Here’s an overview of the hardcover binding process

Printing and Collating: The book’s content is printed on large sheets of paper, usually with multiple pages on each side, known as “signatures.” The printed signatures are then collated, meaning they are arranged in the correct page order.

CP Gantry Pallet Folding Machine

CP Automatic Digital Folding Machine 

Vertical Stacker and Bundling Delivery 

Folding: Each printed signature is folded along the centerline to create the individual pages. For example, a large sheet with four pages on each side would be folded to create eight individual pages.
Sewing (Optional): For more substantial and high-quality hardcover books, the folded signatures may be sewn together using thread. This method, known as “sewn binding,” provides extra strength and durability.

HX220 Automatic High Speed Sewing Machine 

HX180 Automatic Sewing Machine 

HX420 Automatic Gathering Machine

Milling and Smashing (Optional): In some cases, the folded and sewn signatures are subjected to milling and smashing processes, where the spine edge is roughened and compressed. This creates a more even surface for the adhesive and further enhances the binding’s strength.

HX2000 Automatic Ribbon Inserting Machine

HX6000 High Speed Automatic Book Block Back Gluing Preparation Line

Attaching Endpapers: The folded and sewn (or gathered) signatures are then attached to the inside of the book’s cover using endpapers. Endpapers are the blank sheets found at the beginning and end of a book, which are glued to the inside of the cover and the first and last pages of the book.

Multifunctional Automatic Hardcover Case Making Machine

HX350 Wire Stitching Folding Machine

Cover Preparation: The book’s cover, made of thick cardboard or board, is cut and shaped to the appropriate size to fit the pages. The cover is typically slightly larger than the pages to provide overhang (known as “squared-off” or “cased-in” format).

HX390A Auto Feeding Center Board Cutter 

Let’s talk about Gathering Machine 

Covering Material: A durable cloth or paper material, known as “book cloth” or “bookbinding paper,” is used to wrap the boards and create the book’s cover. This covering material can come in various colors and textures, depending on the book’s design.

hardcover book

Attaching Cover: The folded signatures with attached endpapers are placed inside the cover, and the cover is attached to the spine of the book block. The attachment can be achieved through various methods, including applying adhesive, sewing, or a combination of both.

HX360 Hardcover Notebook Casing In Machine

HX Classic 680 Automatic High Speed Hardcover Book Production Line

HX10CC Semi Auto Hardcover Casing In Machine

Folding and Pressing: The book is then folded and placed in a press to ensure a strong bond between the pages and the cover.

CP Gantry Pallet Folding Machine 

CP Flat Pile Folding Machine

Trimming: The book’s edges are trimmed to ensure they are neat and uniform.

HX80DH High Speed Three Knife Trimmer

HX15DHR Digital Three Knife Trimmer 

Decorative Finishing (Optional): Hardcover books may undergo additional decorative finishing processes, such as foil stamping, embossing, debossing, or applying dust jackets, to enhance their visual appeal.