Ink Asia offers a variety of booking printing options including book sizes, bindings, paper types, and embellishments.
Book Sizes
When it comes to choosing a book size, printing almost any size is possible.
The most commonly printed sizes are:
B6: 148 x 105 mm
A-Format: 178 x 111 mm
B-Format: 198 x 129 mm
C-Format: 234 x 156 mm
A5: 210 x 148 mm
Demy: 216 x 138 mm
Royal: 234 x 156 mm
Crown Quatro: 246 x 189 mm
A4: 297 x 210 mm
Square: 210 x 210mm
The most cost-effective trim sizes are:
16 pages per section
190 x 254mm
210 x 280mm
230 x 300mm
32 pages per section
127 x 188mm
140 x 210mm
151 x 229mm
Book Binding
Together with our state-of-the-art machinery and hand-crafted department, Ink Asia offers a wide range of book binding options. The most common types of binding used are:
Perfect PUR Binding
Perfect Binding is the method where gathered text sections are grounded and held together with glue worked into the gaps between the different sections at the spine. Also called adhesive bind, cut-back bind, glue bind, paper bind, patent bind, perfecting bind, soft bind and soft cover. Perfect binding is commonly used for paperback books and catalogues with a higher page count. This is a cost-effective option. PUR binding is a form of perfect binding, where pages are glued together at the spine, the cover is wrapped around the pages and then trimmed to size. It uses a different type of glue creating a solid, yet flexible spine. This is slightly more expensive.
Saddle Stitch Binding
Saddle stitching is a common binding used on magazines and brochures. It involves stapling sheets together where they fold at the spine, as compared to side stitch. Also called pamphlet stitch, saddle wire and stitch bind. This is the least expensive binding option.
Saddle Sewn Binding
Saddle sewn binding, also known as Section Sewn, is a binding technique achieved by collating pages into sections and sewing them together. This technique gives a handcrafted look and can be used on hardback and softback books. Sewing can be done through the spine or on the side of the brochure.
Case Binding
Case binding is the standard book binding technique used on hardback books. They are usually sewn or perfect bound first, then wrapped with a cover. Spines can be rounded or squared and coloured head and tail bands can be added. Endpapers are also used.
Quarter Binding
Case binding is the standard book binding technique used on hardback books. They are usually sewn or perfect bound first, then wrapped with a cover. Spines can be rounded or squared and coloured head and tail bands can be added. Endpapers are also used.
Wiro Binding
Case binding is the standard book binding technique used on hardback books. They are usually sewn or perfect bound first, then wrapped with a cover. Spines can be rounded or squared and coloured head and tail bands can be added. Endpapers are also used.
Other book binding methods include Smyth Binding, Side Stitching, Loop Stitching, Screw Binding and Hand Sewn.
Text Paper Types
The inner pages of books are usually printed on a coated or uncoated paper stock.
Coated Paper
Coated paper is usually smooth and has a matt or glossy finish. It makes the colours appear brighter as it absorbs less ink than uncoated paper. Coated paper also provides a layer of protection against general wear and tear such as marks and scuffs. Coated paper is ideal for picture and illustrated books.
Popular text weights are 128gsm and 157gsm.
Uncoated Paper
Uncoated paper is slightly rougher than coated paper. As it absorbs more ink it gives the paper a more irregular surface and is great for giving images a more natural look. Uncoated paper is ideal for text-based books.
Popular text weights are 70gsm, 80gsm, 100gsm, 120gsm and 140gsm.
Soft Cover Books
A paperback or softcover book uses a thick paper or paper board, either gloss or matt, for the cover. The flexible board helps protect the interior & can also hold spot UV, embossing and other embellishments.
Paperback is a cheaper option to produce than hardcover as there are lower production costs. They also weigh less making the freight costs also cheaper.
Popular cover stock weights are 250gsm, 300gsm and 350gsm.
Hard Cover Books
Hard cover books are bound using glue to hold sheets to a case made of binder board covered with fabric, plastic or leather. Also called cloth bind, edition bind, hardback, hardcover or case-bound.
The most popular hard cased books include:
Paper Laminated Case (PLC Or PPC)
A Paper Laminated Case or Printed Paper Case is a sheet that has been printed and laminated and wrapped around the hard case of a book and glued there. This produces a high gloss finish. It can be utilised with or without a dust jacket.
Cloth
The case of a case-bound book was typically encased in cloth. On the spine and front cover of cloth covers, foil blocking is frequently applied. Choose from a variety of foiling options to match the design of your book’s dust jacket.
Dust Jacket
The case of a case-bound book was typically encased in cloth. On the spine and front cover of cloth covers, foil blocking is frequently applied. Choose from a variety of foiling options to match the design of your book’s dust jacket.
Endpapers are also used in case-bound books to join all of the pages to the case. Half of a long sheet is glued to the inside front or back cover and the other half is glued to the first and last page of the book.
Endpapers can be unprinted or printed.
Cover Lamination
The best way to print softcovers, printed paper cases and dust jackets is with lamination. Lamination is the process of bonding a clear plastic film to the cover of the book.
Some advantages of cover lamination are:
- Provides a protective barrier against spills, scuffs and stains
- Helps to prolong a book’s lifespan and usefulness
- Makes the ink colours more vivid and vibrant
- Defends against grime and moisture, making it ideal for books to get a lot of use, such as cookbooks,
children’s books, or workbooks - The thicker and stiffer cover, makes it more resistant to tears, bending and wrinkles
- A cheaper alternative to hardcover binding
The two most common types are Matt and Gloss Lamination. Matt lamination provides a smooth, quality finish with a low sheen. Gloss lamination gives the book cover a high sheen surface that protects and enhances it.
Embellishments
There are several different embellishments & finishes on offer to enhance your book. Typically, these are the last things to be done in production.
Foil Stamping
Foil stamping is the process of using a heated die to transfer the foil onto a printed or unprinted sheet. A great way to give your book a smart, professional finish.
Embossing
Embossing is a printing method that creates a raised image by stamping into the paper. Especially successful on thick, uncoated papers.
Debossing
Debossing is the opposite of embossing. It creates a lowered image on the page by stamping into the material. Especially successful on uncoated papers and leathers.
Spot UV
Spot UV is a clear varnish that can be applied in specific areas. The varnish is a liquid applied to the printing surface via a cylinder and then cured using UV light.
Head & Tail Bands
The band of fabric at the top and bottom of the spine of a case-bound book.
Ribbon
Ribbon is often added as a marker. Commonly used in Cookbooks, bibles and reference books.
Gilt Edging
Gilt Edging refers to applying ink to the visible edge of each page. Helps to protect pages from oils and dirt from human hands
Spray Painting
Spray Painting refers to the edges of the book block being sprayed a certain colour.