Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, it’s smart to stay current on the basics of bindery production. From understanding the equipment to how each machine runs, a solid grasp of fundamentals goes a long way. Below are the four common scoring methods used in bindery and finishing.
Used when folding multiple sheets—such as the final folds on 8- and 16-page signatures. The score can be set with the blade riding on a rubber tire or positioned between two lower collars. This method works on both coated and uncoated stocks.
The Wet Score applies a fine line of water to the stock. The moisture softens paper fibers for a crisp fold, and pieces typically lay flatter than with standard scoring. Best for uncoated stocks of any weight. On coated stocks, moisture may bead or fail to penetrate, leading to clumping and reduced effectiveness.
Best performed with a male/female collar set: the blade rides in a groove on the lower collar. When scoring cover stock, ink “cracking” on the spine can occur—reduce it by positioning the scoring blade on the outside of the fold.
Also called kiss cutting. A blade slits partway through the paper’s thickness, allowing thicker products to fold precisely and lay flat. This is commonly seen on greeting cards.
