Bound To Last

"I believe this is the first fully variable format one-off book production machine of its kind," says Jeff Marsh, managing partner of Perfect Systems (www.perfectbook.com). "Combining the proven Web interface engines of my other company, Marsh Technologies (www.marshtechinc.com), and the short-run book production technologies developed and patented by Perfect Systems, has eased the developmental task of integrating and controlling low-cost print engines dramatically. Now, with very simple mechanical devices and control systems developed, the task of adapting other printer strategies becomes a straightforward task."

Depending on the needs of a publisher, binding capabilities vary between the most traditional hard-cover technologies of major runs to even up-to-the-minute on-demand production that can output a soft-cover one book at a time.

In the end, the needs of publishers are top priority. Says Fetherman, "How a book is manufactured is every bit as important as how it is printed."

-Natalie Hope McDonald

For a complete list of book binding providers, visit BookTech's online Buyers' Guide at www.booktechmag.com.