When pondering the choice between PUR and EVA glue for perfect binding, businesses often find themselves at a crossroads. The decision hinges on understanding the distinct qualities each glue offers. PUR Perfect Binding glue has emerged as the top choice in the print industry, thanks to its superior science. It stands out for its unmatched strength, flexibility, and resilience against heat and cold, setting it apart from traditional EVA glues.
Let’s delve deeper into the science behind PUR perfect binding to appreciate its unparalleled benefits.
PUR Perfect Binding: The Superior Choice
At MVP Print, we grasp the significance of selecting the optimal binding method for your publications. The choice of PUR (polyurethane reactive) perfect binding over traditional EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) glues is clear, especially given its compatibility with any toner, ink, or paper stock. It excels in terms of durability, flexibility, and performance.
Advantages of PUR over EVA
PUR glue creates a molecular bond with the paper fibres, leading to a stronger and more enduring bind. This process enhances PUR’s strength by up to 50% in pull tests over EVA glues. Moreover, its flexibility ensures a lay-flat capability that EVA glues cannot match.
PUR’s heat and cold resistance is another key benefit. It can endure temperatures up to 350°F (177°C), significantly higher than EVA glues’ 165°F (74°C) to 200°F (93°C) range. This makes PUR-bound books ideal for projects exposed to extreme conditions, such as textbooks, manuals, and reference materials.
PUR perfect binding is the go-to for books that face frequent use and handling. The strong molecular bond keeps pages securely in place, even with repeated opening and closing. This makes PUR-bound books an excellent choice for various applications, from cookbooks and design portfolios to children’s books and yearbooks.
The Binding Process: EVA vs. PUR
Choosing between EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) glue and PUR (polyurethane reactive adhesive) in traditional perfect binding significantly affects the final product’s quality. At MVP Print, we delve into the specifics of these binding methods to offer our clients superior solutions, ensuring compatibility with various paper stock.
EVA Application
The traditional perfect binding process with EVA glue involves running the book spine over a notching or milling blade. This action exposes the paper fibres, allowing the EVA glue to adhere better. The glue sets swiftly, making the book ready for handling immediately. Yet, EVA glue may not bond well with coated papers, especially those with full-colour prints, leading to a higher failure rate.
On the other hand, PUR binding employs similar techniques but forms a robust molecular bond with the paper. This results in a more enduring and resilient binding. In 2021, over 71% of books produced at Color House Graphics were perfect bound, with PUR offering 40-60% more strength than EVA once fully cured.
- PUR binding provides higher cold and heat resistance, suitable for extreme temperatures.
- EVA adhesive has a faster cure time of only a few seconds, but PUR binding requires less adhesive during the process.
- PUR binding works better for textbooks or frequently used books where spine cracking risk is minimized.
- EVA adhesive is more cost-effective than PUR binding, making it suitable for lightweight books with uncoated paper.
The decision between EVA and PUR binding hinges on the project’s specific needs, including paper type, book usage, and desired durability. At MVP Print, we collaborate with our clients to select the best binding method for their perfect bound books, ensuring a superior and lasting finish.
Understanding Polyurethane Reactive Adhesive Chemistry
When perfect binding is the goal, the choice between PUR (polyurethane reactive) adhesive and EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) glue is crucial. The curing process is where the difference lies. PUR adhesive undergoes a chemical reaction, triggered by air moisture, to form permanent bonds. This process yields a stronger, more flexible, and enduring bond than EVA glue’s physical change. PUR adhesive is also compatible with various paper types, including aqueous coated stock, allowing for creative freedom while ensuring durability and quality.
The curing of PUR takes about 24 hours, but newer “quick cure” formulas can speed it up. However, factors like low moisture, inadequate spine preparation, low storage temperatures, or excessive glue application can prolong the cure time and weaken the bond. EVA glue, on the other hand, undergoes a simpler physical change. While it’s cheaper, it can’t match PUR’s durability and flexibility.
PUR adhesive has clear advantages over EVA glue.
- It offers up to 60% more resistance to page pullout, ensuring a secure and lasting bind.
- PUR adhesive bonds well with a variety of materials, including heavy cardstocks, synthetic paper, and glossy stocks, providing increased strength.
- It maintains structural integrity across extreme temperatures, from below zero to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Using PUR adhesive requires less glue, resulting in a neater appearance with minimal cured glue after trimming.
Companies like MVP Print prefer PUR binding over EVA glue for its superior performance. PUR’s non-toxic, eco-friendly, and VOC-free nature is also making it more popular in the industry.
PUR Binding Equipment Options
In Australia, businesses have two main choices for applying PUR (polyurethane reactive) glue in perfect binding: the open glue pot system and the nozzle system. Each has its own benefits, and the choice usually hinges on the project’s specific needs.
Open Glue Pot System
The open glue pot system, seen on machines like the Horizon BQ 160PUR, offers a traditional method for pur binding. It requires more cleanup and generates more pur glue waste. Yet, it provides a dependable application process that many find familiar.
Nozzle System
On the other hand, the nozzle system, featured on Morgana’s pur bound book machines, brings a more automated and efficient way to apply pur adhesive. It has a sealed tank for the polyurethane reactive glue, allowing it to be reheated and reused several times. This system ensures better temperature control and minimises odours and emissions, making it a favourite for perfect bound books.
At MVP Print, we’re well-versed in creating top-notch pur bound books for our clients, using both the open glue pot and nozzle systems. Our deep knowledge and dedication to quality ensure your perfect bound projects receive the highest level of care and precision.
PUR Perfect Binding
At MVP Print, we advocate for PUR perfect binding as the top choice for various printing and book binding tasks. The PUR adhesive creates a robust, adaptable bond with the paper fibres. This leads to books that endure well and resist cracking or damage under harsh temperatures or heavy handling.
The unique lay-flat capability of PUR bound books stands out, unlike traditional EVA glues. The enhanced strength and flexibility of PUR adhesive make it the go-to for top-tier, enduring books, magazines, and other printed goods. While wire binding is known for its durability and ease of use, PUR binding offers a more robust and flexible solution for perfect bound books, ensuring longevity and quality.
When compared to EVA adhesive, PUR glue demands less but yields a stronger, more flexible bond. This results in minimal spine distortion and a neater look. Moreover, PUR binding excels in extreme temperatures, from -40º to 200º Fahrenheit. It’s a versatile, long-lasting option for all your perfect bound book ventures.
Conclusion
PUR perfect binding stands out as the top choice for book binding in today’s printing world. Its advanced adhesive technology offers a stronger, more flexible, and enduring bond than traditional EVA glues. This makes PUR bound books perfect for various uses, from luxurious coffee table books to robust children’s books and detailed annual reports.
At MVP Print, we’re committed to using PUR glue for our Perfect Bound books. We see its value in enhancing book quality, durability, and customer happiness. Although the initial cost of PUR binding equipment is high, its long-term benefits justify the investment for printing companies aiming to offer top-notch products. Whether your project involves pur perfect binding or other methods, MVP Print ensures outstanding results that will surpass your expectations.
With PUR binding, your pur bound books, be they soft cover or with a square spine, will last long and stay intact, even in harsh conditions. From elegant coffee table books to comprehensive annual reports, PUR adhesive’s versatility ensures your materials stand out. This leaves a memorable impact on your audience.
