Unibind is an ideal solution for companies that are looking for a high quality, professional document binding system. Presentations bound with Unibind have an elegant professional appearance that is unmatched by any other binding system on the market. However, like any binding system, there are a few limitations to the Unibind system. This article is designed to help you better understand some of the limitations of the Unibind binding system so that you can make a fully informed purchase.

1. All Unibind binding covers utilize a steel spine for the edge of your book. The steel spine provides extra strength to your bound documents. However, because the spine is steel it is not flexible like the spines of some other binding styles. This means that Unibind cannot be considered a lay flat binding system (you can’t open it flat onto a table. If this feature is important to you, comb binding, coil binding or wire binding might be a better option for you.
2. Unibind covers are only available in a few sizes. Letter size Unibind covers are the most common and are designed for use with 8.5” x 11” documents that are bound on the long side. Unibind covers are also available for half letter sized documents (8.5” x 5.5” bound on the 8.5” side). Unibind SteelBack spines are available in 8.5” and 11” lengths for binding the most common sizes of documents (letter, legal, half letter and 11” x 17”). However, if you anticipate binding other sizes of documents then Unibind is probably not the best option for you. [ This was written in the USA - Standard European sizes are A4 both portrait and landscape, with some covers in A5, 12x12" (30x30cm) and A3. - US sizes are not available from OPUSalbums.com Daniel Roberts]
   
3. Unibind spines and covers are available in a number of different thicknesses ranging from 1mm up to 36mm (about 1-1/2”). If the documents that you need to bind fall into this range then you are set. However, if you are ever going to need to bind documents that are larger than an inch and a half then you may need to consider a different binding system.
4. It is important that you have the right size of spine for your Unibind bound documents. For organizations that bind a wide variety of reports, presentations and proposals this means that you will need to invest in an inventory of Unibind spines or covers in a number of different sizes. Although it is possible to use a Unibind cover that is larger than the thickness of your document if the cover is too large the pages will not bind properly or will not look good in the spine. For this reason it is advisable to use the closest spine size possible when binding with Unibind.
5. Unibind offers a huge variety of customization options with their binding supplies. However, it is important that you allot enough time to ensure that your customization project can be completed. Most common customizations such as die cutting, embossing, debossing and foil stamping can be completed in a couple of weeks under most circumstances. However, if you require something more custom such as offset printed hard covers for yearbooks it is important to order with plenty of time since these covers are produced in Europe. Typical lead time for offset printed Unibind covers is 10-12 weeks. Be sure to plan this in to your production schedule.
6. The final point is both a strength and weakness for Unibind. Unlike most of the thermal binding manufacturers Unibind actually stocks all of the different cover options that they carry. This generally means short lead times on products and excellent service. However, since all of Unibind’s covers are made in Europe large orders or unexpected demand can produce shortages in covers. If you expect to have an extremely large job coming up it is always good to check stock as early as possible to ensure that your volume needs can be fulfilled.

With these six points in mind, it should be easier to evaluate the ability of a Unibind binding system to meet the needs of your organization. Check it out for yourself today.

If you are looking for a system please contact OPUSalbums.com.  We specialise in systems for photographers but are happy to talk to any UK office, copy shop who is making an enquiry on Unibind.  We are authorised UK dealers for Unibind

OPUSalbums.com is indebted to Jeff McRitchie of MyBinding.com, Hillsboro, OR, USA.  Jeff may be contacted via
 sales@mybinding.com or +1-800-944-4573   www.MyBinding.com