Is your thesis near completion?

Completing your dissertation is an incredible feeling. It feels as if a burden has been lifted from your shoulders. However, your work does not end here. You have to make sure that you can present it in front of examiners in a professional format. In this guide, we will explain how you can bind a thesis.

What Is Thesis Binding?

In thesis binding, you fasten the physical pages of your dissertation together to create a single presentable document. Although it may appear simple at first, there are plenty of things to get right, and dissertation binding plays a pivotal role in making a good impression of your work.

What Issues Can You Face During Thesis Binding?

Most students lack the basic information about binding types – which one is ideal for their use. If you are one of them, do note that your choice purely depends on the thesis type. For example, if you have written a paper after extensive research, it must be supported by a high-quality binding, not the one used for regular term papers.

In addition, you have to consider the weight of your papers. A regular term paper controls only a small percentage of your final marks. 

On the other hand, a thesis, irrespective of whether it is for your bachelor’s or master’s, makes up a higher percentage of your academic results. That is why printing and binding your thesis is more important than you think. You have to look for a suitable binding to ensure your dissertation stands out. Going for a standard spiral binder is not a good idea in this case.

NOTE:

Many tertiary institutions have certain guidelines on printing and binding. Before working on thesis binding, look into your institution’s requirements. If it does not have any guidelines on this subject, then you can follow this guideline for thesis binding.

Types of Dissertation Binding

Some of the popular types of dissertation binding include:

Wired Binding

Wired binding is common for master’s and bachelor’s dissertations. These options offer a professional look, so you can rotate the pages at 360 degrees and read however you like. Wired binding uses a metal wire.

Plastic Comb Binding

Comb binding entails punching holes down the page’s sides, binding it with a plastic comb strip. This makes it appropriate for master’s and bachelor’s dissertations. It is an affordable option but it is tricky to navigate as pages get stuck on the plastic combing. One benefit of plastic comb binding is that you can add and remove pages easily.

Hardback Binding

Hardback binding offers a book-like appearance, but it comes at a higher cost. It is mostly used for Ph.D. theses. Apart from custom titling, spine and back, you can choose from a wide range of colour and material options for hardback binding. For instance, gold lettering is often applied to academic books.

Fastback Binding

Also known as software binding, fastback binding keeps your pages together via glue. Since it is formal for masters and bachelors, it is hardly used for dissertation binding. If you are going for it, bear in mind that there is always a risk attached to this form of binding: glue can lose fixity after some time, causing the pages to fall out.

Considerations of Thesis Binding In Edinburgh

Here is what you should consider for thesis binding:

Function

This is an important consideration. Look into how you will use the printed piece. Does it need to sit on someone’s lap or fit in a pocket? Does it have to support itself while the pages are spread or will it fold back when it is open? 

Think about the piece’s lifespan. Will you view it once? Or do you want it to last for one year, so it can serve as a reference? Will you put it on a bookshelf? In that case, you need a spine to create space for copy identifying the piece.

Specifications

Every binding style adapts to a different set of specifications. Page count is a significant factor, along with trim size. The paper type you use can affect your binding preference too. Paper type is a consideration when it comes to the durability and function of the project.

Budget

Binding styles have different production needs and the costs can vary quickly. It is not possible to rank binding from the cheapest to the most expensive as costs can vary as per the project quantity and specifications. While working with the quantity, specifications, and functionality of the printer, you can gain a better sense of the types of binding that would align with your budget.

Aesthetic

If budget is not a concern, you can choose the binding that complements your design. You can even merge multiple binding styles for the same piece.  Some binding techniques come with certain limitations, so whatever you pick must work well with the project specifications.

Final Thoughts

After you complete your thesis, you will have to dedicate a great deal of energy and spend significant time to make it presentable. By following our tips, you have everything you need to select a suitable printing option and the correct binding style. 

However, if you want to save time and get high-quality printing and binding without making any effort at a low cost, then you should reach to us for thesis binding in Edinburgh. Communicating the objectives of your piece with a printing service will help you choose the right binding option.