Flexibound Book Printing

Experience the elegance of flexibound books, where aesthetic appeal meets cost-effectiveness for publishers.

Workflow

The typical procedure of manufacturing a flexibound book includes prepress, printing, folding, sewing, casemaking and casebound. Such a complex process requires advanced machinery and seasoned expertise.

With 35 years in the industry, Huaxin Printing offers a one-stop in-house manufacturing solution, eliminating the need for outsourcing. Our specialized color management ensures your product meets the highest standards.

Prepress

Elevate your print projects with advanced prepress experience and compliance with ISO 12647-7 color management standard.

Printing

Fully automated printing presses with the speed of up to 18,000 sheets per hour. CIP-3 ink management and experienced press operators.

Folding & Sewing

Swift adjustment of any trim sizes from 8-page per signautre to 64-page per sheet. Semi-automatic oversized sewing can be accomplished as well.

Casemaking

Fully automated machine making book covers with board and PLC/cloth completed all in once.

Casebound

Over 20m (65 ft)-long Kolbus casebound line with gluing, binding and tri-cutting all integrated together.

Packing

Professional packaging team makes sure that your products will be safely delivered no matter how far the destination is.

Our Works

Dictionary

45gsm dictionary paper with B&W printing

Art Book

4C art books in flexibound keeps the deluxe feeling but saves cost

Children

Children book with sound pen functionality

Flexibound Books

Flexibound books
Book Sizes
Design Tips

Flexibound books bridge the gap between hardcovers and paperbacks, offering a lightweight yet sturdy option. Their flexible cover, which is firmly attached to the spine, provides durability and an upscale look without the added weight or cost, making them a smart choice for readers and publishers alike.

With 35 years of experience in the business, Huaxin Printing combines its experience in flexibound book printing with the all-in-house advanced machinery to transform your precious designs to beautifully manufactured books.

Flaps

While theoretically you can put flaps on the front and back covers of the cover, it is strongly NOT recommend to design such flaps. Unlike flaps for paperback books which can be completed automatically, flexibound books with flaps would requires manual adjustment plus many other extra works on casebound machine, eventually results in additonal cost for manufacturing.

Looking for the perfect fit for your next flexibound project? Whether you’re into portrait or landscape formats, various sizes are at your fingertips to match your genre, audience, and content. To give you a head start, here’s a guide to popular sizes tailored for different genres.

At Huaxin Printing, we offer both—custom sizes to meet your unique requirements and standard sizes that align with industry norms. Understanding these options is crucial for making informed decisions about your print project, ensuring not just aesthetic appeal but also functional practicality.fl

US Market Sizes

Book Sizes:

Catalog, Magazine and Booklet Sizes:

Europe & ANZ Market Sizes

Book Sizes:

Thinking about mailing out multiple copies or stocking bookshelves? Standard formats could be your best bet for meeting customer needs and easy storage. Plus, they’re budget-friendly. Want to go the custom route? Keep in mind, unique sizes or formats might bump up the cost and time due to extra prep work. But if it’s for a special project, that extra investment could pay off big. The choice is all yours.

Flexibound books often include artwork, photography, and formatted typography. Whether you’re managing these elements in-house or through a designer, understanding the technical aspects for print-ready files is essential. This involves accounting for bleed zones, safety margins, and trim lines. Additionally, ensure the correct image resolution and color space to meet specific design requirements, such as image wrapping.

Remember, flaps are strongly NOT recommended for flexibound books.

Here are key tips for file preparation to achieve optimal printing results.

For optimal printing outcomes, it’s advisable to save your files in PDF format as vectors. We suggest using Adobe Illustrator or Adobe InDesign for flexibound book design. These platforms also enable the conversion of color space from RGB to CMYK, a requirement for offset printing.

In cases where vector files are not an option, such as when using bitmaps from Photoshop, maintaining a resolution of at least 300 DPI is crucial. Unlike vectors, raster images need to be high-definition to avoid quality loss during resizing.

Within the established 3 mm bleed zone, it’s essential to indicate trim lines that set the ultimate dimensions of the completed page. Ensure key elements on your page are positioned a minimum of 10 mm away from these trim lines.

Within your designated bleed zone, it’s imperative to identify the trim lines that outline the final size of the completed page. Keep essential page elements at least 10 mm away from these lines for optimal results.

When a photo or artwork extends across a two-page spread, ensure that critical elements, such as facial features or key details, do not fall on the central fold.

Ensure uniformity in all formatting elements across the document, including but not limited to fonts, font sizes, drop caps, section dividers, page numbers, margins, chapter titles, and page breaks.

Make sure that there should be an extra 7mm alongside the cover file for wrapping over the board. Plus, there should be no text along the two edges of the spine.

Note that in flexibound books, the cover dimensions exceed those of the pages, necessitating a minimum bleed of 23 mm for proper board wrapping.

In the layout of your dust jacket, account for the spine width, determined by the page count and paper weight, as well as the inclusion of two interior flaps.

Pricing

Thanks to our one-stop manufacturing capability, we are proud of our capability of producing premium quality hardcover book printing service with affordable prices

Page Number	500 Copies	1,000 Copies	2,000 Copies	5,000 Copies
32 pages	USD 1.78	USD 1.30	USD 1.12	USD 1.02
64 pages	USD 2.52	USD 1.81	USD 1.50	USD 1.27
128 pages	USD 4.11	USD 2.84	USD 2.26	USD 1.84
256 pages	USD 7.13	USD 4.74	USD 3.66	USD 2.86

Remarks:

All prices above are the unit prices corresponding to the number of text pages and print-runs;
All prices are EXW only and does not include any logistics cost;
All prices are based on the trim size of 8.5″ * 11″ (216 * 280mm);
Cover 250gsm/92 lb C1S cardstock with matte lamination;
Text pages 128gsm/ 86lb coated matte art paper;
Individual endpaper 140gsm/ 95lb uncoated woodfree paper;
Cover and text pages all color printed;
Packed no more than 18kg/carton, no shrinkwrapping

Finishing

In the book manufacturing process, cover finishing serves as a critical component that augments both the aesthetic quality and structural integrity of the final product. Available techniques include gloss and matte lamination, as well as advanced methods such as embossing, debossing, and foil stamping. These selections are instrumental in optimizing the book's tactile attributes, longevity, and overall market viability.

Lamination

Lamination provides a protective film to book covers, enhancing durability while offering a choice between gloss and matte for aesthetic appeal

Foiling

Foiling involves the application of metallic or pigmented foil onto the cover, adding a premium touch and elevating the book’s visual distinction.

Embossing/Debossing

Embossing and debossing are techniques that create raised or recessed relief images on the cover, enhancing tactile experience and visual complexity.

Spot UV

Spot UV involves applying a UV-coated area to the cover, creating a contrast in texture and adding a focal point for visual interest.

Gilding

Color edge gilding involves applying colored metallic foil to the book’s edges, offering not just durability but also a unique aesthetic signature that complements the cover design.

Varnishing

Varnishing entails applying a liquid coating to the cover for enhanced durability and sheen, available in gloss, matte, or satin finishes. Varnishing can be processed in-line or off-line.

Materials

Paper
Finishing
Accessories

Paper Materials

If your flexibound book is full of colorful visuals, go for art paper in either gloss or matte. Gloss is great for image-heavy books, while matte works well for books with both text and images. It ensures both clear text and vibrant pictures.

For text-focused flexibound books with simple black-and-white graphics, uncoated offset paper is your best bet. This paper type is absorbent and offers a natural white color, making it perfect for easy reading.

When customizing your flexibound books, you’ll need at least two types of paper: one for the inside pages and another for the cover. You can also add endpapers, which can be the same as the interior paper or something different. Endpapers not only add a quality touch but also provide a space for personal notes or autographs.

Glossy Coated Paper

Matte Coated Paper

Uncoated Woodfree Paper

Paper Option for Flexibound Books

While there’re many options of paper you can choose to print your books, certain types of paper are more commonly used for printing and binding flexibound books. If you are aiming to have your books printed quickly and with commonly accepted paper, consider below options which are more accessible in the market.

Text Paper

80gsm/54lb coated
105gsm/71lb coated
128gsm/86lb coated
157gsm/106lb coated
80gsm/54lb uncoated
100gsm/68 lb uncoated

Cover Paper

250gsm / 92lb C1S
300gsm / 110lb C1S

Endpaper

120 gsm / 81 lb uncoated text
140 gsm / 95 lb uncoated text

Finishing Materials

When it comes to making a lasting impression with your book cover, several key finishing options are at your disposal. Lamination is often the go-to for adding both protection and a tactile quality, available in either gloss or matte finishes. If you’re aiming for a luxurious look, foiling can introduce metallic or colored highlights to your cover design.

Spot UV coating is another effective method for adding texture and drawing attention to specific cover elements. For those seeking a unique touch, edge gilding applies a metallic or colored foil to the book’s edges. And don’t overlook varnishing; available in gloss, matte, or satin, it provides that final layer of durability and sheen.

By carefully selecting the right finishing techniques, you can significantly enhance both the durability and aesthetic appeal of your book cover, making it a standout product.

Lamination

Given the difference of glossiness and texture, lamination can be categorized as glossy lamination, matte lamination, scuff-free lamination and soft-touch lamination. The latter two options usually result in higher cost.

Foil Stamping

Metallic Foil: The most common type, often available in gold, silver, and bronze, adds a shiny, metallic finish to the cover elements.
Pigment Foil: Unlike metallic, pigment foils offer a matte finish and are available in various colors, including white and black.
Holographic Foil: This foil creates a 3D effect, adding a futuristic and eye-catching element to the book cover.
Pearl Foil: Offering a pearlescent finish, this foil adds a subtle shine without being overly reflective.
Gloss Pigment Foil: This combines the color variety of pigment foils with the shiny finish of metallic foils.
Matte Metallic Foil: Provides the metallic look but with a subdued, matte finish.

Spot UV

Gloss Varnish: This type provides a shiny, reflective finish, enhancing the vibrancy of colors on the book cover.
Matte Varnish: Offering a subdued, non-reflective finish, matte varnish is ideal for a more understated or elegant look.
Satin Varnish: Satin varnish strikes a balance between gloss and matte, offering a semi-gloss finish that’s not too shiny but still adds a touch of elegance.
UV Varnish: This is a special type of varnish cured with ultraviolet light, often used in Spot UV techniques to highlight specific areas of the cover.
Soft-Touch Varnish: This varnish gives the cover a soft, velvety feel, adding a tactile dimension to the book.

Accessory Materials

Want to give your hardcover book that extra flair? Consider adding some stylish accessories. Ribbons make for elegant bookmarks and add a touch of class. Head and tail bands at the top and bottom of the spine not only look great but also offer added durability. And let’s not forget stickers; they’re a fun and easy way to showcase awards or special features. These little extras can make a big difference, turning an ordinary book into something special that readers will treasure.

H/T Band

H/T band is the abbreviation of “Head and tail bands”. These small fabric bands, placed at the top and bottom of the book’s spine, not only add a dash of color and style but also enhance the book’s durability. They’re a nod to traditional bookbinding while serving a functional purpose. A small detail like this can elevate the overall look and feel of your book, making it a keepsake for years to come.

Ribbons

When it comes to ribbons in hardcover books, material matters. Most commonly made from satin, grosgrain, or even silk, these ribbons serve as built-in bookmarks that add a touch of luxury. Satin offers a smooth, glossy finish, while grosgrain provides a textured, ribbed feel. Silk, the epitome of elegance, takes the book’s aesthetic to the next level. Whichever material you choose, a ribbon bookmark adds both function and flair to your hardcover book.

Stickers

When it comes to enhancing hardcover books with stickers, the material choices are varied, each serving a specific purpose:

1. Paper Stickers: The most common type, usually 80gsm or 21 lb, ideal for general labeling or promotional use.
2. Vinyl Stickers: Known for their durability and water resistance, these are often used for outdoor or heavy-duty applications.
3. Polyester Stickers: These offer excellent heat and chemical resistance, making them suitable for specialized needs.
4. Foil Stickers: Made with metallic foil, these stickers add a luxurious, reflective quality to the book cover.
5. Clear Stickers: Made from transparent material, these are often used for a more subtle labeling effect.
6. Reusable Stickers: Created with special adhesives that allow for easy removal and reapplication.
7. Non-reusable Stickers: These use a stronger adhesive that ensures the sticker stays in place permanently.

About Huaxin

A family business founded in 1988 with three generations involved, Huaxin Printing has been devoting all its effort to print hardcover books with the highest possible quality.
Hua Xin has been certified with ISO 9001:2015 as well as the FSC (Forest Steward Council), and has been audited by 4-Pillar Sedex for social compliance (SMETA).

Prepress Services

We are more than just a printer. With an experienced team embracing over 30+ years in prepress, we provide the full scale of reprographic services. From layout design, image retouching to color management and plotter/Epson proofing, we make your book files fully prepared for printing. We also provide quick turnaround of proofs, samples and even advance copies to ensure your proofing and marketing needs are timely met.

Flexibound Book Printing

Workflow

Prepress

Printing

Folding & Sewing

Casemaking

Casebound

Packing

Our Works

Dictionary

Art Book

Children

Flexibound Books

Flexibound books

Flaps

US Market Sizes

Book Sizes:

Catalog, Magazine and Booklet Sizes:

Europe & ANZ Market Sizes

Book Sizes:

Pricing

Finishing

Lamination

Foiling

Embossing/Debossing

Spot UV

Gilding

Varnishing

Materials

Paper Materials

Glossy Coated Paper

Matte Coated Paper

Uncoated Woodfree Paper

Paper Option for Flexibound Books

Text Paper

Cover Paper

Endpaper

Finishing Materials

Lamination

Foil Stamping

Spot UV

Accessory Materials

H/T Band

Ribbons

Stickers

About Huaxin

Prepress Services

Company

Product

Connect

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