Binding is what holds your dissertation together and gives it a front and back cover. In most cases, your university will state which type of binding they require in your submission requirements. Otherwise, you can be overwhelmed by the many options a printing service usually offers. This guide will explain the most popular options covering their pros and cons.

Leather binding

Leather binding is considered the gold standard when it comes to dissertations. In fact, if your university submission guidelines state the type of binding to use, it will probably be this one. The binding process begins with creating hard cardboard covers for the front, back, and spine. BachelorPrint will then bind them with leather to add that premium feel to the robust material. Your document pages will then be glued to the binding covers. Leather binding is the best option for dissertations because it combines robustness with a polished, professional look. It also helps the embossing on your front page and spine stand out beautifully. You can add metal protectors along the cover corners for more longevity and you will get a ribbon bookmark.

Hardcover Binding

Hardcover binding is the second-best option for dissertations. You lose some of the pleasant aesthetics and the premium feel but you still get robust binding. Basically, hardcover binding turns your dissertation into a hardcover book. The process involves glueing your dissertation to the hardcover binding material. You still get cover and spine embossing and the bookmark ribbon while saving some money on leather binding.

Softcover Binding

This uses paper (just like softback novel covers) rather than the cardboard-like material for hardcover. The binding process glues your dissertation to the softcover binding materials. Your work won’t be well-protected and you can’t use embossing. But, you can still get a bookmark ribbon with this option. While not ideal for dissertations, it’s perfect for coursework research projects.

Spiral/Coil Binding

Spiral binding is a good option when you’re working with a small budget. The binding process involves punching holes along your pages, adding a front and back cover, and connecting everything with the spiral “spine”. This is a simple process that takes minutes. Usually, the front page will be clear so that your title page can be visible. Spiral binding is usually more appropriate for term papers because it doesn’t offer enough protection for your document. Also, you can’t get embossing or include a bookmark ribbon. But, if this is the only option you can afford, then it will have to do for your dissertation.

Thermal Binding

Thermal is another budget option but it will be more durable than spiral/coil binding. The binding process involves running a special glue along your document’s spine and on the binding covers. These are then placed in the thermal binding machine which, using heat, binds your paper. While it is slightly better than spiral binding, it also faces the same disadvantages. By using a clear plastic front cover, you can’t use embossing. It also doesn’t offer adequate protection from the elements.

Conclusion

Your dissertation binding creates the first impression for your grader or any other reader. The best option is leather binding which offers robust protection and delivers a classy, professional look. Hardcover binding offers robustness without the pleasant aesthetics. Budget options that don’t offer adequate protection but help you save money include spiral binding, thermal binding, and softcover binding.