Can I Bind Books with Unusual Dimensions Using the Fastback 20 Binding System?

The Fastback 20 binding system is a versatile and effective thermal binding solution from Powis Parker that uses pre-cut binding strips to create books in as little as 20 seconds. Fastback Super Strips are available in a rainbow of eye-catching colors, three widths (narrow, medium, and wide), and two standard lengths (8-1/2″ and 11″ – note: 14″ strips are also available as a special order). Each strip length corresponds directly to the length of the book that is being bound – the 8-1/2″ strip can only be used to bind 8-1/2″ documents, and the 11″ strip can only be used to bind 11″ documents. Luckily, the Fastback 20 system can be used to bind books that have other spine lengths. Below is a step-by-step guide to binding non-standard document sizes using the Fastback Model 20.

  1. Carefully cut the Super Strip to match the length of the binding edge of your document. It is important that one side of the strip retains the small adhesive gap created during manufacturing, so make your cut along one end of the strip only.
  2. Jog the pages of your book by tapping them against a hard, flat surface, then place them into the binding channel. Ensure that the book is flush against the right side of the machine.
  3. Press the green “BIND” button to close the book clamps. The clamps will measure the thickness of your book and determine the ideal Super Strip width, which will be displayed on the panel located at the front of the machine. Note: If the pages of your book are misaligned, press the “OPEN” button to unclamp them and straighten as necessary. Press the “BIND” button to clamp the pages again.
  4. Insert your pre-cut binding strip into the guide located on the right side of the machine. The strip should be inserted with the adhesive gap first and the adhesive side up. Inserting the edge with the adhesive gap first will help to prevent adhesive from leaking into the machine. The binding cycle will begin automatically once the strip has been pulled into the machine.
  5. In approximately 15 – 20 seconds, the binding cycle will finish and the machine will beep. Move your book from the binding channel to the cooling rack, allowing it to cool in the rack for 2 – 3 minutes. You should wait at least 5 minutes before opening the book to allow the adhesive to set completely.

Cut Corners with a Corner Rounder!

One of the many conveniences of using laminating pouches is that the pouches are not only pre-cut to desired dimensions, but they also come with rounded corners. The rounded corners add an extra touch of professionalism to any project that you laminate and also eliminate the sharp edges that can be created when laminating with 7 mil or 10 mil pouches.

Unlike with pouch laminating, projects that are laminated using a roll laminator generally require trimming after lamination. While many large-format projects like posters and display graphics may not require rounded corners, smaller documents (or those that are frequently handled) will have a more polished and finished appearance if the corners are rounded. The major benefit of rounded corners is comfortable handling of your finished project. Since laminating film is essentially plastic, leaving a sharp, square corner on your project (particularly one that is using a thicker laminate like 7 or 10 mil) could potentially cause the end-user to get scratched or cut if he or she does not handle it with care. The secret to achieving a perfectly-round corner on your project? Using a corner cutter!

Manual tabletop models like the Akiles Diamond-1 or the Lassco Wizer CR-20 corner rounder are excellent choices for occasional to moderate usage. They provide an affordable means for creating consistent round corners in a variety of diameters. If you’re looking for a machine that will be used frequently in a high-volume environment, consider an electric model like the countertop model Akiles Diamond-5 or the floor-standing CR-50 series of Lassco Wizer corner rounders, which feature convenient foot pedal operation.

If you would like to ask us which corner cutter is best for you and your project needs, please do so in the comment section. If you have a favorite corner rounding machine that gets you through even the toughest jobs, we’d love to hear about it too!

How Do I Bind Books with the Fastback 20 Binding Machine?

The Fastback 20 binding machine from Powis Parker is an innovative thermal binding system that transforms your reports and presentations into professional-looking, thermally-bound documents in as little as 20 seconds. Using convenient Fastback Super Strips, which have a layer of thermally-activated adhesive already applied, this machine binds books without the need for time-consuming punching or messy gluing. Below is a step-by-step guide to binding books using the Fastback Model 20.

  1. Jog the pages of your book by tapping them firmly on a flat surface. This will ensure that the edges are all aligned evenly and help to provide uniform adhesion along the entire spine.
  2. Place the book into the binding channel and slide it until it is flush against the right side of the machine.
  3. Push the green “BIND” button to close the book clamps around your document. Note: If your document is too thick to bind, the clamps will automatically re-open so that you can remove some pages. If you notice that the pages of your book are uneven after they have been clamped, press the “OPEN” button to unclamp them and straighten as necessary. Once the pages have been aligned, press the “BIND” button again to continue.
  4. As the book is clamped, the machine will measure the thickness and determine the optimum binding strip size. The display screen located on the front of the machine will indicate the appropriate strip size (either narrow, medium, or wide). Ensure that the length of the strip matches the length of your binding edge, then insert the strip into the guide on the right side of the machine with the adhesive side up. The strip will automatically be pulled into the machine and the binding cycle will begin. Note: If the binding cycle does not start automatically after the strip has been inserted, you may be prompted to insert the strip further.
  5. The binding cycle takes approximately 15 – 20 seconds to complete. When it has finished, the machine will beep and the clamps will open.
  6. Remove the finished book from the binding channel and place it into the cooling rack with the spine side down. Allow it to cool for approximately 2 – 3 minutes before removing it from the cooling rack, and allow it to cool for an additional 2 – 3 minutes before actually using your book. This will allow the adhesive to fully set.

The Rhin-O-Tuff 3250CL Coil Binding Machine: A Sleek, Office-Friendly Binding Solution

When selecting a binding machine for office use, it can sometimes be difficult to balance performance with ease-of-use. Many machines that are capable of standing up to office-volume binding require precise adjustments that make them cumbersome in multi-user environments. The Rhin-O-Tuff 3250CL was designed specifically with offices in mind, pairing durable construction and strong components with simplified controls and streamlined operation. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the features of the 3250CL coil binding machine and show why it is so well-suited for office environments.

The Basics

The Rhin-O-Tuff 3250CL is a fully-electric coil binding system, featuring a push button-operated punch and electric coil inserter. This model is compatible with all standard 4:1-pitch binding coils (including Lamination Depot’s high-quality spiral binding coils as well as GBC ColorCoils). The electric punch is designed for use with letter-sized documents (8-1/2″ x 11″), and can punch up to 25 sheets at a time (based on standard 20 lb. paper). The pages of your document are inserted vertically into the punch throat, which helps to ensure precise alignment along the binding edge. The 3250CL’s electric coil inserter is engaged with the push of a button (and automatically turns off after approximately 30 seconds of non-use). The rubber-coated roller grabs onto the plastic coil and advances it through the holes of your document, making inserting fast and efficient.

In addition to its high-quality binding functions, the 3250CL coil binder also comes equipped with a number of features designed to enhance the user experience. This model has a built-in drawer that provides a place to store supplies as well as the included coil crimping tool. Furthermore, the drawer also has guages to measure the document size and the coil size to eliminate the guesswork of selecting the right spine size. An extra-large waste drawer with a small window helps to prevent jams and aids in maintaining the machine.

Benefits of the 3250CL

Like all Rhin-O-Tuff binding machines, the 3250CL is 100% made in the U.S.A. It also features an unmatched 3-year warranty – the only machine in its class with such a robust warranty period. Rhin-O-Tuff is so confident in the 3250CL that if the machine experiences any issues within the warranty period, they will send a new machine immediately – with no waiting period for inspection, servicing, or repair.

Another benefit of the Rhin-O-Tuff 3250CL is that it is designed to be low-maintenance. Though some office-level binding machines require regular maintenance in order to stay at peak operation, the 3250CL has self-lubricating dies that keep the punching smooth – the only maintenance that is necessary is emptying the waste tray.

In Review

The Rhin-O-Tuff 3250CL coil binder is a powerful and easy-to-use coil binding system that is an ideal fit for office environments. It features simple, one-touch operation that allows even the most inexperienced users to achieve professional-quality binding results with minimal training. The 3250CL has a built-in storage drawer that holds the included coil crimping tool as well as a small amount of supplies, and even has special guages to help you determine the best spine size for your book and to measure the diameter of your coil. In addition to its useful features, the 3250CL coil binder also features robust construction that ensures that it will last for years. As with all Rhino-O-Tuff binding machines, this model is made entirely in the U.S. – and it features an industry-leading 3-year warranty period. 

If your business is looking for a coil binding machine that is both durable and user-friendly, then the Rhin-O-Tuff 3250CL coil binding machine is one of your best options.

Laminating Multiple Documents at Once

Trying to cut down both production time and expenses? Consider laminating multiple documents at once by sharing supply surface area.

Laminated Cards

If you have a pouch laminator with a throat measuring at least 9”, you can load multiple pouches side by side in a letter-sized carrier sheet and laminate them together in a single pass. This method is especially convenient when laminating small documents like business cards or luggage tags, since you can easily fit a number of pouches into a carrier sheet. Because you are inserting each document into its own pre-cut laminating pouch, every finished piece will look polished and professional, with identical dimensions and rounded corners.

Placing Multiple Documents in One Pouch

If you have something like a custom-sized strip-shaped document, you may be able to lay the printed material side by side in one larger pouch, then trim them after laminating. However, loading too many documents into one enormous pouch could lead to some problems. Pouch laminating machines are only so capable of pushing air out of a pouch while laminating – if the machine “leap frogs” over too many items in a pouch, a pocket of air can get trapped within the pouch and not all items will get laminated. Placing multiple documents in one pouch can technically save material cost; however, we strongly recommend perusing our wide selection of laminating pouch sizes since one that is pre-cut to the dimensions you need will save you time with clean up later and may in fact be cheaper to purchase than ones with larger dimensions.

Roll Laminating

Roll laminators have rollers with a much larger diameter than those of pouch laminators, which means that they can apply a greater amount of pressure during lamination and can overcome the above mentioned issue. Some roll laminating machines also have the option of a slitter attachment that separates documents as they exit the machine. While the laminator is running, you can insert your documents using the feed table and built-in guides (if present) to ensure consistent placement for easy trimming after lamination.

If you have any technical questions about laminating, ask us within the comment section – we’re happy to answer them for you!

Using a Take-Up Assembly for Pressure-Sensitive Lamination

The take-up assembly on a laminator is used when laminating with pressure sensitive film (also called “cold-process film”). Because pressure-sensitive lamination has a sticky adhesive layer that backs the film, a paper-based release liner is applied to cover the layer of glue and prevent it from adhering prematurely. The supply rollers on the laminator hold the roll film itself, but that release liner has to go somewhere once it is peeled away from the film; keep the discarded liner off the floor (or off your project!) by using a take-up assembly. A take-up roller helps to pull the paper liner away from the film during laminating and neatly collects it for easy disposal.

Take up assemblies either come pre-mounted on a roll laminating machine or are sold separately for installation after purchase. If your firm plans on performing cold-process laminating, be sure to look for a roll laminator that includes a release liner take-up assembly.

If you have any questions about this or another type of laminating machine or process, please ask us within the comment section – we’re happy to help you!

What is the “Throat” of a Laminator?

The opening on both pouch and roll laminators into which documents are inserted is called a “throat.” A laminator’s throat size indicates its maximum laminating width – the larger the throat size, the wider the sheet that can be accommodated.

Pouch laminators most frequently have either a 9″ or 12″ throat, both of which easily accommodate letter-sized documents. Laminating machines like the Akiles Pro-Lam 100 that are designed for laminating ID cards, business cards, and luggage tags have throats as small as 4″ wide. Premium or professional pouch laminator models often have 13″ throats or larger. In addition to being able to laminate wider documents, laminators with large throats also increase laminating productivity when used with small documents, since you can run multiple pouches side-by-side.

Roll laminators have throats as small as 12″ wide or upwards of 60″ wide (in which case they are referred to as “wide-format laminators”). Roll laminating machines with 27″ throats are often used in school settings or small print shops, because they allow two letter-sized documents to be laminated simultaneously with ease (in addition to laminating larger documents such as signs and posters).

If you have any questions about laminating machines, leave them for us in the comment section – we’ll give you an answer!

An Overview of Laminating Film Finishes

Laminating film can not only protect a printed document, but it can also add an element of texture to your finished project. The three most common varieties of laminating film textures are:

  • GLOSS – shiny, reflects light; well-suited for most applications, and can be used with dry-erase markers in some instances
  • MATTE – non-reflective; ideal for use in high-light environments and/or to create a “writeable” finish
  • SATIN – reflects some light, in-between gloss and matte

Laminating pouches (which are pre-cut sheets of laminating film fused together on one edge) are most frequently found in either clear (glossy) or matte texture. You can select from laminating sheets that have a clear finish on both sides, matte texture on both sides, or one side of each variety.

Standard laminating film and the majority of PRO lamination film is offered with a clear, glossy finish. PRO film is also available with a matte texture. Premium laminating films such as DIGIKote and pressure-sensitive (cold process) films are available in the full range of textures (gloss, matte, and satin).

If you have a favorite texture that you find works best for your projects or would like advice as to which texture is most suitable for you, please share or ask within the comment section.

A Guide to Understanding Roll Laminating Film Core Sizes

Core size refers to the diameter of a laminating film roll‘s inner cardboard tube. Roll film is most commonly found in 1″, 2.25″ or 3″ core sizes.

Roll laminating film with a 1″ core is often used with machines like the LEDCO Educator or EZ Lam School Budget laminator in educational settings and some smaller print shops. Films with either a 2.25″ or 3″ core are typically used with heavy duty machines like the Royal Sovereign RSH-1151 45″ Wide Format Laminator or LEDCO Signmaster in commercial print shops.

When ordering roll film, do check your machine’s specifications to make sure the mandrel can accommodate the film. If you’re not sure which roll film is appropriate for your machine or project, ask us within the comment section – we’re happy to help you!

Lamination Depot Goes Green with Facility Upgrades

In late 2011, Lamination Depot embarked on project to upgrade our main distribution facility in Santa Ana, CA with state-of-the-art technology that would enable us to reduce our utility costs by over 50%. As a result of these efforts, we have achieved our goal and are proud to be one of the “GREENEST” distribution facilities in the United States.

We began by moving our entire computer infrastructure to the cloud. This enabled us to shut down numerous servers and also eliminate the need for a dedicated air conditioning unit for the server room.

Next we removed all of the fluorescent tube lighting from the warehouse and installed large skylights in the roof. The warehouse is now illuminated by 100% natural sunlight that comes through the skylights and exterior doors. Only on extremely cloudy days is it necessary to use the auxiliary backup lighting system which is comprised of only 7 high output compact fluorescent bulbs.

All office lighting was replaced using the latest LED technology controlled by occupancy sensors which turn the lights off in unoccupied areas of the facility. The LED lights produce a very pleasant light, consume less than 50% of the power of the fluorescent lights they replace, produce virtually no heat, contain no mercury and last up to 5 years.

The HVAC system was upgraded to utilize NEST thermostats which connect to the internet via WI-FI to monitor weather patterns and automatically determine the most efficient method of cooling and heating the facility.

Lastly, all computers in the office were replaced with high efficiency Apple Mac Mini computers that exceed the ENERGY STAR requirements by consuming only 85 watts of power.

We are very proud that we are doing our part to be more energy efficient and reduce our carbon footprint.