Troubleshooting Your Fellowes Helios 60 Thermal Binding Machine

The Helios 60 thermal binding machine from Fellowes is an easy-to-use thermal binder capable of binding up to 600 pages per binding cycle. Below is a list of tips for troubleshooting the most common problems with the Helios 60:

Problem:

  • The red LED light on the ‘Power-On’ button does not turn on.

Possible Solutions:

  • Ensure that the power cord is plugged in to both the wall socket and the socket located on the rear of the machine. Try testing the socket with a different piece of equipment and/or plugging the machine into another socket.
  • If the socket is working and both ends of the plug are firmly inserted, the main power switch located on the back of the machine (next to the power socket) may need to be turned on.

Problem:

  • The machine is plugged in and turned on, but the green light that indicates that it has reached operating temperature does not turn on, even after a long warm-up period.

Possible Solution:

  • If the machine is located in a hot and/or humid area, the internal thermostat may not function properly. Move the machine to a cool, dry area and allow the machine to warm-up again.

Problem:

  • The sheets inside the binding cover are loose and unglued, even after the binding cycle is completed.

Possible Solutions:

  • The thermal binding cover being used may be too thick to bind the documents. Use the built-in binding guide to determine the correct binding cover spine size for your document. To repair the document that was bound using the wrong cover size, try tapping the document repeatedly against your work surface and running them through the binding cycle again.
  • If the document was bound using the correct spine size, then the timer setting for the binding cycle may be incorrect. Check the setting, adjust as necessary, and run the document through the binding process again.

Problem:

  • The sheets are glued into the spine, but are still loose.

Possible Solutions:

  • The cover size may be too small for the number of pages in your document. Use the built-in document sizing guide to determine the appropriate cover width and re-bind your document, using a large spine size if necessary.
  • The binding cycle timer may be set incorrectly, or may need to be extended. Check that the timer is set correctly based on the thickness of your document and run your book through the binding cycle again.
  • If a document is left on the heating element after the binding cycle is completed, pages may become loose. Always remove your document promptly at the end of the binding process.

Eleven Helpful Tips for Binding with the Fellowes Helios 60 Thermal Binding Machine

Thermal binding is one of the most rapidly-growing binding styles on the market today, primarily due to its ease of use, durable binds, and professional appearance. The Helios 60 thermal binding machine from Fellowes is a compact and user-friendly thermal binder that is capable of binding documents in as little as 60 seconds. Below are 11 helpful tips for creating bound documents with the Fellowes Helios 60:

  1. Always use the appropriate size of binding cover to bind your document. Using a cover that is either too large or too small for your document can lead to improper binding.
  2. Thermal utility covers work best when they are filled to capacity, with little to no space before and after your document. For best results, consider including blank sheets to fill the thermal cover to capacity. This can also be helpful for bound presentations and proposals because the blank sheets provide additional space for note-taking.
  3. Whether you’re binding just one document or doing a more substantial run, be sure to always perform a test bind using a similar size and thickness of thermal covers before binding your final product.
  4. The Fellowes Helios 60 has an angled heater mechanism that helps to ensure that the document is correctly aligned with the document support during the binding process.
  5. The adhesive that lines the spines of thermal binding covers works best when used with thin, uncoated types of paper. If you are binding with thick and/or coated paper types, take extra care during binding to ensure satisfactory results.
  6. If you discover that the sheets have not been fully glued to the spine of the thermal binding cover after the binding process has been completed, the document can be run through the binding process a second time to improve the adhesion.
  7. You will achieve your best binding results if the pages of your document are well-aligned and in good contact with the adhesive-lined spine. To ensure that your sheets are aligned, simply place them into the thermal binding cover and tap the cover against your working surface, with the spine side down. Repeat this process immediately after the thermal binding cycle finishes (while the glue is still warm and pliable) to further secure the pages.
  8. When the machine is first turned on, it will automatically perform a ‘System-Check’ function. The control panel will illuminate LED indicator lights in sequence to check
    their operation.
  9. The Fellowes Helios 60 is capable of automatically determining the optimum binding cycle period and self-adjusting, so there is no need to manually input the cycle period. When you open the document clamp and load the documents that you are binding, the machine will calculate the required binding settings and adjust itself accordingly.
  10. In addition to holding your document in place during the binding process, the document clamp also operates as a ‘Heat Shield’ that prevents operators from accidentally touching the heating plate.
  11. If the machine is inactive for 30 minutes, the ‘Auto-Off’ function will automatically place it into standby mode, which is indicated by the ‘Power-On’ LED flashing green and red. To return the machine to regular operating mode, simply press the ‘Power-On’ button.

How Do I Bind with the GBC SureBind System 3 Binding Machine?

While most binding machines are capable of binding documents that are larger than 1″ thick, very few machines are able to handle ultra-thick 3″ documents. The GBC SureBind System 3 binding machine can not only bind 3″ documents, but makes binding them surprisingly easy, thanks to automatic electric punching and binding features. Below is an overview of the binding process with the GBC SureBind System 3:

  1. Begin by pushing the “On” button to power up the machine.
  2. Loosen the Punch Edge Guide Knob and adjust the guide so that the line on the decal corresponds to the line on the Punch Platen that matches your document size. Positioning the Punch Edge Guide ensures that your document will be properly punched and will not extend beyond the binding strip on either end.
  3. Select the desired punch mode. To select the “Automatic Punch Mode,” simply press the Auto Punch Button. If you will be using the “Manual Punch Mode,” do not press the Manual Punch Button until after the paper has been inserted (in the next step).
  4. Insert your document into the Punch throat. If you are using the “Automatic Punch Mode,” insert the pages just to the right of the Punch Edge Guide. If you are using the “Manual Punch Mode,” insert the document so that the pages are flush against the Punch Edge Guide. Note: The GBC SureBind System 3 has a 22-sheet maximum punch capacity (based on regular 20 lb. paper), so documents that have more than 22 pages will have to be punched in sets.
  5. Next, punch the sheets. If you are in the “Automatic Punch Mode,” sliding your document to the left (so that it is aligned with the Punch Edge Guide) will activate the punching cycle. To punch manually, simply press the Manual Punch Button. Note: It is recommended that you punch a test sheet before attempting to punch your document. Fold the punched test sheet in half and check that they are aligned along the edge of the sheet and with each other.
  6. Repeat the punching steps as necessary until all pages of your document have been punched.
  7. Press the Bind Button to place the machine into the standard binding mode (designed for documents larger than 1″ or for small reports that will need added binding strength) or press the Fast Bind Button to place the machine into the fast binding mode (designed for documents 1″ or smaller).
  8. Insert the bottom strip (the strip that has holes) into the Strip Recess so that the textured side is facing down and the small hole in the strip is aligned with the Locating Pin. When the strip is positioned properly, the hole closest to the left end of the strip will be aligned with the vertical line on the Backstop.
  9. Place the punched document onto the Bind Platen so that the document is face up (with the first sheet on the top) with the left edge aligned to the Bind Edge Guide. The punched edge should be flush against the Backstop. Note: The Bind Edge Guide is properly adjusted when the punched holes of the document are aligned with the strip holes and the left edge of the document is flush with the Bind Edge Guide.
  10. Insert the top strip (which has the pins) through the holes in the document and the bottom strip. Press the top strip down firmly until it rests against the top sheet of the document. Note: The SureBind System 3 is only compatible with 10-pin binding strips.
  11. Lower the Pressure Bar so that it is pressed against the top binding strip and the document stack.
  12. The binding cycle will begin automatically. The binding process takes approximately 16 seconds in standard mode and 10 seconds in fast mode. Once binding has been completed, the Pressure Bar will raise automatically.
  13. Your bound document can now be removed from the machine.

How Do I Debind a Document with the GBC SureBind System 3 Binding Machine?

One of the greatest benefits of binding with VeloBind thermal binding strips is that the resulting books are tamper-resistant and secure. A number of manual tools are available on the market to help enable people to debind and revised their Velo-bound documents, but most are difficult and time-consuming to use. The GBC SureBind System 3 binding machine features an automated debinding process that makes it easy to remove the spine from bound documents so that they can be edited. Below is an overview of how to debind a document using the GBC SureBind System 3:

  1. Begin by placing your bound document into the GBC SureBind System 3 binding machine so that the bound side is against the Backstop and the edge is flush against the Bind Edge Guide. Ensure that the small hole in the bottom strip is aligned with the Locating Pin located in the Strip Recess. Note: The Locating Pin is used to center the strip during the debinding process. The hole on the bottom strip must be aligned with the Locating Pin for proper machine operation.
  2. Once the document has been properly situated in the machine, press the Debind Button to put the machine into debind mode.
  3. Lower the Pressure Bar onto the document so that it is aligned with the binding spine and is applying pressure onto the document. The machine will automatically begin the debinding process once the Pressure Bar has been lowered.
  4. Immediately after the Pressure Bar raised, remove the document from the machine and peel the top strip off (starting at one end and pulling the strip up and toward the other end). The debinding process takes approximately 25 seconds. Note: Be sure to immediately remove the document once debinding has been completed. Allowing the document to sit for too long will make the spine difficult to remove.
  5. Press either the Standard Bind Button or the Fast Bind Button to return the machine to binding mode.

Your document can now be revised as desired and bound with a new binding strip. This technique is an excellent way to bind documents that will grow over time – such as financial reports or legal documents – because they will remain secure until you choose to debind them. Furthermore, the GBC SureBind System 3 is one of only a handful of machines that is capable of binding documents as large as 3″ thick, and it does so in as little as 16 seconds.

How Do I Bind with the Fellowes TB250 Thermal Binding Machine?

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Use the built-in spine size selector to determine the correct spine size for your thermal binding cover.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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.