The Fastback 20 binding system is a versatile and effective thermal binding solution from Powis Parker that uses pre-cut binding strips to create books in as little as 20 seconds. Fastback Super Strips are available in a rainbow of eye-catching colors, three widths (narrow, medium, and wide), and two standard lengths (8-1/2″ and 11″ – note: 14″ strips are also available as a special order). Each strip length corresponds directly to the length of the book that is being bound – the 8-1/2″ strip can only be used to bind 8-1/2″ documents, and the 11″ strip can only be used to bind 11″ documents. Luckily, the Fastback 20 system can be used to bind books that have other spine lengths. Below is a step-by-step guide to binding non-standard document sizes using the Fastback Model 20.
- Carefully cut the Super Strip to match the length of the binding edge of your document. It is important that one side of the strip retains the small adhesive gap created during manufacturing, so make your cut along one end of the strip only.
- Jog the pages of your book by tapping them against a hard, flat surface, then place them into the binding channel. Ensure that the book is flush against the right side of the machine.
- Press the green “BIND” button to close the book clamps. The clamps will measure the thickness of your book and determine the ideal Super Strip width, which will be displayed on the panel located at the front of the machine. Note: If the pages of your book are misaligned, press the “OPEN” button to unclamp them and straighten as necessary. Press the “BIND” button to clamp the pages again.
- Insert your pre-cut binding strip into the guide located on the right side of the machine. The strip should be inserted with the adhesive gap first and the adhesive side up. Inserting the edge with the adhesive gap first will help to prevent adhesive from leaking into the machine. The binding cycle will begin automatically once the strip has been pulled into the machine.
- In approximately 15 – 20 seconds, the binding cycle will finish and the machine will beep. Move your book from the binding channel to the cooling rack, allowing it to cool in the rack for 2 – 3 minutes. You should wait at least 5 minutes before opening the book to allow the adhesive to set completely.