Jeff McRitchie

Important Considerations When Choosing A Paper Folding Machine

If you are in the market for a paper folding machine there are some very important things that you need to consider before you make your purchase.Here is a list of six things to consider when purchasing a new paper folder.

1. Paper Size: The first question that you need to ask yourself when choosing a paper folding machine is: what size of paper do I need to fold? Depending on your answer to this question your search for a paper folder may be narrowed somewhat. For instance if you need to fold 11" x 17" paper you wouldn't want to buy a folder that is only capable of folding letter sized documents.
2. Fold Type: The second question to ask yourself when choosing a paper folder is: What type of fold do I need to create. If you are looking for a simple tri fold, a half fold or a z-fold most folders will work for your needs. However, if you are looking to do a cross fold or a fold that is more complex you probably don't want to buy a lower end folder. You most likely won't be happy with the results.
3. Paper Stock: The third thing to consider when choosing a paper folding machine is the type of paper that you need to fold. Most lower end folders on the market (anything below $5000) will have a difficult time folding any type of cardstock or index stock that is not pre scored. Many of these folders will also have a difficult time with slick glossy paper stocks. If you plan on folding these types of materials you may want to consider sending in a sample to have tested before you purchase your folding machine (you should also look at the folders above $2000, you probably won't have a lot of luck with the smaller ones).
4. Variety of Folds: The fourth thing to consider when choosing a paper folding machine is the number of different folds that you will need to do. Many of the lower end paper folders are very difficult to set up and change fold patterns. If you are only going to need to do one type of fold it is not as essential that the paper folding machine be easy to set up and change folding patterns. However, if you work at a print shop and need to change folding patterns with every different job you should probably consider a paper folding machine with digital fold plate adjustments or at very least a paper folder with a fold plate that is fixed at 90 degrees to the paper path (some of the lower end folders such as the Dynafold Paper Folder models require you to square your fold plates during setup which can be difficult if you are constantly changing folding patterns).
5. Folding Volume: If you are going to need to fold hundreds of thousands of documents per month you are going to need a different type of folder than if you are going to fold 500 sheets per month. Most people with a paper folder will fall somewhere in between. Just remember to consider your volume when deciding what type of folder to buy. The more you are going to fold the better the folder that you are going to need.
6. Budget: If I could give you one piece of advice when choosing a paper folder, it would be to buy the best paper folding machine that you can afford. Most individuals tend to buy a paper folder that is less than adequate for their needs and are not satisfied with the results. If you can afford it consider an MBM or Formax paper folder. Both of these companies have simple to use designs and great reputations. Buying a paper folder is a little bit like buying a new car. Sometimes it is better to buy a better quality car up front to save you on hassles down the road.

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