The Fastback 25 Photobook binder is a brand new
binding machine that is designed to work as part of the Fastback
Photobook workcell. When used in conjunction with the Powis Splitter,
the Fastback 25 can make a high quality hardcover or photobook in
around a minute. This article will discuss the process for using
the Fastback-25 photobook binder to bind the book block after you have
processed your pages with the edge splitter.
1. Turn the Power Switch "ON. " The Power Switch is located in the
lower left on the front of the binder. Once switched on, the Fastback
Model 25 Photobook binder takes about ten minutes to warm up. When it's
ready, the display reads "READY TO BIND. " While the machine warms up
you can work on assembling your documents, get your hard covers ready
or can even begin splitting the edges on some of your books.
2. Prepare your glossy coated paper using the Fastback Splitter to
ensure a strong bind. This will allow the thermal adhesive from your
strip to bond with the paper fibers from your printed pages and will
give you a strong StitchFree bond.
3. Before inserting your book block into the binder, add the folded
endleaves to the front and back of the book block. The windowed endleaf
should align with the photo on the first page of the book block. Make
sure all the sheets and endleaves in your document are aligned by
firmly jogging them on any flat surface. When the book block is ready,
put your book block inside the binder, sliding it all the way to the
RIGHT side of the opening. Tap the pages again until you're sure
they're straight and all the pages are tapped down. If you notice your
sheets and endleaves aren't perfectly straight, now is the time to fix
them. Press the OPEN button to unclamp your document, then re-align the
pages. When you're done, press the BIND button.
4. Now press the green BIND button. The book clamps close and the display indicates the correct strip width for your book.
5. Select the PhotoPro binding strip of the desired width. Make sure
the strip length matches the document's spine length. Fastback PhotoPro
binding strips are designed specifically for use with the FB25 and the
edge splitter. The adhesive in these strips will work together with the
edge splitting process to produce a superior binding strength that is
needed for frequenly used hard cover documents. If you want to bind a
book that has an unusual length, you may hand cut a the strip to match
that document's length. However, it is very important that when you
insert the strip in the binder, you insert the side with the adhesive
gap first to avoid adhesive leakage into the machine. For production
quantities of books it is always recommended that you purchase strip
manufactured to the correct length.
6. Insert the strip into Strip Feed on right side of binder.
7. When the binding is complete (approximately 35-45 seconds), the
clamps open to release the document. The display reads, "REMOVE BOOK."
8. Remove your bound document, and place it in the cooling rack for at
least four minutes (figure 9). Stack the finished book blocks up to 4-5
books high, setting the most recently bound book blocks to the rear of
the stack. Letting your book cool allows the adhesive to set and
ensures a strong bind.
After you have bound the book block using your Fastback 25 Photobook
Binding machine you will now be ready to assemble your hard cover. For
best results you will want to use the Powis Hardcover Guide to help you
make sure that your book block is aligned correctly inside your Powis
HardCover or Photobook cover.
