What is a flexo binding?

Is flexo binding a kind of hardcover binding? Or is it more like a paperback? A question about flexo binding asked on an Internet forum was once answered that it is ‘harder than a softcover but softer than a hardcover’. Perhaps this definition is far from being perfect, but it is still surprisingly apt.
To gain a better insight we need to look into the design of a flexo bound book.

Before moving on to flexo binding, let us have a quick review of the structure of a hard cover.
It consists of a casewrap, cardboard base cases and a spine board. The casewrap is folded round the cardboard parts and glued to them. The base cases are invisible in a finished book because they are covered by end paper which joins the block with the case.

As regards flexo binding, things look very similar except for one detail: the case has no spine board or base cases. Therefore the cover is essentially a casewrap, which however is not folded round any paper boards but round itself. Another feature similar to a hardcover is the way the block is attached to the covers. In both cases end paper is used for this purpose. On the other hand, flexo binding is similar to softcover binding because the cover consists of a single sheet and is not stiff.

The material used is not without significance either. We have a reason not to use the word ‘cardboard’ in this blog entry. Although as a matter of fact covers are usually made of high-grammage paperboard, publishers often go for synthetic materials.
The main aspect taken into account when choosing cover material for flexo binding is its strength. As a result, the cover is much more robust than in conventional softcover binding.
The block of a flexo bound book can be thread sewn.

What is the point of such an unconventional design? Well, to get the desirable result of combined benefits. Flexo binding ensures that covers are lighter and more flexible than in the case of hardcover binding, at the same time making the book generally more durable than a soft-covered one. Moreover, flexo-bound books provide good opening angles. This type of binding will be perfect wherever these characteristics are especially welcome, e.g. in tour guides or dictionaries. It is not unusual to find the world bestselling book – the Bible – featuring this type of binding.

If you care for functionality, or user-friendliness, of a book and not for it being exclusive, flexo binding is an ideal solution for really thick volumes. More and more often publishers decide to apply it to fiction; after all we do not read books only at home. We appreciate if the book can be effortlessly carried around in the handbag or backpack without worrying it gets damaged in the course of travelling.

We hope that once you have read today’s entry the concept of flexo binding seems less confusing. If you consider using flexo binding in your upcoming publication but still have any doubts, our account managers and customer service personnel are always there to help and provide advice.