Maharashtra SSC Paperwork Cardboard & Book Binding Divyang key terms

The weight of one square metre of paper or board, used to compare thickness and stiffness. Higher GSM means heavier, stiffer stock; binding board is usually above 200 GSM.

The measured thickness of a sheet of paper or board, usually expressed in micrometres or millimetres. Caliper affects stiffness, bulk and how easily a sheet folds or creases.

The direction in which most paper fibres align during manufacture. Folding, scoring and binding should run parallel to the grain to avoid cracking and wavy edges.

A quick check to find fibre alignment: tear the sheet both ways, or flex it, and note which direction tears straighter and bends more easily. That direction is the grain.

The thickness of paper relative to its weight, describing how fluffy or dense a sheet feels. High-bulk paper gives a thicker book block for the same GSM.

Paper made with a neutral or alkaline pH so it resists yellowing and embrittlement over time. Used for archival documents, art books and long-life library binding.

A stable, acid-free board used for covers and boxes meant to last decades without discolouring or damaging contents. It is chosen for permanence rather than cheapness.

An inexpensive, dense board made from recycled fibre, commonly used for book covers, boxes and mounting. It is stiff and cheap but not acid-free, so it is kept away from artwork.

A coarse, low-cost board made from straw or similar plant fibre, used for cheap covers and packing. It is brittle and prone to delamination, so it suits only short-life work.

A self-healing rubber or plastic mat placed under paper while cutting with a knife. It protects the bench and blade edge and gives a straight, clean cut line.

A machine with a long straight blade that cuts stacks of paper or board to size. The clamp holds the pile square; the guard and two-hand control protect the operator.

The final dimensions of a page or cover after all edges have been cut. It is measured after binding allowance is added, not before.

The extra width added to a cover or page to account for the spine, hinge and trimming. Getting it wrong makes the cover too tight or too loose on the book block.

Pressing a shallow line into board or heavy paper so it folds cleanly without cracking the surface. A bone folder or scoring tool is run along a straight edge.

A smooth, flat tool of bone or plastic used to crease folds, burnish paper and rub down glued surfaces. It gives a sharp fold without marking the paper.

A 45-degree corner cut where two folded cover edges meet, allowing the turn-in to lie flat and square. Poor miters show as bulky or ragged corners.

The margin of cover material folded over the edge of the board and glued inside. It must be even on all sides and pressed flat while drying.

Assembling the cover separately from the book block: boards, spine strip and covering material are glued and pressed, then the case is attached to the block.

The flexible joint area between the cover board and the spine where the book opens. It is left free of glue or reinforced with tape so it can flex without cracking.

The bound edge of a book that joins the two covers and usually carries the title. Its width equals the thickness of the book block plus the boards and covering material.

The gathered and fastened pages of a book before the cover is attached. Its squareness and thickness decide the spine width and the final trim.

Fastening a booklet by driving wire staples through the fold of the spine. It suits thin booklets only, because thick blocks will not open flat.

Driving wire staples or thread through the side of the book block near the spine. It holds thick, cheap books but restricts how far the pages open.

Joining folded sections with needle and thread through the fold, giving a strong, flexible book that opens flat. It is the standard method for durable hardback binding.

A group of folded sheets nested together as one unit before sewing or gluing. Sections are gathered in order to build the book block.

Arranging sections or loose sheets in the correct page order before binding. A missed section becomes a missing-page error that cannot be corrected after gluing.

Holding pages together by gluing their trimmed edges into a flexible cover, as in most paperbacks. The spine edge must be roughened so the adhesive grips.

Polyvinyl acetate white glue that dries clear and flexible, widely used for paper and board work. It has moderate open time and cleans up with water while wet.

The period after applying adhesive during which parts can still be positioned and will bond. Short open time demands fast assembly; long open time allows adjustment.

The interval needed for an adhesive to develop enough strength to hold the joint without clamping. It differs from drying time, which is when solvent has fully left.

The length of wire that passes through the paper and is clinched on the other side. It must exceed the stack thickness but not so far that it bends badly.

A decorative band of cloth or braid glued at the top and bottom of the spine inside the cover. It hides the gap between block and case and adds a finished look.

The folded sheet pasted to the inside of the cover and the first page of the block, joining them. It must be folded along the grain and left with a hinge crease.

Pressing a heated die onto a cover to stamp a title or design in foil or ink. Temperature, pressure and dwell time must be balanced for a clean impression.

Transferring a thin metallic or coloured foil onto a cover using a heated die and pressure. It gives a sharp, durable title without wet ink.

Items worn to protect the worker, such as safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves and dust masks. In a binding workshop, eye protection is essential near guillotines and staplers.

A machine safety arrangement requiring both hands on separate buttons to start the cut, keeping hands clear of the blade. It must never be bypassed or taped down.

Separating paper offcuts, adhesive containers and metal wire into correct waste streams for recycling or safe disposal. It reduces landfill and keeps hazardous waste out of general bins.

Working out the full cost of a job: materials, labour, machine time, overheads and wastage, before adding profit margin. Accurate costing prevents quoting below cost.

The extra material added to an estimate to cover cutting loss, spoilage and trimming. It is usually a percentage of the net requirement and must be priced in.

A written price offer to a customer stating the work, quantity, materials, delivery date and validity period. It protects both parties and forms the basis of the order.

Earning a living by running one's own binding or stationery unit rather than working for an employer. It requires costing, marketing, record keeping and customer handling skills.

Maintaining organised daily accounts of purchases, sales, wages and stock. Clean records show whether the unit is profitable and are required for loans and tax compliance.