masukomi, I may have fallen down a minor #bookbinding rabbit hole in which i discovered that "thermal binding machines" are a thing. They're ~$100-200 in the US BUT the exact same machines are available on Ali Express for $55 with (checks notes) $2 shipping (from china).
Also, hot-melt glue strips for use in these machines? $5 for100 vs ~$10 for 20 on US Amazon.
The one in the pic here is rebranded as the "We R Memory - Thermal Cinch" in the US and for $80-$100. 🤦♀️