Designed for medium to high volume use,
the Powis Parker Fastback Model 15xs CP is a binding system that uses
thermal tape to create high-end quality books, reports and documents. Here is a brief overview of the machine's strengths and weaknesses.
Designed for medium to high volume use,
the Powis Parker Fastback Model 15xs CP is a binding system that uses
thermal tape to create high-end quality books, reports and documents.
One of the quicker binding methods out there, according to company
literature, this machine can create documents in as little as fifteen
seconds. Here is a brief overview of the machine's strengths and
weaknesses.
Strengths:
The 15xs is very versatile, able to create documents
anywhere from two to three hundred fifty pages thick. If your
organization needs to bind multiple document sizes, the Fastback 15xs
is a treat. Only three strip sizes are needed to bind any document up
to 1.5 inches thick. That means you won't have to keep huge inventory
of supplies on hand.
The 15xs comes equipped with what
Parker calls a "smart sensor" that will let the user know what size of
strip is needed for the document that is being produced, and will
automatically adjust the binding time for each size.
Traditionally,
certain paper stocks cannot be bound by thermal binding, however with
the Powis CP strips, hard to bind papers can now be securely bound.
It
is hard to imagine a system that is easier to use. Even a complete
novice can handle binding job easily, and the 15xs also features a menu
enabling users to make adjustments on the fly, such as bind time, strip
end, and other applications.
Weaknesses:
The warm up time of fifteen minutes seems a little long.
While the binding time is very fast, the excessive warm up might cause
users to leave the machine on all the time, increasing electricity use.
However, the machine does have the capability to go into a sleep mode
after long periods of non use.
Though not any less durable
than any other similar machine, due to the fact that it contains more
electrical parts than a standard punch binding system, it might be a
good idea to purchase a service contract when you but the 15xs, just
like you might for, say, a copier. That being said, most repairs that
will be needed are fast and simple.
Fastback binding time is
very fast, but when it is finished binding, there is a cooling time
that is required. To be safe, the user should wait at least one minute
before touching the book, and it should be completely cooled down
before it is used.
Although it is in the same range as some
of the top punch production systems, the cost of the Fastback 15xs
might be more than a small volume user wants to incur.
Because
the binding strips that this system uses are only available in certain
lengths, potential buyer will want to know beforehand what size
documents they want to produce.
The Verdict:
Clearly one of the most advanced and higher end binding systems
available, the 15xs would be a great choice for any business that needs
to produce professional looking documents on a regular basis. The speed
at which it binds (minus the warm up time) gives this machine a huge
advantage over almost any other binding system.
If you are considering the purchase of a Fastback 15xs Binding System you should really check out MyBinding.com. They carry the full line of Fastback Binding equipment and Powis Parker Fastback Binding Strips.
In fact, they carry the largest assortment of Fastback supplies
available on the web. They even carry the full line of Fastback binding
covers and hard cover cases.