What types of strips are available for Fastback binding machines?

Fastback binding machines use thermal adhesive strips to bind documents. There are six strip types available - LX, Super, Composition, CP, Perfectback, and Image Blank. Each is designed for specific machine models, document thicknesses, and finish requirements. Using the wrong strip type for your machine produces binding failure. Using the wrong strip width for your document thickness produces pages that fall out. This guide covers every strip type and how to choose correctly.

What Are Fastback Binding Strips?

Fastback strips are thermal adhesive elements made from a paper or fabric substrate coated with heat-activated adhesive on the inside surface. When the strip is placed against the page stack edge and inserted into the Fastback machine, the heating element activates the adhesive and bonds the page stack and covers together in 35 to 45 seconds. Each strip type is compatible with specific Fastback machine models only - strips designed for one model series cannot be reliably used in an incompatible model. Strip width (narrow, medium, or wide) determines how many pages the strip can bind. All six types are available in both 11-inch length (for letter and A4 documents) and 8.5-inch length (for half-letter and A5 photobooks).

What Types of Strips Are Available for Fastback Binding Machines

Strip Type 1 - LX Strips

LX Strips are the standard strip for the Fastback 9. They are the only Fastback strip type that supports re-editing after binding - documents can be re-opened and re-bound up to two times. This makes LX strips the right choice for any document that may need to be updated after the initial binding. Available in narrow and medium widths in 11-inch and 8.5-inch lengths in a range of colors.

Strip Type 2 - Super Strips

Super Strips are designed for the Fastback 20 and compatible machines. Each Super Strip contains three adhesive lines - one for the pages and two specifically positioned for cover attachment - and carries a printed barcode that communicates with the Fastback 20 machine to set the correct temperature and timing automatically. Available in narrow, medium, and wide widths in both 11-inch and 8.5-inch lengths.

Strip Type 3 - Composition Strips

Composition Strips have a smooth fabric texture specifically designed to complement Fastback composition hardcovers. Compatible with the Fastback 9, 11, 15xs, and 20. The fabric surface gives a more refined finished appearance than LX strips and coordinates visually with composition-style covers for a complete matched look. Available in narrow, medium, and wide widths.

Strip Type 4 - CP Strips

CP Strips are designed specifically for binding thick documents (typically 250 to 350 pages) where standard strip widths do not provide sufficient adhesive volume to bond the full spine reliably. Compatible with the Fastback 11, 15xs, and 20. Available in wide width only.

Strip Type 5 - Perfectback Strips

Perfectback Strips produce a perfect-bound finish identical to a commercial paperback book. Compatible with the Fastback 11, 15xs, and 20. They require Perfectback covers and produce a smooth, flat glued spine with no visible binding element - ideal for photobooks and catalogs where a commercial book appearance is the goal.

Strip Type 6 - Image Blank Strips

Image Blank Strips have a printable surface that accepts foil titles from the Powis Parker PowisPrinter accessory, allowing custom spine text to be applied before binding. Compatible with the Fastback 9 and 20.

Understanding Strip Width Selection in Detail

Strip width is the most frequently misunderstood aspect of the Fastback system. The width categories (narrow, medium, wide) correspond to document thickness ranges, not document page size. A narrow strip binds documents up to approximately 125 pages regardless of whether those pages are letter-size or half-letter-size photobook pages. What matters is the total stack thickness, not the page count or paper dimensions.

Paper stock weight significantly affects stack thickness per page. Standard 20 lb bond paper (the most common office paper) is approximately 0.1mm thick per sheet. A 200-page document on standard bond is about 20mm thick - well within medium strip range. The same 200-page document on 100 lb photo paper stock (approximately 0.25mm per sheet) would be 50mm thick - potentially requiring a wide strip. Always measure the actual stack, particularly for photobooks printed on heavy stock, rather than estimating from page count.

When borderline between two strip widths, always choose the wider option. A wide strip on a thin document produces a slightly oversized spine that extends fractionally beyond the page edge - a minor cosmetic issue. A narrow strip on a thick document produces a binding that appears secure initially but releases pages within days because the adhesive coverage does not reach across the full spine width. The cost of reprinting and rebinding a failed photobook is significantly higher than the minor cost difference between strip widths.

How to Choose the Right Fastback Strip - Step by Step

1. Identify your machine model. Note the exact model number from the machine label. Strip compatibility is model-specific.
2. Check the compatibility table below. Use only strip types listed for your machine model.
3. Decide if the document needs to be editable. If yes, LX Strips are the only option. All other types produce permanent bindings.
4. Measure total document thickness. Stack all pages and covers and measure with a ruler. Do not rely on page count alone - paper stock thickness varies significantly.
5. Select strip width based on thickness. Narrow for up to 125 pages, medium for up to 250 pages, wide for up to 350 pages. When between sizes, always go wider.
6. Confirm strip length. 11-inch for standard letter or A4 documents. 8.5-inch for half-letter or A5 photobooks.

Quick Reference - Fastback Strip Compatibility Guide

For photobook production operations using the Fastback 20, the barcode-enabled Super Strip workflow offers a practical production advantage worth understanding. Each Super Strip series carries a barcode that encodes the correct heating temperature and bind cycle timing for that specific strip type and width. The Fastback 20 reads this barcode automatically and configures itself without any manual setting required. In a high-volume production environment where multiple strip widths are used across different jobs, this eliminates the risk of operator error in setting the wrong temperature for a given strip, which is one of the most common causes of inconsistent adhesion in Fastback production environments.

Troubleshooting Fastback Strip Selection Problems

Used the wrong strip type and the binding failed

Remove the failed strip, re-jog all pages, and re-bind using the correct strip type from the compatibility table. For full Fastback troubleshooting guidance, see I Am Having Trouble with My Fastback WorkCell Photobooks.

The strip width I need is out of stock

A wider strip can always be used on a thinner document - it will extend slightly beyond the page edge but will produce a fully secure bind. Never substitute a narrower strip on a thicker document - under-bonding will cause pages to fall out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Fastback binding strips made of?

A paper or fabric substrate coated with heat-activated adhesive on the inside surface. The outer surface varies by type - LX strips have a plain paper exterior, Composition strips have a fabric texture, and Perfectback strips have a smooth coating suitable for printed or foil-stamped covers.

Can I use Fastback strips in any binding machine?

No. Fastback strips are exclusively compatible with Powis Parker Fastback binding machines. They cannot be used in comb, coil, wire, or other thermal binding systems. The adhesive formulation and heating requirements are specific to the Fastback system.

Do Fastback strips expire?

Yes. Strips have a usable shelf life of approximately 2 to 3 years when stored correctly (flat, cool, dry, away from direct sunlight). Expired strips have degraded adhesive that does not activate fully. Run a test bind with a scrap document if strips have been stored for more than 2 years.

How should I store unused Fastback strips?

Store flat in their original packaging in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Heat causes the adhesive to pre-activate, permanently reducing bonding strength. Never store strips near a heat vent, window, or warm laminator.

What is the difference between LX Strips and Super Strips?

LX Strips are designed for the Fastback 9, support re-editing up to twice, and do not carry a barcode. Super Strips are designed for the Fastback 20, are permanent after binding, carry a barcode that sets machine temperature and timing automatically, and have adhesive lines specifically positioned for cover attachment. They are not interchangeable.