Folding Machines, Inserters and Paper Processing Equipment

800-477-1123
Talk to a Real Person
 
 

 FOLD TYPE CHART

 

 
LetterFold Graphicp
zfold graphic
HalfFold Graphic
DoubleParallel Graphic
LetterFold Graphicp
Crossfold Graphic
BaronialFold Graphic
 LetterFold Graphicp
Letter, C, Trifold
Z or Accordian
Half
Double Parallel
Gate (with wider middle panel)
Cross or French
Baronial
Church (top panel shorter)
 
FOLDING MACHINE CAPABILITIES
 

Most automatic feed folding machines can perform up to 6 different types of folds on a piece of paper.  All machines have 2 fold plates so they can perform 1 or 2 folds resulting in 2 panels (half), 3 panels (letter, Z, Gate, Engineering, Church) or 4 panels (double parallel).  None of these machines can fold paper in more than 4 panels in the same direction.  There is only one folding machine that can fold multiple sheets at a time automatically.  See FOLDING MULTIPLE SHEETS AT A TIME below.

Check the specifications of the machine you are considering to make sure that it will perform the fold you need. 
 
FOLDING GLOSSY PAPER
Most folding machines cannot fold high-gloss or coated paper.  It is too slippery.  The Dynafold DE322 is the only regular (friction-feed) folder that can.  Air-feed folding machines can process glossy paper, but they are expensive.  Call us to discuss your needs.
 
FOLDING PAPER MORE THAN ONCE
 

Some machines can also fold a piece of paper that has been folded in half. The settings are changed for the new fold, and the paper loaded so that it folds from the side.  This is called a Cross or French fold if it is folded in half on the second pass, or a Baronial fold if it is folded in thirds.  See the Large Format and Air Feed categories for these capabilities. 
 
CUSTOM FOLDS
 
Most machines can also perform custom folds, which means that you can change where the fold occurs within limits.  Say, for example, you want the letter fold to have one panel longer than the other or you need to adjust the fold to fit into a window envelope.  To do this, manually fold a piece of paper the way you want.  Then measure the top panel.  Set the first fold plate at that number of inches for the first panel.  Then measure the middle panel, and set the second fold at the number on inches it measures.  Alternatively, set the machine to the fold type you want, and experiment with settings that lengthen or shorten the first and/or second fold.  You should be able to achive the fold you want.  Please note that you cannot make a very small fold or come too close to the edge.  If you are uncertain about this, please call.
 
FOLDING MULTIPLE SHEETS AT A TIME
 
Some folding machines allow you to manually feed a set of 3 to 5 sheets into a slot.  One machine, the DialThree, has the capability to collate and fold up to 3 sheets automatically. Folder Inserters can also collate and fold multiple sheets and place them in an envelope or not at your option.  Bookletmakers can fold multiple sheets in half when fed manually or automatically when combined with a collator.
 


 
 
The LetterFolder Co.
Dexter, Michigan, USA. Phone: 800-477-1123 © The LetterFolder Co.