MyBinding Knowledge Base
What different binding modes are available on the Fasback Model 9?
When you go to bind a document using the Fastback 9 binding machine you will need to make sure that you choose the correct binding mode. If your binding mode doesn’t match the type of strip that you are trying to bind, it can cause all sorts of issues with the quality of the bind. Each mode adjusts the amount of heat and the length of time that is needed to bind a document. This article is designed to introduce you to the eight different modes offered by the Fastback 9 binding machine. You can change the mode on your machine by simply pressing the menu button repeatedly until the mode that you are looking for appears on the LCD display.
1. Image Mode: This setting allows the user to bind a document with Image strips. The Image Strip lets you use strips that have your brand and identity information printed on them. The Image Mode is intended for use with Clear Covers, or foil-printed Comp Covers.
2. LX Mode: This is the standard setting for the Fastback 9 binding machine. It allows the user to bind a document with Lx Fastback binding Strips. This mode is also used for binding the book block of documents that are going to be case bound using Powis Parker Fastback hard cover cases or photobooks.
3. LX Composition Mode: This setting allows the user to bind a document with Lx-Comp strips. The eye-catching executive look of the Lx-Comp strip offers a high-end appearance, and is designed to match our Comp covers for your special presentations.
4. LX CP Mode: This setting allows the user to bind a document withLx-CP strips.If you are printing to a color laser printer that uses fuser oil, or you are using extremely smooth paper, the Lx CP Strip can provide a stronger bind in these instances (not recommended for use with glossy coated paper).Intended for use with the Fastback Hardcover products, Comp Cover, and Clear Cover. Unfortunately, LX-CP strips are not currently available from Powis Parker and according to sources from the manufacturer there is no estimated date for their production.
5. Halfback Mode: This setting allows the user to bind a document with Halfback covers. With Halfback covers, you can produce documents that look like they were perfect-bound. The covers come in solid colors and are pre-scored for easy and accurate results every time.
6. Perfectback LF Mode: This setting allows the user to bind a document with an Lx-Perfectback LF strip. Perfectback LF strips produce a wraparound cover spine that hinges freely from the bound spine of your book block. This strip is used for short run perfect binding.
7. Perfectback PS Mode: This setting allows the user to bind a document with Lx-Perfectback PS strips. Lx-Perfectback PS strips produce a wraparound cover that bonds fully all around the spine of your book block. This strip is also used for short run perfect binding.
8. Edit Mode: The Edit Mode enables removal and insertion of pages in a document previously bound by the Fastback 9 binder.
These are the eight different modes that are offered by the Fastback model 9 binding machine. In addition to these modes, there is also a settings mode that allows you to adjust the length of bind time for either the cover or the spine. Again, all you need to do in order to access the settings menu is to press the menu button until “SETTINGS” appears on the LCD display.
< 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)
