Printing and Binding a Thesis: The ultimate guide for completing the process
One of the mandatory parts of completing a degree, masters, or PhD course is preparing a final research paper. A research paper is an academic paper that usually provides an analysis, interpretation, and argument on a specific topic based on in-depth independent research. Based on this definition, you can tell how much work and time it takes to prepare a research paper from start to finish, especially a major paper like a thesis or dissertation. For this reason, completing such a paper is usually such a relieve for students. However, the work does not usually end here. After writing the thesis, you have to prepare it for presentation or handing in. This is where printing and binding usually comes in.
For students that have not done this before, printing and binding a thesis paper can be a challenge. Most students wonder about:
- How to print a thesis
- Where to get it done
Continue reading this article to learn more on the hows and wheres of binding and printing your thesis. This guide will help make the process simple and convenient for you.
The process of binding and printing a thesis
You have probably printed a paper before, like a term paper in college or in high school. So, you should know how to get started or what is expected. However, a thesis is a major paper that needs you cannot handle like a regular paper. So, what you may have done before for your term papers may not work with a thesis paper. If you are worried about how to get this work done, this article is for you. Continue reading for a breakdown of all the information you need to know as you print and bind your thesis.
The printing process: Things to look out for
Printing a thesis paper is unlike printing a regular term paper. Most universities and higher learning institutions usually offer instructions on how you should print and bind your paper. So, your first consideration should be the guidelines from your institution. However, if there are no such guidelines, then this post is for you.
There are three key elements you have to consider before printing your thesis. Let us discuss them below:
- Printing color – you have two options when it comes to the color of ink with which you print your paper. The first one is the black color on the white paper. This is the best option because it is professional-looking and high quality. The second is the colored option, which gives your paper some character but if overdone, it may take away from its seriousness.
- Type of printing paper – the type of paper on which you print your thesis is also an important element to consider as it will determine your marks and the quality of your work. There are two primary options from which you can choose. The first one is the 80g/m2 paper. The other is the 100g/m2 paper. The first option is less superior than the later because it is less sturdy and its quality is also wanting. However, it is much cheaper.
- Cost of the printing services – the costs usually differ from one provider to the next. However, other factors like the type of paper, color, and quantity will also influence the cost. So, the best thing to do is to ask for quotations from various service providers and compare your options. You can also seek help from students that have gone before you.
The binding process: Things to look out for
This process is just as important as the former. So, it is also something you should take seriously as it will affect how your paper looks when you hand it in and the impression it will make. Some things you should look out for are:
Institutional guidelines: Does your school offer any guidelines for binding your paper? If so, you have to follow them keenly. If not, then the other factors on this list should be considered:
- Weight – the weight of your paper is usually dependent on the quantity of printed papers it contains. Some binding techniques can handle more weight than others.
- Cost: the prices usually differ depending on your chosen binding type and the service provider.
- Type: This is a significant factor that we will discuss further below.
Binding methods you can use for a thesis
There are four key methods you can choose from when it comes to the method you use to bind your paper. Continue reading for in-depth information on the methods available at your disposal.
Spiral Binding
This is the cheapest and the most popular method that you can use to bind your thesis. It uses spring or metal spirals to hold your pages together. Additionally, there is a transparent front cover and a solid leather-look back cover. The color of the back cover can be chosen according to your liking. This method is ideal for less comprehensive papers that do not have a lot of pages, like small term papers.
Softcover
This is a less common method that a lot of students do not know about. It is a method that is ideal for students that want to employ their creativity in how they bind their papers. With this method, you can design your cover however you wish, using different fonts, images, and inspirations. However, we would warn you against overdoing it with the design as it would take away from the seriousness of your thesis. This method is ideal for all types of papers as you can customize it to fit your paper.
Thermal Binding
This method is similar to the spiral technique as it also features a transparent front and solid leather-look back. However, instead of spirals, with this method, glue is used to hold your pages together. It is an ideal method for binding small papers like term papers or several print outs of a final paper. It is an affordable method.
Leather Binding
This is the highest-quality of binding that you could employ. It is also the most expensive. It includes a solid leather-look front and back, which is held together with glue. Leather binding is ideal for comprehensive papers like thesis and dissertations because it can handle large quantities of hefty papers.
Where to get binding and printing services
The first place you should look is the internet. You will come across so many options from the comfort of your home. When choosing the best service provider, you must consider elements like the costs, reputation, reviews, types and quality of services, reliability, and experience.
BachelorPrint would be a fantastic option that meets all the requirements and standards. Besides affordable prices, this copy shop also offers free express shipping, quality paper and services, 3D looks inside the shop, 3D previews of your paper, and one of the best user-friendly online platforms.
Printing and binding a thesis: Finalize your paper without any hassle
Writing a thesis from start to finish is such an investment. So, the last thing you want is to mess up on the last step. For this reason, you have to make sure that you get services from the best provider. When choosing a provider, always consider the elements discussed in the sections above. While you are free to choose a copy company that meets your needs the best, we highly recommend BachelorPrint.
BachelorPrint is a reliable online copy shop that will help you bind and print your thesis in the simplest and fastest way. This company has a user-friendly online shop from which you can easily order services. With this copy service provider, you also get 3D previews of the work and the shop beforehand. Also, you can enjoy free express shipping and affordable services. So, we recommend BachelorPrint copy shop for your print and bind needs.
