How to Operate a Glue Binding Machine？
If you find glue binding machines hard to use, this simple guide makes it easy. It encompasses preparation, binding, maintenance, and crucial tips for PUR glue machines, renowned for their remarkable accuracy. It also emphasizes mistakes to avoid.
It suggests easy-to-use machines. This makes professional binding easier for beginners and small businesses.
Step 1: Prep Work (Before You Start)
Proper preparation prevents messy mistakes. Use the table below to gather tools and check your machine (tailored to EVA, cold glue, and PUR types).
|
Task |
General Steps (All Machine Types) |
PUR Machine Extras (Critical!) |
|
Gather Tools/Materials |
- Glue binding machine- Neatly stacked documents- Matching glue (EVA sticks/cold glue) - Cover (cardstock/plastic, optional)- Lint-free clean cloth |
- Unopened PUR glue cartridge (stored cool/dry) - Humidity meter (ideal: 40%-60%) - PUR glue cleaner (for later cleanup) |
|
Check the Machine |
- Hot melt (EVA): Plug in, preheat 5–10 mins (wait for green ready light) - Cold glue: Fill glue tank; clean nozzle (no old glue) - All: Place on a flat surface (for alignment) |
- Install PUR cartridge (follow machine guide—don’t force it!) - Preheat to 120–140°C (never over 140°C—burns glue) - Do a “test dispense”: Smooth glue stream = ready; lumpy = wait 2–3 mins more |
Step 2: Prep Your Documents
Even small missteps here ruin binding. Follow these simple rules:
|
Step |
What to Do |
PUR Machine Tip |
|
Align Pages |
- Tap document edges on a table (bottom + sides) to line up - For thick docs (>50 sheets): Use a paper clip to hold pages |
- Avoid freshly printed laser pages (moisture = uneven bonding) - Let printed pages sit 1–2 hours first |
|
Trim Edges (If Needed) |
- Cut rough edges (e.g., from home printers) with a paper trimmer - Skip if machine has built-in milling (auto-trims) |
- Ensure trimmed edges are smooth (rough edges trap air = weak bonds) |
Step 3: The Binding Process (4 Easy Actions)
Once prepped, binding takes just minutes. The table below simplifies each step—with PUR-specific adjustments:
|
Binding Step |
General Steps (EVA/Cold Glue) |
PUR Machine Adjustments |
|
1. Insert Documents |
- Open machine clamp- Place docs (pages first, spine toward glue) - Gently tighten clamp (don’t crush pages) |
- Set clamp to “medium” pressure (too tight = glue leaks) |
|
2. Milling (If Available) |
- For commercial machines: Press “Milling” button (trims spine for stronger glue stick) - Desktop machines: Skip (no milling function) |
- Use “light milling” setting (over-milling weakens docs; PUR glue needs only slight roughness) |
|
3. Apply Glue |
- Hot melt (EVA): Press “Glue” button; wait 10–30 secs (glue sets slightly) - Cold glue: Squeeze nozzle for even coverage; wait 1–2 mins (slower drying) |
- Press “Glue” for 2–3 secs (slower flow = even layer) - No gaps? Add 1 sec more if needed (don’t over-apply—PUR expands when curing) - Wait 15–20 secs (lets glue react with humidity) |
|
4. Add Cover (Optional) |
- Glue cover’s spine area - Attach to document spine - Press lightly for 10 secs |
- Press cover for 15 secs (longer = better bond) - Don’t move cover (disrupts curing) |
Step 4: Finish & Clean Up
Don’t rush this—proper drying/cleaning ensures durable bindings and a long-lasting machine.
|
Task |
General Steps (EVA/Cold Glue) |
PUR Machine Extras |
|
Remove & Dry Document |
- Open clamp; take out docs - Place on flat surface to dry: • EVA: 1–2 mins • Cold glue: 5–10 mins- Don’t bend docs while drying |
- Let cure 30–60 mins (not just dry—needs time for waterproof bond) - Put a 2–3 lb book on top (prevents warping)- No bending during curing! |
|
Clean the Machine |
- EVA: Turn off, cool; wipe nozzle with cloth (use alcohol for hard glue) - Cold glue: Clean nozzle with water (while glue is wet) |
- Turn off; cool to 60–70°C (warm = easier to clean) - Wipe nozzle with PUR glue cleaner (no alcohol—damages coating) - Unused cartridge: Seal with cap; store in fridge (good for 2 weeks)- Never leave half-used PUR cartridge in machine (air = clogs nozzle) |
Top Mistakes to Avoid (Save Time & Materials!)
|
Mistake |
Why It’s Bad |
How to Fix It |
|
Forgetting to preheat EVA/PUR machines |
Weak glue bonds (glue won’t stick) |
Wait for EVA’s green light; confirm PUR hits 120–140°C |
|
Using too much glue |
Glue leaks onto pages (ruins docs) |
Follow “test dispense” for PUR; use short button presses for EVA |
|
Not aligning pages before binding |
Messy, loose binding |
Tap edges on a table; use paper clips for thick docs |
|
Preheating PUR over 140°C |
Burns glue (useless for binding) |
Set machine to 120–140°C; check temperature display |
|
Binding PUR docs in high humidity (>60%) |
Glue cures too fast (brittle spine) |
Use a humidity meter; run a dehumidifier if needed |
|
Skipping PUR nozzle cleaning |
Dried glue clogs nozzle (future bindings fail) |
Clean nozzle with PUR cleaner immediately after use |
Recommended Easy-to-Use Machines
|
Machine Type |
Model |
Best For |
Key Perk (For Beginners) |
|
Desktop EVA |
Model X1 |
Home/office use (thin–medium docs) |
One-button operation; only $89 |
|
Commercial PUR |
Model C3 |
Small businesses (waterproof bindings) |
Auto-milling + precise temperature control |
|
PUR Glue Refill |
10-Pack Cartridges |
All PUR machines |
Moisture-proof packaging (stays fresh) |
Need More Help?
- Confused about machine types? Read: What Types of Glue Binding Machines Are There in the Market?
- Having issues (e.g., PUR leaks)? Check: Glue Binding Machine Troubleshooting Guide
- Contact our team for personalized advice!
Final Note
Using a glue binding machine is simple with some preparation and patience. Just follow the PUR machine tips. They are accurate and easy to use.
Follow the steps to avoid common mistakes. You will get strong, professional bindings every time.
