The venerable three-ringed binder has been around for 137 years giving testament to its continued popularity and usefulness. Besides making it possible to keep documents protected and easily swapped-out when information becomes dated or obsolete, ringed binders —with the addition of printed tab inserts (often color-coded) — allow for the included documents to be readily organized and easily referenced when needed. Ringed binder covers can also be custom printed with a company or organization’s logo, category headings, colors, etc.
Binders are made utilizing a variety of materials. Here are some of the most popular options available:
Vinyl Ringed Binders
Most binders are made with a heavy, rigid chipboard and then wrapped/sealed with an outer substrate for protection. Vinyl binders, as their name indicates, are sealed with a durable vinyl cover. Padding can also be added underneath the vinyl. Vinyl ringed binders are available in a wide variety of colors and can be custom printed or even foil-stamped to add extra zing.
Clearview Ringed Binders
Clearview binders have clear vinyl pockets attached to the exterior of the binder — typically on the front, back, and spine which allow for printed sheets of paper or card stock to be inserted in the pocket. This makes it possible to provide non-permanent, printed information identifying the binder’s content that can, at a later date, be changed if the need arises. Clearview binders are standard items, readily available, and are a good choice for the budget-conscious seeking a low-cost way to create custom binders.
Encapsulated Ringed Binders
Encapsulated binders are another style of a vinyl binder not unlike the clearview binder. The primary difference between an encapsulated binder and the clearview binder is the clear vinyl pockets on an encapsulated binder are sealed after printed material has been inserted into the pocket. Thus, the printed inserts are permanent.
Polypropylene Ringed Binders
Known as Poly binders, this style of binder is made from a single sheet of plastic creased, folded, and formed into a binder. The type of plastic used can vary from flexible to rigid depending on the intended use of the binder. Poly binders, like vinyl binders, are available in a wide variety of colors and can be custom-printed to boot. Because Poly binders are not susceptible to damage from moisture, they are ideal for use in outdoor or industrial environments.
Card Stock Ringed Binders
Similar to Poly binders but instead of plastic, card stock binders are made from a single sheet of heavy card stock that’s been creased and folded into a binder shape. As card stock is easily printed and can be finished with a variety of coatings, card stock binders are a good choice for inventive, colorful designs. Card stock binders are not suitable for heavy duty applications and, because they are manufactured on demand, not an economical choice unless ordered in large quantities.
Turned-Edge Ringed Binders
Not unlike a hardcover book, a turned-edge binder is made by gluing an outer cover that overlaps and bends around the edges of the chipboard substrate. After the cover is glued in place, a paper liner is affixed to the inner side of the binder to complete a “finished” look. In most instances, the outer cover is finished with a matte, gloss, or soft-touch coating. Turned-edge binders are not inexpensive, but are an appropriate choice when seeking a binder with a high-end appearance.
If you have any questions about Ringed Binders, give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get ready for your next trade show!
