MyBinding Knowledge Base
Comparing the Fastback Model 9 and Model 15xs
There are many features between the Fastback model 9 and 15 that are similar and many features that are very different. Apart from the substantial difference price tag, there are a number of features that distinguish these two models. This article is designed to identify the differences between the Fastback Model 9 and Model 15xs binding machines.One of the most distinct differences in these features can be found in the binding strips that the two models use. The Fastback 9 utilizes strips which include the narrow and medium LX strips. The LX narrow strip is a strip that requires a manual fold for binding. An operator needs to fold the LX strip and then place it within the machine prior to placing the document within the machine to bind. These strips have a capacity of 1/2 Inch. The medium LX strip also requires a manual fold and placement within the machine and have a binding capacity of 1″. Both strips need to be adjusted to the right along with the document that is to be bound for a proper bind. The model 9 is also capable of accommodating image strip. Unlike the model 15, the Fastback 9 can bind a document using another strip known as an image strip. This image strip offers either a custom design manufactured by Powis Parker to match corporate logos, text or images. An operator can even choose from a variety of pre-developed images to assist in matching the image needs of bound documentation.
The Fastback 15 binding machine utilizes strips that are known as Super strips. There are three distinct sizes of Super strips that are used when binding with the Fastback 15 model. The sizes encompass a narrow strip that can bind a document up to 1/2″. The Second size of strip is known as a medium strip and can bind a document up to 1″. The third size super strip is capable of binding a document that is 1 1/2″ in thickness. This strip is known as a wide strip. Another difference between the LX strips and the Super strips is the manner in which the adhesive is place on the strips themselves. The Fastback 9 model binding machine uses strips that contain the same adhesive with the exact same qualities as the Model 15; however the Super strips have the adhesive placed in such a manner as to replicate that of a bar code.
These Super strips are able to be “read” by the Fastback model 15. This gives an extreme advantage to higher volume production of bound documents verses the Fastback model 9. The model 15 is designed for high production and is capable of handling binding documents with a bind cycle from 15 – 35 seconds. The Fastback model 9 binds documents form 35 – 45 seconds. The 15 requires a warm up time of 9 minutes where as the model 9 does not require a warm up time prior to binding documents.
< Over the years, a number of customers have asked me whether they can use twin loop wire with their plastic comb binding machine. These customers often don’t want to have to buy a brand new machine but like the look and feel of twin loop wire binding. However, the answer to their question isn’t as simple as it seems. You see, they actually do make twin loop wire that is designed to work with the plastic comb binding hole pattern. With that said, if you want to use these wires you are going to need a way to close the wires. What is Spiral-O Wire? Let me explain a little bit more…There is a product that we carry called Spiral-O Wire. This wire has 19 loops and is designed to work with the hole pattern from a plastic comb binding machine. Spiral-O Wire is sometimes called Wire Combs or Ibico Wire and was originally designed for use with some of the older Ibico binding machines. A number of the older Ibico plastic comb binding machines also included a twin loop wire closer on the front of them to allow users to use both plastic combs and wire. This 19 loop wire was designed for this purpose. What Equipment is Needed? As the Ibico brand has been phased out by GBC and all of the older Ibico plastic binding machines have been replaced with new models, they no longer have the twin loop wire closer on the front of them. This presents a problem in trying to use these spiral-o wires since you can’t use the wires without a way to close them. One of the only options left is to purchase a Twin Loop wire closer. However, since twin loop wire closers are not incredibly cheap this option usually only appeals to users who have larger electric plastic comb binding machines. Otherwise, it is often advisable to simply buy a low end 3:1 pitch twin loop wire binding machine (the supplies are cheaper). This being said, if you have one of the older Ibico binding machines that has a wire closer included you are in luck. The Spiral-O binding supplies that we carry will work perfectly with your machine and you will be able to use both plastic combs and wire depending on your needs. These Spiral-O binding supplies are available in Black, Silver, White, Blue and Red and in sizes up to 1″ in diameter. If you aren’t sure what type of wire binding supplies that you need to work with your machine simply give us a call. Our trained sales representatives will be glad to help you find the correct supplies for use with your machine.(Read More)
