Will “Print Binding and Finishing Workers” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

Job Description

Bind books and other publications or finish printed products by hand or machine. May set up binding and finishing machines.

Job Details

• The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 51-5113.00
• The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 33,270.00
• The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 16.00
• Currently, there are 52,730 people on this job

Also Known As…

• Production Associate
• Perfect Binder Operator
• Machine Operator
• Custom Bookbinder
• Book Binder
• Bindery Worker
• Bindery Technician
• Bindery Production Manager
• Bindery Operator
• Binder Operator
• Tinning Machine Set-Up Operator
• Stitching Machine Setter
• Stitching Machine Operator
• Stitcher Operator
• Spiral Binder
• Small Machine Bindery Operator
• Side Stitching Machine Operator
• Saddle Stitching Machine Operator
• Saddle Stitch Operator
• Saddle and Side Wire Stitcher
• Rounding and Backing Machine Operator
• Print Finishing Worker
• Print Binding Worker
• Print Binding and Finishing Worker
• Perfect Binder Setter
• Paperback Machine Operator
• Manufacturing Operator
• Manufacturing Associate
• Manufacturing Assistant
• Magazine Repairer
• Knife Operator
• Head Bander and Liner Operator
• Hand Bindery Assembly Worker
• Gathering Machine Setter
• Folding Machine Setter
• Folding Machine Operator
• Folder Operator
• Foil Stamp Operator
• Finisher
• Covering Machine Operator
• Copy and Print Associate
• Collating Machine Operator
• Casing in Line Setter
• Caser
• Books Binder
• Bookmaker
• Bookbinding Machine Operator
• Book Sewing Machine Operator
• Book Sewer
• Book Repairer
• Book Mender
• Book Cutter
• Book Coverer
• Bindery Machine Tender
• Bindery Machine Setter/Set-Up Operator
• Bindery Helper
• Bindery Cutter Operator
• Bindery Assistant
• Binder

Tasks for “Print Binding and Finishing Workers”

• Trim edges of books to size, using cutting machines, book trimming machines, or hand cutters.
• Examine stitched, collated, bound, or unbound product samples for defects, such as imperfect bindings, ink spots, torn pages, loose pages, or loose or uncut threads.
• Maintain records, such as daily production records, using specified forms.
• Read work orders to determine instructions and specifications for machine set-up.
• Insert book bodies in devices that form back edges of books into convex shapes and produce grooves that facilitate cover attachment.
• Stitch or glue endpapers, bindings, backings, or signatures, using sewing machines, glue machines, or glue and brushes.
• Prepare finished books for shipping by wrapping or packing books and stacking boxes on pallets.
• Perform highly skilled hand finishing binding operations, such as grooving or lettering.
• Set up or operate bindery machines, such as coil binders, thermal or tape binders, plastic comb binders, or specialty binders.
• Cut binder boards to specified dimensions, using board shears, hand cutters, or cutting machines.
• Bind new books, using hand tools such as bone folders, knives, hammers, or brass binding tools.
• Form book bodies by folding and sewing printed sheets to form signatures and assembling signatures in numerical order.
• Apply color to edges of signatures using brushes, pads, or atomizers.
• Install or adjust bindery machine devices, such as knives, guides, rollers, rounding forms, creasing rams, or clamps, to accommodate sheets, signatures, or books of specified sizes.
• Repair, restore, or rebind old, rare, or damaged books, using hand tools.
• Cut cover material to specified dimensions, fitting and gluing material to binder boards by hand or machine.
• Punch holes in and fasten paper sheets, signatures, or other material, using hand or machine punches and staplers.
• Train workers to set up, operate, and use automatic bindery machines.
• Set up or operate machines that perform binding operations, such as pressing, folding, or trimming.
• Imprint or emboss lettering, designs, or numbers on book covers, using gold, silver, or colored foil, and stamping machines.
• Set up or operate glue machines by filling glue reservoirs, turning switches to activate heating elements, or adjusting glue flow or conveyor speed.
• Design original or special bindings for limited editions or other custom binding projects.
• Compress sewed or glued signatures, using hand presses or smashing machines.
• Monitor machine operations to detect malfunctions or to determine whether adjustments are needed.
• Meet with clients, printers, or designers to discuss job requirements or binding plans.
• Lubricate, clean, or make minor repairs to machine parts to keep machines in working condition.

Related Technology & Tools

• Digital duplicating machines
• Bookbinding machine conveyors
• Forklifts
• Book stitching equipment
• Guillotine paper cutters
• Paper drills
• Bookbinding jigs
• Laminating machines
• Signature feeders
• Spine tapers
• Pallet jacks
• Scoring machines
• Personal computers
• Shrink wrap machines
• Die cutting equipment
• Bookbinding utility knives
• Hot foil stamping machines
• Paper jogging machines
• Punching cradles
• Cover feeders
• Book binding rulers
• Knife folders
• Buckle folders
• Perforators
• Coil binding machines
• Rounding and backing machines
• Bindery stackers
• Paper punching machines
• Smashing machines
• Thermal book binding equipment
• Padding presses
• Band nippers
• Tape binding machines
• Saddle stitchers
• Long nose pliers
• Strapping machines
• Coil crimping pliers
• Case makers
• Printing collators
• Perfect binding machines
• Rotary punches
• Bookbinding awls
• Paper knives
• Board shears
• Plastic comb binding machines
• Hydraulic trimmers
• Glue rollers
• Bookbinding glue brushes
• Push drills
• Spiral coil inserters
• Hand dollies
• Hand trucks
• Corner rounders

• Trade Bindery Software Bindery Management System
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Word
• Data entry software
• Microsoft Publisher
• Email software
• Label printing software
• Houchen Bindery Library Automated Retrieval System LARS
• Microsoft Excel
• Trade Bindery Software Bindery Estimating System