Softback binding of University of Manchester MSc, MA etc. dissertations

Also for first submission of PhD, MPhil and other Theses

• The softback form of binding we produce is channel binding
• Lettering on the spine is compulsory.
• Cost is £4.50 per copy, inclusive of lettering.
• Normally takes 5-10 minutes.
• The closer to the deadline, the longer the queue....

Current regulations state that all MSc, MA etc. dissertations can be soft bound in either the channel bind or glue format. Traditional hardback binding is also acceptable (note that this takes 2-3 days). At u-print.com we offer channel binding because it is very quick, clean and easy. 2 or 3 lettered dissertations can be produced in 5-10 minutes. It is also the recommended format of binding for first submissions of PhD, MPhil and other Theses as it can be easily unbound (by us using the correct equipment) for hardback binding.

We offer two slightly different types of channel binding. The original (Esselte) channel binding has a clear PVC front and a soft black card back and can be used for up to 150 sheets, whereas Metalbind has a black spine with a choice of covers and is suitable for up to 300 sheets. (The number of sheets quoted is for standard 80gsm paper and is approximate.)

The spine must be lettered in the following format:

Degree        YOUR NAME        Year

for example:

MSc        JOHN A SMITH        2009

This binding has proved to be very popular since we introduced it in 2001 and we have produced thousands in that time. One of the main benefits of channel binding is the speed; a document can be bound in as little as 15 seconds (lettering takes just a little longer). However, as we approach any of the submission deadlines through the year, it is natural to expect that the demand for this service will increase. We have therefore taken several measures to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.

We do not offer a personal collection/delivery service for binding. More information is on our Delivery page.

What we have done to improve the service

To minimise your waiting time, we now have several channel binding machines and two lettering printers. We have storage space to hold thousands of covers in stock at any time and the Metalbind channels take up hardly any room at all.

Help us – and help yourself

The most important piece of advice we can offer is:
Do not leave it to the last minute.

We appreciate that this may not be possible due to your individual circumstances but if you plan on having your binding done on the last few days before a deadline, then you must expect to have to wait during busy periods. For fairness, everything is done while-you-wait on a first-come first-served basis; we do not operate a booking system. It is not possible to pre-order anything as we can only measure & bind your document when it is completed. The more students come to us for binding at the same time, then the longer the queue. For the record, in past years a queuing time of over 2 hours was typical but in 2008 the queue reached 5 hours. Your binding will normally be completed within minutes of you reaching the front of the queue.

If you want us to print or copy your work, you must also allow time for us to do it. It is impossible to say how long this will take, only that it will get busier as we approach a deadline. Please see our pricelists for colour and mono (black) printing.

Please note that we strictly adhere to our opening times without exception and that all work must be completed, collected and paid for by the stated closing time or you will have to wait until the next day. There may be occasions, especially during busy periods, where you might not get your work done straightaway if you arrive shortly before closing time. Please bear this in mind to minimise disappointment.

While there is always a potential for problems, we remain confident that we can cope with most situations, no matter how bad it may seem at the time. If students are realistic with their expectations and proceed accordingly, then we will be able to satisfactorily complete their work on time.

If you're not in Manchester

If you are away from Manchester and are unable to return to submit your dissertation, you may find it difficult finding someone locally to channel bind your work. If this is the case, then you can send your work to us on the following basis:

• We recommend that you print all copies of your dissertation rather than send an electronic copy for us to print. The reason for this is that we will not necessarily be able to tell if there is problem with the printout and you will not be able to check it before it is bound and submitted.
  Our postal address is on the Contact page. If you choose to send a file electronically, then a PDF is usually the most reliable format. Information on sending files to us is on the Send Files page.
• Our preferred payment method is by debit or credit card, alternatively postal order. If you send a cheque, we have to wait for it to clear before releasing your work.
  If paying by card, please ensure that you tell us:
  • Name of the cardholder
  • Type of card
  • Long card number (across the middle of the card)
  • Expiry date
  • Issue number (if present)
  • CVV2 security code - the last 3 digits printed on the signature strip
  Please also provide a daytime telephone number in case of problems.
• We are unable to make personal deliveries. If you would like your dissertation sending in the internal post to your department, please ensure you tell us:
  • Who it is to be sent to
  • School/Department
  • Room number & building
  Please be aware that we cannot be held responsible for any loss or delay once we have put your work into the internal post system. Alternatively, you can arrange for a friend or colleague to collect on your behalf but please inform us beforehand. Dissertations can also be returned to you by post at additional cost (by prior arrangement only).
• For a guide to how long this process will take, consider this:
  • You post it to us from within the UK, first class on day 1
  • We receive it on day 2 and bind the same day
  • It is collected by the Internal Post service on day 3
  • Your dissertation is delivered to your department on day 4
  This assumes that there are no delays in work being delivered to us nor with the internal post. Also, priority is given to customers who visit the shop in person. The theoretical last posting day to meet a Monday September 7th deadline is therefore Wednesday September 2nd assuming no delays. You are strongly advised to post well before this date.

Important facts to remember

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Telephone:
(0161) 306 3269.

Address:
u-print.com,
Barnes Wallis Building,
The University of Manchester,
Sackville Street,
Manchester.
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VAT:
All prices for goods and services quoted on this website are subject to VAT at 17.5% unless specifically stated otherwise, but note that some work may be zero rated. Please ask for details.

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the original Manchester student printshop since 1988.
Previously known as umistprint.com and Manutech CopyShop.

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This page was last updated on Fri, Jul 23, 2010 at 12:48 using BBEdit 6.1.2.

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u-print.com is a division of Materialise Ltd, a University of Manchester Students' Union company.