Your trusted source for Thermal Binding Machines and Thermal Binders! Thermal binding, or perfect binding, does not require a 2-step punch and bind process, but uses a 1-step process that heats and melts a small strip of glue built into hard or soft thermal binding covers. Lower priced thermal binding machines are good for low-volume jobs, but higher volume jobs require a heavy-duty thermal binding machine. And to bind hard covers, you will also need a crimper.