The Powis Parker Fastback
Model 15xs CP is a thermal tape binding machine that is ideal for
medium to high volume users, or users who bind thicker documents.The
FB15xs CP is a great choice for office environments as it is quite and
easy to use. The FB15xs CP also fits into production facilities as it
is rugged and exceptionally fast.
Overview:
The Powis Parker Fastback
Model 15xs CP is a thermal tape binding machine that is ideal for
medium to high volume users, or users who bind thicker documents
Fastback
offers users a one step binding process that is exceptionally fast, the
FB15xs CP can bind a document in as little as 15 seconds.
The
FB15xs CP is a great choice for office environments as it is quite and
easy to use. The FB15xs CP also fits into production facilities as it
is rugged and exceptionally fast.
Fastback is a unique
binding system that does not use a mechanical binding element that can
break, and is more environmentally friendly than traditional binding
systems as it does not use plastic.
Strengths / Features:
The
FB15xs CP binds documents from 2 pages to 350 pages or 1-1/2". One of
the great features of Fastback is that there are only 3 sizes of
elements to bind this wide range of documents. This greatly cuts down
on cost of inventory, and space needed for inventory.
The
FB15xs CP is one of the most versatile systems on the market today.
This one system is capable of binding traditional tape bound books
(with Superstrips™ and leather-like Composition Strips), hard cover
books, perfect bound books, Halfback™ books and note pads.
The
FB15xs CP features a unique "smart sensor" that tells the user what
size strip to use, and automatically adjusts the bind time for the
various types of strips.
With the new CP Strips, users can
safely bind calendared paper stocks that other thermal binding systems
are not capable of handling.
This system also features an
easy to access menu that enables users to make simple adjustments to
the bind time, strip end and wrap as well as other custom binding
applications.
While most binding systems in its class do not have warranty or only have a 90 day warranty, the 15 has a one year warranty.
Fastback
is one of the only systems that offers the speed and economy that
production users desire as well as the elegance of a high end Hardbound
presentation for more important documents.
Weaknesses / Limitations:
The
biggest drawback to the 15 is the 15 minute warm up time. While the
machine has an exceptionally fast bind time, the warm up time requires
most users to leave it on all day. The 15 will go into a rest mode
after several minutes with no activity, to wake it up-users simply need
to press any button.
The 15 is a very durable machine,
however, it has many more electrical parts than traditional binding
systems. While most repairs are simple and fast, as the 15 ages it is
subject to slightly more service activity than traditional punch and
bind systems. Much like a photocopier it is an excellent idea to
purchase a maintenance contract for your Fastback 15xs binding machine.
Fastback
is perhaps that fastest system to bind with, but it does require that
the book cools before use or shipping. The rule of thumb is to wait for
a minute before removing the book from the cooling rack.
The
FB15xs CP is not the cheapest binding machine on the market. It is
comparable to the larger table top production punches in price. However
the cost of this machine may be more than many smaller users would like
to spend on a binding machine.
Fastback binding strips are
only available in certain lengths. The 15xs is compatible with strips
that are 8.5", 9", 11", 14" and 14-7/8" long. Not all sizes or colors
are available in all of these lengths so you will have to check and see
which options that Powis Parker makes. It is possible to bind custom
sized documents that are smaller than 14-7/8" by using a longer strip
and then cutting the excess portion of the strip off after the binding
process is completed. However, binding documents with a binding edge
that is longer than 14-7/8" is not possible with this system.
Fastback
documents offer a secure bind and lay-flat capabilities, but the
documents cannot wraparound the spine like a coil or wire bound
document.
Recommendation:
The Fastback
15xs-CP is one of the most advanced binding machines on the market and
is an excellent choice for accountants, schools, engineers, print
shops, advertising agencies, binderies and print on demand
applications.
However, the speed and versatility make this machine a great fit for virtually any user.
The
15xs allows users to create a wide variety of documents including hard
covers, perfect bound books, and tape bound presentations and proposals.
It
is a great fit for companies that are concerned about plastic materials
in their documents. Fastback adhesives are all environmentally neutral
and will not pollute landfills or water tables with harmful chemicals.
If you need more information or would like to purchase the Powis Parker Fastback Model 15xs CP Tape Binding Machine or any of the other FastBack Equipment that we carry please feel to visit our site or contact us with your questions.
This review was written by Jeff McRitchie who is the director of marketing for Mybinding.com.
Jeff has written more than three hundred articles and more than two
hundred reviews on Binding Machines, Binding Supplies, Report Covers,
3-Ring Binders, Index Tabs, Laminators, Laminating Supplies, Paper
Shredders and Paper Handling Equipment.