Anatomy of a Folder-Inserter

Machines that insert paper into an envelope

Looking at the 6100 from the side, the card or reply envelope feeder is on the left, the feeder for the envelope to be stuffed is in the middle, and the 2 sheet feeders towards the front. The completed envelope drops in the tray at the front.  When you load the paper, you snug the guides and flip 2 levers on the other side of the sheet feeders. 

You set up the job in the control panel. Nine jobs are pre-programmed which cover most needs. The panel shows job 1 which is to automatically take a sheet from feeder A.  Next it shows that the document is letter size paper.  The envelope is a #10 and this job will seal the envelope.  You can choose to seal or not seal the envelope.  The final line lets you adjust the fold up or down a few millimeters so that it will fit in a window envelope. 

You select a preprogrammed setting by pushing the blue buttons on the right until the job you want displays.  If none of the jobs is correct, you can then make your own settings by pressing the button on the left and changing the settings line by line.  After selecting the job, You can set the counter or just press START STOP to begin. When done, it will stop if you run out of paper, hit the number you set in the counter, or press the START STOP button.  If you are inserting more than one piece in the envelope, the machine collates the pieces and folds them together rather than one at a time.  Cards or reply envelopes are nested.

If you need to fold more than the machine can automatically process, all machines have a function called daily mail in which you manually insert up to 5 sheets, stapled or not, and the machine will fold and insert the set into an envelope.

Access to the machine is easy. a lever on the front allows you to raise the top of the machine. You do this to add water to the envelope sealing mechanism, to periodically clean the rollers and to clear any jam that might occur.

The FD6100 uses standard #10 commercial envelopes.  It seals the envelope by passing the flap across a water moistened pad.  The water mechanism is removed by lifting it out by the blue handles, filling it, and then returning it.  The part with the 3 tabs is removed to fill the tank.

All folder-inserters must use the type of envelope shown.  It is generally a standard #10 commercial envelope.  The flap is V shaped and has rounded corners as shown in the example. If reply envelopes are used, they should be #8 size with similar construction.  Some of the higher rated machines can accept 6" x 9" or 10" x 13" envelopes.  Whatever the size, the flaps must be shaped like this.  If you need an envelope supplier, we can recommend one.

All folder-inserters work like the FD6100, but with increasing speed and capability. For example, the FD6402 shown below can put up to 10 sheets of paper into an envelope and take paper from up to 6 feeders. Options are available for glossy or thick paper.  The FD6402 is rated to process up to 60,000 envelopes per month.  See Selecting the Right Folder-Inserter for a comparative chart of all models.  Call us for help or to confirm your choice.

If you mail any volume at all, you will save time and money with a folder-inserter.  And make the people now performing the work very happy.  Please call us to discuss your needs.  We will recommend the right machine for you.