| Cline's Comments |
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| Reasons for COOL-BIND'S Success |
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| More than one year has passed since the introduction of COOL-BIND™ to the bookbinding market. The success has been overwhelming, with over 70 binderies currently using the product. Recently, we have seen competitors entering the market with "me too" products that also run at lower than standard temperatures. I thought that at this time it would be a good idea to revisit the reasons for the development of COOL-BIND™. The main reason for this development was safety. By running a hot melt 100°F cooler than normal, our customers would significantly reduce the chance of a severe burn. The reduction of VOC's has allowed customers to more readily comply with federal clean air legislation on the printing side of their business. With the lower running temperatures, there has been a documented reduction of fumes and char buildup. This has reduced the need for maintenance on the pots and spinners. |
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| Trimming Quality |
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| The most significant result of running COOL-BIND™ has been the increase of trimming quality. A number of customers have reported the elimination of "chip out" in their coated cover stock. The reason is that the cooler application of hot melt does not affect the coating and the paper stock as higher temperatures do. The coating also does not soften, and the paper remains pliable on the way to the trimmer. Once at the trimmer, the hot melt has cooled enough so the knives cut cleanly through the backbone without smearing. Since the hot melt does not smear on the knives, no buildup occurs, and the blades cut cleanly through the book. One of the biggest challenges to developing this type of product was to maintain the heat resistance as measured by the subway test. All bookbinding products should pass this test at 110°F. Most of the competitive products have failed this test at this temperature. We also have documentation showing that the adhesion of COOL-BIND™ is better than most hot melts used in bookbinding. Part of this is because the product can run slightly higher in temperature, thereby decreasing its viscosity to better penetrate into the paper fibers. Running standard hot melts higher in temperature degrades the resin component of the hot melt and reduces adhesion. |
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| Magazine Binding Version |
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| National has rounded out the product line by developing a white pigmented version of COOL-BIND™ and a lower cost version suitable for magazine binding. The lower cost version is slightly darker in color and has slightly less adhesion due to the change in tackifying resin. This version has been running successfully at various magazine binders for several months. |
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Chuck Cline |
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| Technical Service Manager - Bookbinding |
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