Comparing the Powis Parker Fastback Model 15xs and Fastback Model 9

Overview:

While both machines are tape binding systems, a brief overview of the machines will help us understand the vast differences between the two. As mentioned in the former, both systems are tape binding machines. Tape binding is a type of binding that allows a user to produce bound documents with a thermal tape adhesive spine. The user will be able to make these documents in a timely matter without having the need to punch paper prior to binding. Tape binding has proven to be one of the most fast, efficient binding styles while maintaining a professional-looking end product. In the following paragraphs I intend to discuss each model individually that will shed light on the different applications of each model.

The Bind Cycle:

The Fastback Model 9 is semi-automatic tape-binding machine that is able to produce bound documents in a matter of seconds. It is considered a "semi-automatic" system because they only user interaction with the document is loading the pages in the throat of the machine. The rest of the binding process is automated, by pressing a button. A strip is creased and put in the throat of the machine prior to putting the pages in. Once the pages have been loaded in the throat of the machine, the user will square up the pages and then press the green button which will trigger the binding process. The binding time will differ depending on the type of the strip used on the document being produced. On average, the bind cycle is thirty to forty five seconds. The user knows the bind cycle is over when "remove book" appears on the screen placed at the front of the machine. The book is then removed and placed on the cooling racks for a few minutes to ensure the glue sets.

The Fastback Model 15xs automates this binding process further. Instead of folding and loading the binding strip in the throat of the machine prior to loading pages, the pages are loaded first. The user presses the green bind button; the machine will close and secure the pages while automatically measuring the width of the document. In turn, the width of strip to use will be displayed for the user. The user will then insert the necessary strip size in the strip uptake located on the right side of the machine. The bind cycle is roughly 17 seconds. Again, the cycle varies depending on the type of strip used on the document. The cycle is over once "remove book" is displayed on the screen.

Applications:

Both the Fastback Model 9 and Fastback Model 15xs work in conjunction with other Powis Parker machines that enable the user to produce hard-bound documents, photobooks and tape bound books in 11", 8.5" or 14" (only for 15xs) sizes. However, the Fastback Model 15xs enables the user to use multiple other applications whereas the Fastback Model 9 is more limited. In addition to the applications mentioned in the former, the both machines can also produce perfect-bound documents. The process is exactly like the normal tape binding process except the document has to go thru two binding cycles as opposed to one. Additionally, the Fastback Model 15xs works in conjunction with a Powis Parker spine printing machine that enables the user to foil imprint the spine to customize documents.

Equipment Recommendation:

In review, both machines will make tape bound documents in a timely matter, on-demand. The Fastback Model 9 is a more manual binding process and is an ideal fit for short-run jobs of 10-15 binds at a time. The Fastback Model 15xs, being half the bind cycle of the Fastback Model 9 is a better fit for companies foreseeing longer run jobs because of its more automated features. Both pieces of equipment work with other Powis Parker Fastback systems that enable the user to make hard-bound booklets with endless customization options. Customizable features are further extended with the 15xs. There are 28 different strip colors available with the Fastback Model 15xs as opposed to just 11 with the Fastback Model 9. Spine printing and perfect binding also come exclusively with the Fastback Model 15xs. If I were to recommend the Fastback Model 9 to certain market I would refer it to businesses that have short-runs and are looking for a system that has some capabilities to produce a number of different bound documents. Attorneys, CPAs, engineers and marketing firms are major prospects for this model. The Fastback Model 15xs is more ideal for a user with larger runs and bind often. Because of its various applications, the Fastback Model 15xs is ideal for not only the Fastback Model 9 market, but print shops, education service districts and large firms that have a central print facility.