Coil binding: Difference between revisions

One of the strengths of spiral coil binding is that the supplies are available in a variety of lengths. Most users purchase spiral coils in twelve inch lengths. This spine is inserted onto an eleven inch document and the excess length of coil is cut and crimped at each end of the book. However, the [[extrusion]]forming process for creating spiral coil binding elements allows them to be created in virtually any length. Many [[binderies]] and [[print shops]] choose to purchase coils in 36" lengths in order to have the flexibility to bind custom document sizes and to reduce waste. For binding documents shorter than eleven inches it is also possible to purchase shorter lengths of spiral coil in order to save time and money.

Coil binding spines are normally measured in millimeters and not inches. Coils are available in sizes as small as 6mm5mm (1/4") and as large as 56mm76mm depending on the pitch of coil chosen. However it is important to note that binding thick documents using spiral coil can be difficult. When a large document is punched for coil binding the path through the holes will be straight. However, the coil binding spines are curved. This means that it is necessary to shape the spine of the document into a curve in order to allow the coil to travel smoothly through the holes. Special tools are generally used for this purpose.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://desktoppub.about.com/cs/binding/qt/coil.htm | title = Types Of Coil Binding Supplies| accessdate = 2008-03-27}}</ref>