Perfect Binding With a Fastback Model 15xs
Author: Jeff McRitchieThe Model 15xs from Powis Parker is one of the most versatile binding machines available today. The 15 will perform strip binding, as well as bind hard cover books, note pads and perfect binding. Powis Parker has three perfect binding options or PerfectBack strips to choose from: Temperature Activated, Pressure Sensitive and Lay Flat.
The Temperature Activated or TA strips is by far the easiest strip to use. Simply bind the book with the TA strip, peel off the release liner when cool, insert the book into the creased and folded cover, reinsert the book in the 15 and press and hold the bind button. The machine will reactivate the adhesive binding the book block to the cover. Then the book need only be trimmed.
Powis Parker has two pressure sensitive options for documents or covers that are sensitive to excessive heat from the binding machine. To use the Pressure Sensitive or PS, simply bind the book block the same way, peel off the narrow strip of the release liner when cool and adhere to the creased and folded cover, then peel off the remaining-wide portion of the release liner and adhere the rest of the spine to the cover. For the best results when using pressure sensitive strips it is a good idea to use a cover that is slightly larger than needed. After the book block has been secured inside the cover you can then use a guillotine cutter to face trim the book to the appropriate size. However, if you use this approach it is important to remember to increase your margins appropriately to allow room for trimming.
The Lay Flat or LF strip is ideally suited for larger books and is more forgiving than the regular Pressure Sensitive strip. The binding process is exactly the same as the PS strip; however the Lay Flat strip only has adhesive on the front and back cover and none on the spine. This will help a thicker book to open and lay flat, similar to a hard back book.
In addition to the binding machine, you will need to use a good creasing machine. Powis Parker makes the SM1 scoring machine. The SM1 is easy to use and will put a double crease in the cover to help the book lay flat. If you have a good creaser or scoring machine already, you may not need the SM1 however the easy set up of the SM1 may make it a more advantageous choice than a traditional creaser or scorer. As with all perfect binding machines, you will also need to trim three sides of the book for the perfect finish. There are any number of options and price ranges to choose from depending on your volume.
Fastback is a great solution for short run perfect binding as the process is easy and inexpensive. However, since there are a few steps in the process and the lower cost of glue chips for a traditional perfect binding machine, higher demand users should invest in a standalone perfect binding machine.
About the Author:Jeff McRitchie is the director of Marketing for MyBinding.com. He has written more than five hundred articles on topics related to binding machines, binding supplies, presentation covers, ring binders, index tabs, laminators, laminating pouches, roll film, shredders and paper handling equipment. If you have any questions about Fastback Binding Equipment or Fastback Binding Supplies check out MyBinding.com.
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