Thesis Printing and Binding Quotation Request Form

Acme's on-demand thesis printing and binding service offers graduate students a reasonably priced, attractive hard cover binding option that is easy and fast. Our service has been designed to simplify the last step in the process of producing a bound dissertation that meets the requirements of your university or college.

Acme has been doing this since 1821. In fact our company president, Paul Parisi, is the co-editor of the national standard on Library Binding, ANSI/NISO/LBI Z39.78-2000.

Printing Process

Pages can be scanned from an original copy or you can send in a PDF file. See our instructions for converting Microsoft Word documents to PDF. We assume that all printing/scanning is to be 1-bit black and white. If you require color or grayscale (8-bit) for halftone images, please call to get specific instructions for the preparatioin of your job. All printing uses a digital process. It is possible for us to produce as many copies as you require, plus we can make a PDF CD as well.

We print on 20# alkaline paper that is designed for use on laser printers. Our paper is white, acid-free, long-fiber, and will have the grain direction running in the correct direction to facilitate easy reading. Paper meets the requirements of the ANSI Standard for permanence of paper Z39.49-1992 (R1997). All printing will be simplex (single-sided), unless we are instructed otherwise.

Binding Process Description

Pages are bound using a notched double-fan adhesive (DFA) process. DFA produces a very strong but flexible binding. Because of its durability DFA is used extensively for binding periodicals and monographs for research libraries around the world. DFA is not to be confused with perfect binding, this process first entails notching the spine to increase surface area for gluing, then PVA adhesive is applied by fanning the spine in one direction, then the other. PVA is a chemically stable adhesive that has long-term aging characteristics equal to that of acid-free laser paper used in digital printing. A stretchable spine lining is then applied that will allow rounding and backing and casing in.

The Ultrabind

Most Thesis bindings are constructed on the Ultrabind, a computer controlled adhesive binding machine which Acme Bookbinding helped to develop. It produces high-quality adhesive bindings which rival the strength and flexibility of Smyth sewn books. The Ultrabind requires zero make-ready, ideal for short run jobs. This machine has eight integrated in-line stations...loading, milling, spine notching, sanding, double-fanning (a superior method of adhesive application), notch filling (a second application of PVA adhesive), cloth lining and unloading. Ultrabound books open beautifully for easy reading and photocopying. Because they will stand up to the toughest use and abuse, Ultrabound books have been especially well received in libraries, where books must withstand heavy circulation and repeated photocopying.

Options

Oversewing is available as an extra charge option for those students that want a sewn binding. Simple spine lettering, with title, author and year is included in the base price. Front cover lettering is available for an additional charge.

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Thesis Binding Features

• Standard 2-Week Service
• Hard Cover binding
  • Foil or pigment stamped cloth covers
• Standard Size Books
  • 8-1/2" x 11" x 2"
• Custom Size Books * prices quoted based on actual size
  • Maximum Width 16 inches
  • Maximum Height 15 inches
  • Any book over 2" thick -- $10.00 extra charge
• Ultrabind double-fan adhesive binding
  • Minimum Thickness 3/8 inches
  • Maximum Thickness 2 inches
• Hand double-fan adhesive binding
  • No Minimum Thickness
  • Maximum Thickness 3"
• Oversewing
  • No Minimum Thickness
  • Maximum Thickness 5"

Additional Services

• No Minimum Order
• 1-Week Rush Service
• 2-Day Rush Service
• 1-Day Rush Service
• Super Rush--as needed Service
• Return Shipping
• Pocket for maps or charts
• Stubbing for folded plates
• GBC or Velo-binding
• Disk/CD Insertion