Thermal binding uses adhesive-lined binding covers to create sleek and professional-looking bound documents with no punching required. The Fellowes TB250 thermal binding machine is an easy-to-use thermal binder that is capable of binding single documents up to 1″ thick (or multiple documents totaling up to 300 pages) in only 30 seconds with one simple push of a button. Below is an overview of how to bind documents with the Fellowes TB250:
- Begin by setting up your thermal binding machine. If this is the first time you are using the TB250, you will have to install the wire support rack on the back of the machine. To attach the support rack, push the ends of the rack as far as they will go into the holes on the back of the machine. Plug the machine into an outlet and press the power switch to start pre-heating the machine. Note: The green ready light will turn on when the machine has reached the proper operating temperature. The warm-up time on this machine is approximately three minutes.
- Use the built-in spine size selector to determine the correct spine size for your thermal binding cover.
- Align the pages of your document by either jogging them with a paper jogger or tapping them against a flat surface. Place the pages into the thermal cover.
- To bind your document, insert it between the two clamps in the binding channel. The in-process light will turn on automatically while the document is being bound. Note: The Fellowes TB250 thermal binding machine has a maximum capacity of 300 pages per bind, however it can bind multiple documents in a single cycle as long as the total page count for all books does not exceed the 300-sheet maximum.
- When the binding process is complete (approximately 30 seconds), the machine will beep and the in-process light will turn off. To remove your document, lift it straight out of the binding channel. Note: Be sure to remove the document promptly at the end of the binding process to avoid damage to the binding spine and/or documents. If your spine is damaged during binding due to overexposure, your documents cannot be salvaged.
- Gently tap the document against your working surface, with the spine-side down. This helps to ensure proper adhesion between the sheets and the spine.
- Place your document into the adjustable cooling rack, with the spine-side down. Allow the document to cool for 2-3 minutes (or until the spines have reached room temperature). Your documents are now bound and ready to share with colleagues and friends. Note: Removing your document from the cooling rack prematurely can result in loose or unglued sheets. If this occurs, simply repeat the binding cycle from the beginning to re-glue the sheets.