As we’ve outlined in previous posts, thermal binding is quickly becoming one of the most popular binding styles, both because of the ease of production and the attractiveness of the finish. The Fastback binding system, created by Powis Parker, is among the most user-friendly and unique thermal binding methods. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the Powis Parker Fastback system, and learn what separates it from the competition.
The Basics
Fastback Super Strips are vibrant, paper-based strips that have thermal adhesive pre-applied to the underside. Though there are other similar thermal binding tapes on the market, Powis Parker Super Strips have a few distinct features that make them special. They are manufactured to be extremely ecologically friendly, with at least 50% recycled content in the paper component (including up to 25% post-consumer pulp) and an environmentally neutral adhesive that does not release any harmful fumes. The adhesive side of each strip utilizes a patented “intelligent” coding that identifies the size and style of the strip being used, and the binding machine automatically adjusts to the optimum settings, which eliminates the need for manual configuration.
Powis Parker’s Fastback Super Strips are designed to work exclusively with the Fastback 20, Fastback 11, and Fastback 15xs binding machines, as well as the Powis Printer (a foil printing machine that allows users to create custom spines for their books). They are available in 15 attractive colors and three convenient widths. The narrow strip accommodates books 3-125 pages in length (up to 1/2”), the medium strip binds documents 126-250 pages long (1/2”-1”), and the wide strip is capable of binding 251-350 pages (1”-1 1/2”). They are rated with a pull strength of 50 lbs., and take as little as 15 seconds to create a secure bind.
Binding with Fastback Strips
Binding with Fastback strips is very easy. If you are using the Fastback 11 binding machine, documents are bound in a simple four-step process. Once the machine has warmed up, the first light on the three-light indicator panel will light up. Insert your documents, and align them to the right. When the second light begins flashing, press the green button on the machine. The third light will then begin to flash, indicating that it is time to insert the binding strip. Remove the book once all three lights flash, and allow it to cool briefly on the cooling rack.
Binding books with the Fastback 20 is a simple, three-step process. Jog and align the pages of your book before placing them into the binding machine, then press the green button. The Fastback 20 will automatically measure the thickness of your book and the display screen will show the required Super Strip width (either narrow, medium, or wide). Insert the requested binding strip and the machine will do the rest. Once the binding process has finished, remove the book from the binding channel and place it onto the cooling rack to allow the glue to set.
If you are using the Fastback 15xs binding machine, the binding process is even easier. After the machine has reached the proper temperature, the display will read “Ready to Bind.” The book clamps will automatically open to a narrow width, but they can be opened to accommodate thicker documents by pressing the “OPEN” button. Align your documents and insert them into the binder, sliding them all the way to the right side of the opening. Next, press the green “BIND” button, which closes the book clamps. The machine will automatically determine which spine width you need to use based on the thickness of your document and will list the appropriate spine size on the display. Feed the correct strip into the machine, and the binding process will begin. Once binding is complete (approximately 15 seconds), the display will read “Remove Book.” Remove your document from the machine and allow it to cool on the cooling rack for a few minutes.
In Review
Thermal binding is one of the easiest ways to achieve a professional-looking, book-like finish on any document. There are a number of great thermal binding machines on the market, but the Powis Parker Fastback systems are the most innovative. The machines themselves are carefully designed for ease of use and are packed with unique features. Fastback Super Strips not only have the widest color selection on the market, but they are also ecologically friendly and surprisingly intelligent. Though the systems may not fall within the budgets of smaller organizations, mid-sized and large businesses that bind frequently will find them to be a worthwhile investment.