a binding - in and pressing machine with a plurality of pressing stations and heated joint forming rails situated on a reciprocating carriage . an alignment station is provided for aligning the book case joints at the height of the joint forming rails , including a height - adjustable alignment table with rails for supporting the book on the outer edges of its spine and guide elements for centering the book on the alignment table . a separate pre - forming station is also provided that comprises the forming rail , clamping plates , and joint rails that engage into the book case joints and counteract a downward movement of at least the book case joints . the books aligned in the alignment station are transferred into the pre - forming station while being clamped in lateral regions near the joints . the effective times available for realizing a functionally safe alignment and a permanent pre - forming of the books are extended due to the assignment of the alignment and pre - forming functions to two separate stations .