Wire stitching for book binding has been an industry standard since Thomas Briggs invented the wire stitcher in 1896. Over the years, manufacturers began adapting the process to other industrial applications. While the basic principles of stitching remained the same, the technology and materials changed drastically. Stitching was done with wire rather than thread, and the process was used to join materials like plastic and metal, rather than paper. Today, stitching is used in a variety of assembly applications to create strong joints quickly and cost-effectively.

Metal stitching is the same process as paper stitching or stapling, but with equipment and wire sufficiently strong to penetrate metal and other materials. The difference between “stitching” and “stapling” is only that stitching uses wire from a coil, while stapling uses premade staples. The net result of either process is a staple.