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. In this post, we learn more about Lx-Strips, which are specifically designed to work with the Fastback 9 thermal binder.
The Basics
Like standard Super Strips, Fastback Lx-Strips are paper-based spines that are lined with thermally-activated adhesive. Lx-Strips are made with the same thermoplastic adhesives as Powis Parker’s other binding strips, which are made with three separate formulations used in distinct areas of the strips to improve overall adhesion. They are 11″ in length, available in two widths – narrow (3-125 pages; up to 1/2″) and medium (126-250 pages; 1/2″-1″) – and come in an attractive array of standard colors. Lx-Strips are lightly scored, which allows them to be creased into an “L” shape by hand before they are inserted into the Fastback 9 binding machine.
Binding with Lx-Strips
To bind a document with Lx-Strips, begin by turning on your Fastback 9 binding machine and setting it to Lx mode. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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.
In Review
The Fastback binding machine series from Powis Parker uses specially-engineered binding strips to create thermally-bound documents that are attractive and surprisingly strong. The Fastback 9 binding machine, which is the smallest and most affordable model in the series, uses a distinct variety of binding strip called an Lx-Strip. This paper-based strip is made with three types of adhesive to help ensure a durable bind. If you are looking for a thermal binding machine that is compact enough to fit on a desktop but robust enough to handle your binding needs, then take a closer look at the Fastback 9 binding system. Binding with Lx-Strips is very easy and effective, and their intelligent design makes the process practically error-proof.