Wire, Comb & Tape Binding

How it works

We'll need to have a file that we can print from.

Our prices are per file, so if you have 2 different files, you'll need to make a separate order for each. 

Simply work out the total number of prints you would like, any options, and Add to Basket. 

During checkout, you'll be prompted to upload your file, and you'll be able to write any special instructions to us there. 

We don't print anything automatically. We'll check your order, make sure we understand it, and email you a PDF proof for you to approve first. This will show the final layout as it would print, and allows you to check for any mistakes. 

Once your order is approved, we'll get started and email you once we've finished. 

File Types

• Please send us PDFs, as they are the best file type to print from.  If you have a choice of settings, 'press quality' or 'PDF/X-4' is good.  
• We also accept Microsoft Word / Powerpoint / Publisher, and we can resize your file for you. Office documents can change fonts and layouts between computers, so we recommend saving your file as PDF first.
• Margins: Please make sure that no text is too close to the edge of the sheet. It's best to leave 2cm space from the binding edge.
• Page limit: We can bind a maximum of 150 sheets of 80gsm. If your selection is too thick to bind (eg: single sided card), we'll contact you to discuss options

Paper Types

• 80gsm is standard for black & white. It's an uncoated bond paper. 
• 100gsm is standard for colour. It's an uncoated bond paper. 
• 120gsm is a premium uncoated paper, often used for letterheads
• 170gsm is a thin card. We use uncoated card for black & white printing, and coated silk for colour printing.
• 250gsm is a medium thick card. We use uncoated card for black & white printing, and coated silk for colour printing.
• All our paper is FSC-certified, from mixed and renewable resources.
• We don't print custom sizes, we may be able to resize your file to the nearest standard size. 

Specifications

• Colour / Black & White chooses the type of machine we print on. If you have mixed colour and black & white, choose 'colour'. 
• Wire Binding uses a spiral metal wire, which permanently secures the binding. 
• Comb Binding uses a plastic comb and is cheaper and faster than wire binding. 
• Tape Binding (thermal) uses hot melted glue and tape. Please note that the book does not open flat, and forcing it can damage it.
• Covers: We always put on outer covers as standard, as they protect each book. 

VAT

• Most books are zero rated (no VAT), as long as the content fits what HMRC defines as a book.
• If your book can be classed as stationery (eg a diary or planner), or consists of forms to be filled in, then we must charge 20% VAT on top. We will contact you if this is the case. 
• For more information, we've written a guide about VAT on printing

Turnaround

• Our typical production time is 1 working day, though this can vary depending on order size. Most of our orders received in the morning are dispatched the same day.
• Production time starts once you have approved a PDF proof. 
• Delivery is typically 1 working day, but can vary depending on where you are in the UK.