on the front or back cover after binding.
Creating Artwork for the Internal/Text Pages
- The internal (text) pages need to be be supplied as a 1-Up multiple page PDF file.
- All internal (text) pages must contain 3mm of internal and external bleed.
To ensure text or important graphics are not obscured by the spine & binding, we do not recommend such elements are placed within 20mm (15mm at an absolute minimum) of the binding edge. - Please make sure that artwork is supplied at the correct page size.
E.g. If you are ordering A4 magazines, please do not supply A5 size artwork. - Please ensure that your artwork has the correct number of pages.
E.g. If you are ordering a 60pp book, your supplied artwork needs to have exactly 60 pages. If your design has less than 60 pages please add blank pages to make up the required amount. - Text elements should not be placed across page spreads.
This is because text placed within 10-15mm of the spine will not be visible after binding. - Please be aware, images or graphics which are are placed across page spreads will not line up exactly in your finished book.
This is because anything placed within 10-15mm of the spine will not be visible after binding.
Cover Size & Spine Width Tables
Please use the following tables to determine the correct cover size and spine width when creating your artwork.
*Please note, cover widths do not include external bleed.
A4 Portrait & A4 Landscape Cover Sizes for 100gsm Laser Bond
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = A4 Port Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = A4 Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range | Spine Width | A4 Portrait Cover Size inc Spine | A4 Landscape Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|
44pp to 48pp | 7mm | 434x304mm | 608x217mm |
50pp to 80pp | 9mm | 436x304mm | 610x217mm |
82pp to 114pp | 11mm | 438x304mm | 612x217mm |
116pp to 146pp | 14mm | 441x304mm | 615x217mm |
148pp to 176pp | 17mm | 444x304mm | 618x217mm |
Small Square, Large Square & Large Landscape Cover Sizes for 100gsm Laser Bond
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = Small Square Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = Large Square Cover Size inc Spine
5th Value = Large Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range (pp) | Spine Width | Small Square (202x202mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Square (303x303mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Landscape (330x262mm) Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|---|
44pp to 80pp | 9mm | 420x210mm | 624x311mm | 680x268mm |
82pp to 114pp | 11mm | 422x210mm | 626x311mm | 682x268mm |
116pp to 176pp | 17mm | 428x210mm | 632x311mm | 688x268mm |
A4 Portrait & A4 Landscape Cover Sizes for 100gsm Linen
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = A4 Port Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = A4 Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range | Spine Width | A4 Portrait Cover Size inc Spine | A4 Landscape Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|
44pp to 48pp | 7mm | 434x304mm | 608x217mm |
50pp to 80pp | 9mm | 436x304mm | 610x217mm |
82pp to 112pp | 11mm | 438x304mm | 612x217mm |
114pp to 144pp | 14mm | 441x304mm | 615x217mm |
146pp to 176pp | 17mm | 444x304mm | 618x217mm |
Small Square, Large Square & Large Landscape Cover Sizes for 100gsm Linen
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = Small Square Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = Large Square Cover Size inc Spine
5th Value = Large Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range (pp) | Spine Width | Small Square (202x202mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Square (303x303mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Landscape (330x262mm) Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|---|
44pp to 78pp | 9mm | 420x210mm | 624x311mm | 680x268mm |
80pp to 110pp | 11mm | 422x210mm | 626x311mm | 682x268mm |
112pp to 176pp | 17mm | 428x210mm | 632x311mm | 688x268mm |
A4 Portrait & A4 Landscape Cover Sizes for 100gsm Recycled Uncoated
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = A4 Port Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = A4 Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range | Spine Width | A4 Portrait Cover Size inc Spine | A4 Landscape Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|
44pp to 46pp | 7mm | 434x304mm | 608x217mm |
48pp to 76pp | 9mm | 436x304mm | 610x217mm |
78pp to 106pp | 11mm | 438x304mm | 612x217mm |
108pp to 138pp | 14mm | 441x304mm | 615x217mm |
140pp to 176pp | 17mm | 444x304mm | 618x217mm |
Small Square, Large Square & Large Landscape Cover Sizes for 100gsm Recycled Uncoated
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = Small Square Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = Large Square Cover Size inc Spine
5th Value = Large Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range (pp) | Spine Width | Small Square (202x202mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Square (303x303mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Landscape (330x262mm) Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|---|
44pp to 76pp | 9mm | 420x210mm | 624x311mm | 680x268mm |
78pp to 106pp | 11mm | 422x210mm | 626x311mm | 682x268mm |
108pp to 176pp | 17mm | 428x210mm | 632x311mm | 688x268mm |
A4 Portrait & A4 Landscape Cover Sizes for 115gsm Gloss
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = A4 Port Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = A4 Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range | Spine Width | A4 Portrait Cover Size inc Spine | A4 Landscape Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|
44pp to 62pp | 7mm | 434x304mm | 608x217mm |
64pp to 104pp | 9mm | 436x304mm | 610x217mm |
106pp to 146pp | 11mm | 438x304mm | 612x217mm |
148pp to 188pp | 14mm | 441x304mm | 615x217mm |
190pp to 210pp | 17mm | 444x304mm | 618x217mm |
Small Square, Large Square & Large Landscape Cover Sizes for 115gsm Gloss
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = Small Square Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = Large Square Cover Size inc Spine
5th Value = Large Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range (pp) | Spine Width | Small Square (202x202mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Square (303x303mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Landscape (330x262mm) Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|---|
44pp to 104pp | 9mm | 420x210mm | 624x311mm | 680x268mm |
106pp to 146pp | 11mm | 422x210mm | 626x311mm | 682x268mm |
148pp to 210pp | 17mm | 428x210mm | 632x311mm | 688x268mm |
A4 Portrait & A4 Landscape Cover Sizes for 115gsm Matt-Satin
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = A4 Port Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = A4 Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range | Spine Width | A4 Portrait Cover Size inc Spine | A4 Landscape Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|
44pp to 54pp | 7mm | 434x304mm | 608x217mm |
56pp to 90pp | 9mm | 436x304mm | 610x217mm |
92pp to 126pp | 11mm | 438x304mm | 612x217mm |
128pp to 162pp | 14mm | 441x304mm | 615x217mm |
164pp to 210pp | 17mm | 444x304mm | 618x217mm |
Small Square, Large Square & Large Landscape Cover Sizes for 115gsm Matt-Satin
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = Small Square Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = Large Square Cover Size inc Spine
5th Value = Large Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range (pp) | Spine Width | Small Square (202x202mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Square (303x303mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Landscape (330x262mm) Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|---|
44pp to 90pp | 9mm | 420x210mm | 624x311mm | 680x268mm |
92pp to 126pp | 11mm | 422x210mm | 626x311mm | 682x268mm |
128pp to 210pp | 17mm | 428x210mm | 632x311mm | 688x268mm |
A4 Portrait & A4 Landscape Cover Sizes for 120gsm Recycled Uncoated
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = A4 Port Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = A4 Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range | Spine Width | A4 Portrait Cover Size inc Spine | A4 Landscape Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|
44pp to 66pp | 9mm | 436x304mm | 610x217mm |
68pp to 92pp | 11mm | 438x304mm | 612x217mm |
94pp to 120pp | 14mm | 441x304mm | 615x217mm |
122pp to 154pp | 17mm | 444x304mm | 618x217mm |
Small Square, Large Square & Large Landscape Cover Sizes for 120gsm Recycled Uncoated
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = Small Square Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = Large Square Cover Size inc Spine
5th Value = Large Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range (pp) | Spine Width | Small Square (202x202mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Square (303x303mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Landscape (330x262mm) Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|---|
44pp to 66pp | 9mm | 420x210mm | 624x311mm | 680x268mm |
68pp to 92pp | 11mm | 422x210mm | 626x311mm | 682x268mm |
94pp to 154pp | 17mm | 428x210mm | 632x311mm | 688x268mm |
A4 Portrait & A4 Landscape Cover Sizes for 140gsm Uncoated
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = A4 Port Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = A4 Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range | Spine Width | A4 Portrait Cover Size inc Spine | A4 Landscape Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|
44pp to 58pp | 9mm | 436x304mm | 610x217mm |
60pp to 82pp | 11mm | 438x304mm | 612x217mm |
84pp to 106pp | 14mm | 441x304mm | 615x217mm |
108pp to 138pp | 17mm | 444x304mm | 618x217mm |
Small Square, Large Square & Large Landscape Cover Sizes for 140gsm Recycled Uncoated
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = Small Square Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = Large Square Cover Size inc Spine
5th Value = Large Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range (pp) | Spine Width | Small Square (202x202mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Square (303x303mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Landscape (330x262mm) Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|---|
44pp to 58pp | 9mm | 420x210mm | 624x311mm | 680x268mm |
60pp to 82pp | 11mm | 422x210mm | 626x311mm | 682x268mm |
84pp to 138pp | 17mm | 428x210mm | 632x311mm | 688x268mm |
A4 Portrait & A4 Landscape Cover Sizes for 150gsm Gloss
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = A4 Port Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = A4 Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range | Spine Width | A4 Portrait Cover Size inc Spine | A4 Landscape Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|
44pp to 46pp | 7mm | 434x304mm | 608x217mm |
48pp to 76pp | 9mm | 436x304mm | 610x217mm |
78pp to 108pp | 11mm | 438x304mm | 612x217mm |
110pp to 138pp | 14mm | 441x304mm | 615x217mm |
140pp to 176pp | 17mm | 444x304mm | 618x217mm |
Small Square, Large Square & Large Landscape Cover Sizes for 150gsm Gloss
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = Small Square Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = Large Square Cover Size inc Spine
5th Value = Large Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range (pp) | Spine Width | Small Square (202x202mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Square (303x303mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Landscape (330x262mm) Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|---|
44pp to 76pp | 9mm | 420x210mm | 624x311mm | 680x268mm |
78pp to 108pp | 11mm | 422x210mm | 626x311mm | 682x268mm |
110pp to 176pp | 17mm | 428x210mm | 632x311mm | 688x268mm |
A4 Portrait & A4 Landscape Cover Sizes for 150gsm Matt-Satin
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = A4 Port Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = A4 Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range | Spine Width | A4 Portrait Cover Size inc Spine | A4 Landscape Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|
46pp to 68pp | 9mm | 436x304mm | 610x217mm |
70pp to 94pp | 11mm | 438x304mm | 612x217mm |
96pp to 122pp | 14mm | 441x304mm | 615x217mm |
124pp to 154pp | 17mm | 444x304mm | 618x217mm |
Small Square, Large Square & Large Landscape Cover Sizes for 150gsm Matt-Satin
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = Small Square Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = Large Square Cover Size inc Spine
5th Value = Large Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range (pp) | Spine Width | Small Square (202x202mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Square (303x303mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Landscape (330x262mm) Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|---|
44pp to 68pp | 9mm | 420x210mm | 624x311mm | 680x268mm |
70pp to 94pp | 11mm | 422x210mm | 626x311mm | 682x268mm |
96pp to 154pp | 17mm | 428x210mm | 632x311mm | 688x268mm |
A4 Portrait & A4 Landscape Cover Sizes for 150gsm Recycled Matt-Satin
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = A4 Port Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = A4 Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range | Spine Width | A4 Portrait Cover Size inc Spine | A4 Landscape Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|
44pp | 7mm | 434x304mm | 608x217mm |
46pp to 76pp | 9mm | 436x304mm | 610x217mm |
78pp to 106pp | 11mm | 438x304mm | 612x217mm |
108pp to 136pp | 14mm | 441x304mm | 615x217mm |
138pp to 176pp | 17mm | 444x304mm | 618x217mm |
Small Square, Large Square & Large Landscape Cover Sizes for 150gsm Recycled Matt-Satin
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = Small Square Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = Large Square Cover Size inc Spine
5th Value = Large Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range (pp) | Spine Width | Small Square (202x202mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Square (303x303mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Landscape (330x262mm) Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|---|
44pp to 76pp | 9mm | 420x210mm | 624x311mm | 680x268mm |
78pp to 106pp | 11mm | 422x210mm | 626x311mm | 682x268mm |
108pp to 176pp | 17mm | 428x210mm | 632x311mm | 688x268mm |
A4 Portrait & A4 Landscape Cover Sizes for 170gsm Gloss
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = A4 Port Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = A4 Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range | Spine Width | A4 Portrait Cover Size inc Spine | A4 Landscape Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|
44pp to 68pp | 9mm | 436x304mm | 610x217mm |
70pp to 94pp | 11mm | 438x304mm | 612x217mm |
96pp to 122pp | 14mm | 441x304mm | 615x217mm |
124pp to 154pp | 17mm | 444x304mm | 618x217mm |
Small Square, Large Square & Large Landscape Cover Sizes for 170gsm Gloss
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = Small Square Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = Large Square Cover Size inc Spine
5th Value = Large Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range (pp) | Spine Width | Small Square (202x202mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Square (303x303mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Landscape (330x262mm) Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|---|
44pp to 68pp | 9mm | 420x210mm | 624x311mm | 680x268mm |
70pp to 94pp | 11mm | 422x210mm | 626x311mm | 682x268mm |
96pp to 154pp | 17mm | 428x210mm | 632x311mm | 688x268mm |
A4 Portrait & A4 Landscape Cover Sizes for 170gsm Matt-Satin
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = A4 Port Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = A4 Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range | Spine Width | A4 Portrait Cover Size inc Spine | A4 Landscape Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|
44pp to 60pp | 9mm | 436x304mm | 610x217mm |
62pp to 84pp | 11mm | 438x304mm | 612x217mm |
86pp to 108pp | 14mm | 441x304mm | 615x217mm |
110pp to 138pp | 17mm | 444x304mm | 618x217mm |
Small Square, Large Square & Large Landscape Cover Sizes for 170gsm Matt-Satin
2nd Value = Spine With
3rd Value = Small Square Cover Size inc Spine
4th Value = Large Square Cover Size inc Spine
5th Value = Large Lscape Cover Size inc Spine
Page Range (pp) | Spine Width | Small Square (202x202mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Square (303x303mm) Cover Size inc Spine | Large Landscape (330x262mm) Cover Size inc Spine |
---|---|---|---|---|
44pp to 60pp | 9mm | 420x210mm | 624x311mm | 680x268mm |
62pp to 84pp | 11mm | 422x210mm | 626x311mm | 682x268mm |
86pp to 138pp | 17mm | 428x210mm | 632x311mm | 688x268mm |
For affordable hard cover case bound book design services please contact our design department by clicking here.
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