MyBinding Knowledge Base
How to use the Fastback 15xs with the PowisPrinter
You can set up the PowisPrinter(TM)next to a Fastback®binder, so that after your strip prints, it goes directly to the binder for binding. Which means you can print and bind in one easy step! Once you have the two machines docked, you don’t have to worry about refeeding the strip into the binder to bind a document. And you can save time binding multiple books with the same title, because the printer can print a strip while the previous book (with the same width and title) is being bound. Fancy, huh?
Fastback Binder Docking Kit
If you plan to dock your Fastback Model 11 or Model 15xs to the PowisPrinter, you will need to contact your authorized Powis Parker Fastback Dealer. They will know the details regarding the service modification to your Fastback binder that allows the Fastback binding machine to talk to the PowisPrinter.
Docking the PowisPrinter to a Fastback Binding Machine
1. Make sure that your Fastback Model 11 or 15xs binding machine has been modified to talk to the PowisPrinter.
2. Place the PowisPrinter’s alignment tab close to the Fastback Binding Machine’s Binder Strip Guide. For a Model 11, align the printer to the binder so that the binder’s strip guide end is nestled in the inside corner of the top alignment tab. For a Model 15, use the bottom alignment tab.
3. Position the two machines so that there is access to the PowisPrinter’s front door.
4. If you have a Model 15, place the 6″ long purple cylinder onto the keyboard’s foot and place the keyboard in front of the Fastback binder. For the Model 11, place the keyboard on top of the front panel of your Fastback binder.
5. Run the keyboard cable directly to the back of the binder, then over to the printer’s bottom Input Port.
Printing With a Docked PowisPrinter
When docked, the PowisPrinter(TM) and a modified Fastback binder sense each other’s presence, which explains how you can print and bind in one smooth operation.
1. Load the book into the binder and press the green BIND button to activate the book clamps. (If you need help, follow steps 1-5 on page 7 of the Fastback Model 11 user’s manual, or steps 1-4 on page 3 of the Fastback Model 15 user’s manual.)
2. Now go to your PowisPrinter keyboard. Enter the text you wish to print, and if desired, modify the font type, size, or style. Press ENTER. The screen says: (Press Print or use zone keys in left corner to add text to other zones). There are two methods of printing and binding a document when the PowisPrinter is docked to a Fastback binder. If you use Method A, you can print and bind the strip in one operation. Method B, on the other hand, allows you to print the strip, review what it looks like, and then re-feed it to bind the document. This article will detail the steps for binding with Method A.
3. Press the PRINT & BIND key to print the Binderstrip. After printing, it will be sent directly to the Fastback binder for binding.
4. The keyboard display now tells you to insert the correct strip size.
5. The PowisPrinter will now print on the Binderstrip, and eject it directly to the Fastback binder for binding.
6. When the binder’s book clamps open, remove the bound document and place it spine down in the Cooling Rack. Allow it to cool for five to seven minutes.
< 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)
