Five Helpful Tips for Binding With Your Fastback 9 Binding Machine

The Fastback Model 9 thermal binding machine from Powis Parker is a compact binder that is small enough to fit on your desk, yet powerful enough to bind documents in as little as 35 seconds using patented LX strips. Below are five helpful tips for binding with your Fastback 9 binding machine:

Powis Parker Fastback 9 Binding Machine
  • Before binding, jog your document by tapping the pages against a flat surface several times to ensure that they are even. The edge of the LX strip should align with the edge of your document when it is placed into the binding recess.
  • For best results, the grain of the paper should run parallel to the binding edge of the document. Note: If the grain runs parallel to the long side of the sheet, the paper is “grain long.” When the grain runs parallel to the short side of the paper, it is “grain short.” To determine the grain of a specific paper type, lightly hold a sheet between your fingertips along the short edges and allow it to bow. Then, hold the sheet along the long edges and allow it to bow. If it flexes more easily along the long edge (while being held along the sort edges), then your paper is grain long. Most copy paper is long grain, but it is highly recommended the you test your paper before doing any large production runs.
  • Coated papers, and papers with heavy ink or toner coverage may experience problems during binding. If you have documents with heavy ink or toner coverage, always do a test bind first to ensure that your documents will bind properly.
  • After the binding cycle, be sure to place your document entirely upright, with the bound side down, against one of the two rear book support fences for at least five minutes. If your document is not allowed to cool properly, the spine may become crooked. The strength of the adhesive increases over time, with the maximum adhesion strength occuring 24 hours after binding. Note: When placing multiple documents in the front cooling compartment, do not allow it to become overloaded. The front document should not hang off of the metal step.
  • Minor glue build-up on the heaters is part of normal use. To clean the heaters, begin by turning off the machine and unplugging it. Allow the heaters to cool, and then wipe off any glue using a dry, lint-free cloth. Cleaning solution is not necessary.

Troubleshooting Your Powis Parker Foilfast P21x Printer

The Foilfast P21x printer from Powis Parker offers users an easy and cost-effective way to create custom binding covers on demand. Below are helpful tips for troubleshooting the most common problems experienced while using the Foilfast P21x:

Problem:

  • The cartridge is stuck in the carriage.

Possible Solution:

  • Turn off power to the machine, then open the front cover and remove all cartridges on the cartridge holder plates. To reset the carriage, close the front cover and turn the power back on.

Problem:

  • The power does not come on when the power button is pressed.

Possible Solution:

  • Ensure that the power cord is plugged firmly into both the outlet and the printer. If the power cord is plugged into an extension block or power strip, make sure that it is turned on.

Problem:

  • The foil printing is light, distorted, or has gaps.

Possible Solutions:

  • Stop the printer, then remove and reinstall all of the cartridges. Before reinstalling the cartridges, take up any slack that exists on the ribbons. If a particular cartridge continually causes problems, try exchanging it with a different cartridge.
  • The print head may need to be cleaned. It is also recommended that you clean the platen after cleaning the print head. Note: If anything is stuck to the platen, carefully remove it before cleaning to prevent damage.

Problem:

  • The printer will not print, or stops unexpectedly during the printing process.

Possible Solutions:

  • Ensure that the printer is turned on before attempting to print.
  • Make sure that the front cover is closed properly.
  • Press the “Ready/Insert” button and verify that the ready light comes on.
  • Check that the printer cable is fully inserted into the wall and the machine. Ensure that nothing is putting pressure on the cable, and tighten the fastening screws and clamps to secure the cable in place.
  • Remove the sheet(s) of cover stock from the machine. If any pages are caught within the rollers, open the front cover and push down on the release lever before gently removing the sheet.
  • Recheck the printer settings in the application that you are printing from. Note: If you are using the parallel port for printing, you will have to set the printer port to LPTI instead of the PPI_LPTI port.
  • Use the Installation Disc included with your printer to install the print drivers onto your computer.
  • If the guage in the “Print” dialog box does not progress or the “Out of Sheets” message appears repeatedly (when sheets are loaded), your printer cable may need to be replaced.
  • If you are using a printer selection switch or a print buffer, you may find that printer operations are unreliable with bi-directional interfaces. Use one-way communication to ensure best operation.
  • The longer that the printer cable is, the less stable the single becomes. Select a cable length that is not excessively long to maintain a strong signal between your computer and the Foilfast printer.
  • Ensure that you are using the correct cartridges. The Foilfast printer is only compatible with Foilfast brand foil cartridges.
  • The cartridges must be inserted into the printer so that the “B” side faces up.
  • One or more foil cartridges may need to be replaced. When a cartridge has run out, black and silver stripes will be visible on the ribbon. If the cartridge ran out while printing, it will automatically continue printing where it left off once a new cartridge is inserted.
  • The Foilfast P21x printer requires work space on the hard disk while it prints. Always make sure that your hard disk has ample free space before attempting to print to avoid problems.

 Problem:

  • The printer is not printing, or is extremely slow.

Possible Solutions:

  • Make sure that you have enough free space on your hard disk. Note: The printer requires free disk space to operate, but the space will be released once printing has finished.
  • When your computer has very little free memory available for print processing, printing may take a long time or even fail. Close as many applications as possible and try printing again.
  • Working with color images requires a large amount of memory for both the application and the data itself, which may leave insufficient memory for printing. Make sure that your computer has enough memory to process and print the images that you are using.
  • General protection fault errors can be caused if your computer has insufficient memory for color printing or if part of the hard disk has become corrupted. Try decreasing the size of the file that you are printing and/or scanning the hard disk before printing again.
  • The time required for printing can dramatically increase if the available free space on your hard disk is extremely fragmented. Clean up your files and run a defragmenting utility to defragment your hard disk.
  • Some applications have color printing enable/disable settings, while others do not support color printing at all. Refer to the manual for the application that you are using and check the color settings, adjusting as necessary.

Problem:

  • The printer makes unusual noises when the power is turned on, and the error lights blink.

Possible Solutions:

  • If this is your first time using the unit, you may have packaging material remaining in the printer carriage or packing tape adhered to the case. Refer to the manual for detailed instructions for removing all of the packaging materials.
  • Make sure that none of the foil cartridges have become dislodged from the cartridge holders. Open the front cover of the printer to verify that all of the cartridges are installed correctly.

Problem:

  • Paper is not feeding into the machine correctly, or does not eject from the sheet feeder properly.

Possible Solutions:

  • The cover material that you are using may not be compatible with the Foilfast printer.
  • If the cover is curled, it may cause the machine to jam. The sheet should be curled the opposite way by hand to flatten it out before it is used.
  • If your cover has a cut or folded corner, it may not activate the position sensor or sheet length sensor properly, resulting in feeding and printing problems.
  • There needs to be a small margin (approximately 0.02″) between the feed guide and the sheets themselves to allow the sheets to feed.
  • The sheets may be overloaded in the paper feeder. Do not insert more than ten composition covers, one clear cover, or one Foilfast title sheet. Note: Composition covers should be 16-18.5 points thick, and clear covers should be between 6.5-7.5 points thick. Other cover thicknesses may work, however they are not recommended and may cause damage to your machine’s feeding mechanism in addition to potentially voiding your warranty.
  • Do not place anything onto the output tray as this can cause exiting sheets to jam.
  • The cover sheets must be fanned at least once before they are loaded into the sheet feeder. If the sheets are not fanned, they may stick to one another, causing multiple sheets to feed into the printer at once.

How Do I Print Single-Color Clear Covers with the Foilfast P21x Printer? (Windows Users)

Whether you’re binding your documents using binding wires, 19-ring plastic combs, spiral coils, or Velobind binding spines, it’s the cover of your book that will make the first impression on the reader. There are few more powerful ways to enhance the look of your reports than by binding with customized binding covers. Below are the step-by-step instructions for printing single-color clear binding covers using the Foilfast P21x Printer from Powis Parker (for Windows users):

Note: When you choose to print your cover using the single-color mode, the printer will ignore the colors used in your original artwork and will only print in the designated foil color. For example, if you original artwork is black, but you select red foil in single-color mode, then your image will be printed with red foil. Similarly, if your artwork has multiple colors, then using single-color mode will cause the entire image to print in the designated color of foil.

Instructions (Using Non-Adobe Software)

  1. Choose “Print” from the “File” menu of the program that you are using.
  2. The main “Print” dialog box will pop up automatically. In the “Printer Name” menu, select the Foilfast printer and then click the “Properties” button.
  3. When the “Properties” dialog box appears, verify that “Foilfast ClearCover” is the selected option in the “Media Type” box. In the “Print Mode” box, select the “Single Ink” option. Note: The “Undercoat” box will be automatically checked when “Foilfast ClearCover” is selected as the “Media Type.” An undercoat is required when printing on clear covers, so be sure to leave this box checked. Also, ensure that a Foil Primer cartridge is loaded into the printer before proceeding.
  4. If you are printing in any color other than gold, click the button next to the desired color on the “Select Cartridge(s)” menu.
  5. After all settings have been adjusted as indicated, click the “OK” button.
  6. The “Print” dialog box will appear again. Verify that the size of your cover matches the setting in the “Properties” dialog box, and adjust the number of copies to match the number of covers required.
  7. Load a clear cover into the feed tray. Note: Clear covers should be loaded one at a time to help prevent jamming and misfeeds.
  8. Click the “Print” button to begin printing your customized clear covers.

Instructions (Using Adobe Software)

  1. Choose the “Print” option from the “File” menu.
  2. The “Print” dialog box will appear automatically. Select the Foilfast Printer from the “Printer” selection menu, then click the “Setup” button.
  3. A warning dialog box will appear that will ask if you want to continue or if you want to return to the “Print” dialog box. Select the “Continue” option.
  4. The “Print Setup” box will display. Ensure that “Foilfast ClearCover” is selected in the “Media Type” box. In the “Print Mode” section, select the “Single Ink” option. Note: Leave the “Undercoat” box checked, as a primer layer is required when printing clear covers. Be sure that a Foil Primer cartridge is loaded into the printer before printing.
  5. If you will be printing your image in any cover other than gold, then select the desired color under the “Select Cartridge(s)” section.
  6. Click “OK” after all settings have been adjusted.
  7. Once the “Print Setup” box appears, click the “Print” button.
  8. The “Print” dialog box will appear. Ensure that the paper size shown in the “Printing Preferences” box matches the size of your covers, and adjust the number of copies as required.
  9. Load a clear cover into the paper feed tray. Note: Loading your covers individually will help prevent jams.
  10. Click the “Print” button to begin the printing process.

Three Helpful Tips for Binding With Your Fastback 11 Binding Machine

The Fastback 11 thermal binding machine from Powis Parker is one of the most intelligent and powerful thermal binders on the market today. If offers a wide range of robust features, and is capable of creating professional-level bound documents with surprisingly little effort. Below are three tips to help you achieve the best binding results with your Fastback 11 binding machine:

  1. One of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure that your bind is secure and attractive is to ensure that the sheets are evenly aligned. If you are doing a large volume of documents, you may find it easiest to use a paper jogger to even the edges of your sheet. For smaller runs, simply tap the documents against the top of the machine repeatedly until all of the sheets are even. The Fastback 11 machine is designed for years of use in a production environment, so don’t be afraid to tap the document vigorously against the top of the machine to align the pages.
  2. Like fabric, paper has a uni-directional grain that consists of the fibers that make up the paper. You will achieve the best binding results by binding your documents so that the grain of the paper runs parallel to the binding edge. Paper that has the grain running parallel to the long edge of the sheet (the 11″ side) is said to be “grain long,” while paper that has the grain running parallel to the short edge of the sheet (the 8-1/2″ side) is said to be “grain short.” Generally speaking, most standard copy paper is grain long, so it will give you the best bind. Some papers are grain short, so it is highly recommended that you test unfamiliar paper stock before you bind a large volume of documents. An easy way to test the grain of your paper is to lightly hold it on each axis to see which direction the paper bows more easily in. Paper will usually tend to bend easier in the direction of its grain, so most copy paper will flex more readily along the 11″ axis.
  3. As with all bound reports, adding divider tabs is a great way to enhance the look and function of your thermally-bound documents. The Fastback 11 binding system and corresponding Fastback binding strips are compatible with a number of brands and styles of tabs, but it is recommended that you call contact your local Fastback dealer for advice on the best tabs to use, because certain tabs will not give you good results. It is also advised that you bind a couple of sample documents containing the selected tabs before doing any large production runs.

How Do I Edit Bound Documents with the Fastback 11 Binding Machine?

One of the greatest benefits of binding using the Fastback 11 binding system is that it creates secure, durable books that can stand up to years of use. But did you know that the Fastback 11 is also capable of editing previously-bound documents? You can remove pages or even replace existing pages by simply following a few basic instructions. Below is an overview of how to edit your bound documents with the Fastback 11 binder:

Removing Pages:

  1. Plug in the Fastback 11 binding machine and turn it on. Allow it to warm up for approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Locate the pages of your document that need to be edited, and fold over their corners. This will help you identify the pages once they are ready to be removed.
  3. Insert the document into the machine with the spine-side down, so that it is flush against the right side of the binding channel.
  4. Press and hold the “Bind” button for two seconds. The Bind Clamps will open automatically after approximately 20 seconds.
  5. With the document still in the machine, begin removing pages. To remove each page, grab the top corner and pull upward using gentle and even pressure. Since you are pulling on a corner, the page will lift away from the spine staring at one end of the document and move toward the other.
  6. Once you have removed the pages as desired, pull the document out of the machine and transfer it to the Cooling Rack (placing it spine-side down). Allow the document to cool fully, which will take approximately 5-7 minutes.

Replacing Pages:

  1. Plug in the Fastback 11 binding machine and turn it on. Allow it to warm up for approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Locate the pages of your document that need to be edited, and fold over their corners. This will help you identify the pages once they are ready to be removed.
  3. Place your document onto your work surface, and open it to the page immediately after the page to be replaced. Open the book so that it lays flat, and place the replacement page into the document so that it is aligned with the other pages and is as close to the adhesive on the Fastback binding spine as possible. 
  4. Insert the document into the machine with the spine-side down, so that it is flush against the right side of the binding channel.
  5. Press and hold the “Bind” button for two seconds. The Bind Clamps will open automatically after approximately 20 seconds.
  6. With the document still in the machine, remove the page that is being replaced. To remove the page, grab the top corner and pull upward using gentle and even pressure. Since you are pulling on a corner, the page will lift away from the spine staring at one end of the document and move toward the other. Lightly tap the top edge of the replacement sheet to ensure that it is even with the other pages in the document.
  7. Once you have removed the pages as desired, pull the document out of the machine and transfer it to the Cooling Rack (placing it spine-side down). Allow the document to cool fully, which will take approximately 5-7 minutes.

How Do I Clear a Jam from the Fastback 11 Binding Machine?

The Fastback 11 binding machine by Powis Parker is an innovative and intelligently-designed thermal binding machine. From time to time, even the best binding machines will experience minor jams, so taking the time to learn the basic steps for clearing a jam will not only save you time, but will also prevent you from damaging your machine. Below are the instructions for clearing a jammed Fastback binding strip from your Fastback 11 binder:

  1. Begin by putting on the Heat Protective Glove that comes in the Accessory Pack included with every Fastback 11 binding machine. Because the inner workings of the machine are extremely hot, wearing the glove will help to protect you.
  2. Turn the Fastback 11 off and unplug it. Allow the machine to cool for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. If you have chosen to install the Cooling Rack on top of the machine, remove it and set it aside.
  4. To open the machine, gently push the eraser end of a pencil through the hole in the lower right corner of the machine until the cover pops open slightly. Next, carefully push the cover open until it stops in the upright position.
  5. Remove the jammed binding strip using the Wire Tongs included in your Accessory Pack. If you cannot easily reach the jammed strip with the Wire Tongs, lifting the blue metal bookrest may make it easier to access.
  6. After removing the jammed Fastback strip, press the bookrest back into its original position, until it clicks and locks into place.
  7. Close the machine by gently pressing down on both sides of the cover until the latch clicks and locks in position.

How Do I Use the Fastback 11 Binding Machine?

The Fastback 11 thermal binding machine from Powis Parker is powerful enough to handle high-volume binding, creating books in 35 seconds or less, while still being affordable for most large offices. Below is an overview of the binding process with the Fastback 11 binding machine:

  1. Begin by plugging in and turning on your Fastback 11 binding machine. It will take approximately 3-4 minutes for the machine to warm up and reach the proper operating temperature.
  2. When the machine is ready to bind, the Book Clamps will open automatically. Jog the pages of your document to ensure that all of the sheets are properly aligned and insert it into the binding opening, sliding the pages all the way to the right.
  3. Press the green “Bind” button to close the Book Clamps around the document.
  4. Insert the appropriate size of Fastback binding strip into the Binderstrip Guide located on the right side of the machine. The strip will be automatically pulled into the machine and positioned onto the document’s spine at the optimum binding position.
  5. The binding process will now occur automatically. The Book Clamps will open once the bind is complete.
  6. Remove the document from the binding channel and place it into the Cooling Rack with the spine down. Allow to cool for approximately 5-7 minutes.

Helpful Hints:

  1. If you realize that your documents are misaligned or have missing or out-of-order pages after you’ve pressed the “Bind” button (but before you have inserted the binding strip), simply press the “Bind” button a second time to release the Book Clamps.
  2. If the Book Clamps re-open automatically and the Status Indicator Light on the left side of the machine blinks red after you insert your document and press the “Bind” button, then your document is too thick for the machine to bind.
  3. Allow the document to cool completely before opening it to help ensure that all of the pages adhere properly.

How Do I Bind Using LX Strips with the Fastback 9 Binding Machine?

Powis Parker’s Fastback binding systems are known for creating durable and professional thermally-bound documents using their patented Fastback binding strips. The Fastback 9 (which is one of their newest models) is the most compact and affordable of all of their thermal binding systems. Below is a basic overview of the Fastback 9 binding process.

  1. To bind a document with Lx-Strips, begin by turning on your Fastback 9 binding machine and setting it to Lx mode.
  2. Select the appropriate strip size for your document, and gently crease it into an “L” shape using your fingers (ensuring that the adhesive faces inward). If you are unsure as to what size spine to use, inserting your document into the binding recess and pushing the “Bind” button will display the correct spine size on the LCD screen.
  3. Place the Lx-Strip into the binding recess with the adhesive facing up and the short side of the “L” pressed against the back of the channel, and slide it all the way to the right.
  4. Jog the pages of your document as well as the covers so that they are aligned along the edge (where they will be bound) and place them into the binding recess. Align them with the Fastback Lx Strip so that the top and bottom edges of the document are flush with the top and bottom edges of the strip. To create a uniform strip width on the front of your document regardless of size, place the front cover against the back of the binding channel.
  5. After you have ensured that your document is flush against the back of the binding recess, press the “Bind” button to start the binding process.
  6. When the binding process is complete, the LCD screen will read “Remove Book.” Gently pull the finished book out of the binding recess and place it into the cooling rack. After the book has cooled for approximately five minutes, it is ready for distribution.

Four Ways to Get Organized with Binding

If getting organized is one of your resolutions this year, then you’ll love these four organizational ideas that utilize your binding machine.

  1. Custom Day Planner – Using your favorite word processing or page layout program, create a blank template that is tailored to your specific needs. Unlike mass-produced planners, these custom pages give you the ability to add sections that are specific to your business or activities. Once the template is completed, print out as many double-sided copies as desired and bind them together to create the ultimate custom planner.
  2. Training Materials – Every organization has a set of training materials that have been created over the years. Make it easy for your employees or coworkers to stay on top of company procedures by binding your own training manuals. Simply gather the most frequently referred to documents, such as price lists, product brochures, and company policies, and use your binding machine to create easy-to-use guidebooks for everyone in your office.
  3. Calendars – Did you know that you can use your wire binding machine to bind your own calendars? Using free, downloadable calendar software or your favorite graphics program, create the pages for your calendar, add a notch to the center on the binding edge with a half-moon punch, then bind them together with twin-loop wire (inserting a wire calendar hanger before closing the wire). This is especially useful for organizations that need unusual calendar layouts (such as Monday through Sunday or work week-only).
  4. Log Books – Have you found yourself having difficulty keeping track of company-specific expenses or appointments in past years? Try creating your own custom log books to help you stay on top of your own information or that of your employees. Use your favorite word processing or page layout program to design a blank template for tracking expenses, listing client information, appointment notes, or whatever other information you may need to log, then turn it into a booklet with your binding machine.

Four Earth-Friendly Binding Solutions

A growing number of businesses are looking for ways to be more ecologically aware, which includes seeking out more “green” binding supplies and methods. Below is a list of four Earth-friendly binding solutions for organizations of any size:

  1. Paper Binding Covers – Available in a wide variety of vibrant colors and attractive finishes, paper binding covers are an Earth-friendly alternative to traditional poly binding covers. They’re made using up to 20% recycled materials and up to 30% post-consumer waste, plus they are completely recyclable.
  2. Aluminum Screw Posts – Aluminum screw posts (also called Chicago screws or binding posts) are a reusable binding solution that allows you to easily make revisions to any swatch book or other document. They are made from 100% aluminum, so they can be recycled, but their reusable nature gives them a long functional lifespan.
  3. PaperLock PaperCombs – The PaperLock binding system is designed to work in conjunction with your traditional comb binding machine, and provides an eco-friendly alternative to plastic binding combs. PaperLock PaperCombs are made of paper, so they can be recycled with ease.
  4. Fastback Binding Strips – Fastback binding strips by Powis Parker are innovative thermal binding spines that offer a number of “green” features. The strips are paper-based and contain up to 50% recycled material, including up to 25% post-consumer waste. Their adhesive compounds are specially designed to be environmentally neutral, meaning that they won’t pollute landfills or water tables.