A debinding apparatus for inclusion in a machine (40) adapted to bind together sheets having first apertures longitudinally spaced along one edge. The machine (40) uses a first narrow thermoplastic strip having studs spaced complementary to the first apertures, and a second narrow strip having second apertures spaced complementary to the first apertures. The machine includes an assembly for forming heads on the ends of the studs including a plurality of fingers (91) for engaging the ends of the stud and a mechanism for actuating the fingers (91) from an inoperative to an operative position. The improvement to the machine (40) comprising a debinding apparatus which disengages the mechanism for actuating the fingers (91) so that after the cutting elements soften the heads the fingers (91) do not cool the heads, thereby facilitating separation of the narrow strips and sheets. A switch (148) initiates the debinding apparatus.
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