Mechanism
The capacity depends on how many sheets are to be accommodated, the thickness of the material and whether or not tabbed dividers are required. Generally, we do not advise on a capacity but suggest the client/agency checks the contents. We can supply a sample mechanism for them to test.
Essentially there are two types of mechanism, round 'O' and 'D'. 'O' rings are fixed into the binder spine and 'D' Rings onto the inside back cover. The 'D' is a little more expensive. The decision to use one or other style of mechanism usually depends on whether or not the binder is to include dividers. The 'D' Ring is designed so that the contents sit flat on the back cover and square on the right hand edge therefore a wider cover is necessary. As the mechanism is riveted to the back cover, the spine area is clear for printing.
The 'O' ring can be fitted to the inside back cover, but this is not common. When it is riveted to the spine it can interfere with the print on the outside and care must be taken at the quoting/artwork stage to ensure the client is aware of this.
Measurements for quoting are Sheet size, Cover size, Spine width, and Flat size. Click here for a table covering the most popular sizes.
Number of Rings
Most binders use a 2 ring mechanism. The benefit of using a 4 ring is that the content is held more squarely and securely. This is especially important when larges amounts of paper are being carried. The 4 ring spreads the weight. Find out how the binder contents are being supplied. If they are coming from their Printer, they will probably be pre-punched. Remind them to advise their Printer accordingly. If the material is being produced in house, they will need a 4 hole punch and most offices only use 2 hole punches.
We can also supply the American style 3 ring mechanism. The US has their own paper sizes and does not comply with International 'A' sizes. Binders to take 3 ring mechanisms are a special price.
Binds with 6 ring mechanisms are usually the Organiser type, either A5 or the 'Filofax' size which carries a sheet size 170mm x 95mm wide. Organiser mechanisms usually have triggers for easy opening. As with 4 ring binders, clients need reminding about hole punching. Six ring mechanisms are not available for A4.
The most cost effective ring mechanism is a 25mm capacity 2 round ring. Larger and smaller rings are more expensive. Ring mechanisms can be 'dipped' to a colour, but an exact Pantone match is not possible. Unless the colour required is a standard primary colour, black/white, red, blue, green, yellow, we will probably need to check the colour with our supplier.
Binder Creasing
The Designease method of creasing is a unique process, which creates a superior, high value product. The binder functions better and gives a quality look to the product our competitors cannot match.
Multi-creasing is used to create 'Organiser' style binders with wrap rounds and usually closed with a press fastener or clip. New tooling may be needed to create the desired effect for which an additional charge will be made.
Extras such as multi-creasing, colour flooding, attaching press fasteners and other fixing devices, especially if linked to the heavy gauge polypropylene (1800 micron), distances Designease form the competition. Higher value products, which can demand a premium price and produce a higher gross margin make such jobs more profitable and reduces the risk of losing the job to the competition.