Known for its ease of use, the Fastback 20 binding machine from Powis Parker is one of the most popular professional thermal binding systems on the market today. In addition to its user-friendly operation, the Fastback Model 20 is also very easy to maintain. Generally, you will only need to perform maintenance when adhesive build-up is visible on an operating part or when a strip has become jammed inside the machine. In this post, we’ll cover the steps for basic maintenance on the Fastback 20.
Cleaning the Two Red Heat Platens
Note: In the Main Menu, navigate to Instructions, then Cleaning. The display screen will then guide you through the steps for cleaning the platens and back-up bars.
- Turn the power switch to the Off position and allow the machine to cool for five minutes before cleaning.
- Remove any books that are in the Cooling Rack.
- Open the cover of the machine by pushing the eraser end of a pencil (or another similar object) through the hole located on the lower right corner of the machine until the cover pops open slightly.
- Lift the cover until the latch engages and the cover is held in the upright position. Note: Use caution when the cover is open, as other internal parts aside from the platens may be very hot.
- While wearing the included heat-protective glove, wipe the top side of the heating platens with a clean, dry, cotton cloth that has been dampened with the cleaning solution provided in your Accessory Pack. The surfaces should be wiped lengthwise until they are clean. If there is a large amount of adhesive build-up, you can also remove it by peeling it away from the cooled platen using a wooden ice cream stick. Do not use anything abrasive or made of metal to clean the platens, as they would scratch the coated red surfaces.
- Move the right rear belt to raise the front platen until it is level with the stationary rear platen. Rotate the large black gear located on the left until the underside of the platen is exposed. Following the same technique described in step 5, clean all exposed red surfaces along with the silver deflector plate that is attached at the bottom of the front platen.
- After you have finished cleaning the front platen, return it to its original position.
- Close the machine by releasing the left real lever and pressing down on both sides of the cover until the latch clicks and the cover locks in position.
Cleaning the Back-up Bars
Note: The back-up bars are positioned under the top cover and may, over time, accumulate adhesive. Use caution when cleaning the bars as they may be hot; wear the heat-protective glove that was included with your machine if necessary.
- Set the power switch to the “Off” position and wait five minutes to allow the machine to cool.
- Remove any books that are sitting in the Cooling Rack.
- To open the machine, push the eraser end of a pencil (or other similar object) into the hole located on the lower right corner of the machine until the cover pops open slightly.
- Lift the cover up until the latch engages and the cover is held open. Note: Use caution while the cover is open as internal parts may be very hot.
- To clean the front back-up bar, pull it toward you while simultaneously pushing back on the rear bar. While wearing the heat-protective glove, wipe the surfaces of the bar with a clean, soft cloth that has been dampened with the Cleaning Solution that was included in your Accessory Pack.
- To clean the rear back-up bar, pull the bar toward you while simultaneously pushing back on the front bar. Clean rear bar using the same technique described in step 5.
- Close the machine by releasing the rear lever and pressing down on both sides of the cover. Once the latch has clicked and the cover is locked in position, the machine is ready for use.