Perfect Binding: LX-PerfectBack Strips and the Model 9

Using a Powis Parker Fastback 9 binding machine it is possible to produce high quality short run perfect bound books in just minutes. All you need is a Fastback LX-PerfectBack strip, your printed document and a wrap around cover. This article will describe the steps that are necessary for binding a document with an LF or Lay Flat LX-PerfectBack strip using a Fastback 9 binding machine. There are 7 steps for binding the book block using an LX-Perfectback LF Strip and there are seven steps for adding a cover to your bound document.

Binding your Book Block:

  1. Switch your Fastback Model 9 into PERFECTBACK LF mode. If the machine is already in PERFECTBACK LF mode, the display will read: “READY TO BIND” … “PERFECTBACK LF.”
  2. Select the correct LX-Perfectback strip according to your document thickness. A narrow Perfectback Strip will bind between 10-125 sheets of 20lb paper and a medium Perfectback strip will bind between 125-250 sheets of 20# paper. If you aren’t sure what width of strip to use you can always use your machine to determine the correct size. Just place your document in the binding recess and press the BIND button. The correct size will be shown on the display.
  3. Fold the strip to a ninety degree angle so that the adhesive side of the strip faces inward and the side with the peel off release liner faces outward.
  4. Place the strip into the Fastback machine with the adhesive facing up. The short side of the bent “L” should be resting against the back of the binding recess and the strip should be moved all the way to right side of the machine.
  5. Ensure that all of the pages of your document are properly jogged together so that all of the pages you need to bind will come into contact with the glue on your binding strip. Insert the pages of your book into the machine and make sure that all the pages are even, that your book block is pushed towards the back of the machine and that the edge of your pages line up with the edge of your strip.
  6. Press the BIND button on the right side of your machine. The Fastback 9 will then clamp your book in place and begin the binding process.
  7. When the Fastback 9 tells you to remove your book, gently pick up the book and place it in the cooling rack for a minimum of five minutes. It is important not to open or try to use the book before it cools or you may compromise the strength of the bind.

Adding Your Cover:

  1. Score and fold your cover at the two positions that will represent your spine edges. You can use the Powis Parker Scoring Machine or another similar scoring device to do this quickly and accurately for you.
  2. Peel off the thin release paper at the front of your book block.
  3. Place your pre-folded cover on a flat surface with the front of the cover bent up from the rear spine edge. Insert your book block inside the front of your cover. Position it so full and even contact is made in the spine area.
  4. Fold your front cover tightly over the book block. Starting from the middle, rub back and forth to secure the cover to the adhesive strip beneath it.
  5. Flip the book over. Open the back cover and remove the remaining release paper
  6. Tightly pull the cover against the spine.Rub back and forth, starting from the middle, to bind the back cover to the adhesive beneath it.
  7. Trim the book ends to size as desired.
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Krish Technologies posted this on Feb 3, 2016

< 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)

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