Folding machine - what is it and what is it used for?

In modern print shops and large offices, the folder, also known as a paper folding machine, has become an indispensable piece of equipment. It automates the tedious process of folding paper, resulting in a significant increase in the efficiency of employees and the entire organization. In this article, we will take a closer look at what a folding machine is, its applications and the types of these machines available on the market.

What is a folding machine?

A folding machine is an advanced device used to automatically fold paper. It is a bookbinding machine whose main task is to bend sheets of paper at a 180-degree angle, thus creating precise folds. This process, known as folding or breaking, plays a key role in the production of many printed materials.

What is a folding machine used for?

Folding machines are widely used in many areas related to paper processing. First of all, they are used for:

1. Production of advertising materials (stock)
2. Folding letters and office documents
3. Creation of brochures and catalogs
4. Preparation of leaflets, such as pharmaceutical leaflets
5. Production of books in sewn or sewn-and-glued binding
6. Folding maps

What's more, folders are indispensable in the bookbinding process, as they make it possible to fold large quantities of sheets of paper quickly and precisely. It is worth noting that doing this work manually with the same accuracy and efficiency would be virtually impossible.

What is folding/breaking?

Before going into a detailed discussion of the uses of folding machines, it is worth explaining what the folding process, also known as breaking, actually is.

Folding is nothing more than the folding of paper, either one or more times, in order to obtain the target dimension of use. In other words, it is a process in which a sheet of paper is bent in a specific way to create the desired final format.

The process is crucial in many areas of printing and paper processing. Folding is used in applications including:

1. In the production of advertising materials and job requisites
2. When submitting letters and office documents
3. In the process of manufacturing books in sewn or sewn-and-glued binding
4. When creating leaflets, such as pharmaceuticals
5. In map production

It's worth noting that while folding may seem like a simple process, it actually requires precision and the right equipment, especially when it comes to large-scale production or working with heavy-weight paper.

Types of folding machines

Various types of folding machines are available on the market to suit a variety of needs and applications. The main types are:

1. cassette folding machines

Cassette folding machines are the most popular type of equipment, ideal for folding standard office paper of lower weights. Their operation is based on a system of cassettes and rollers:

• First, the paper web is fed through the rollers into the breaking cassette
• Then the paper hits the stop, being constantly pushed by the rollers
• Finally, the shape of the cassette directs the paper into the slot, where it is captured by another pair of rollers

It should be noted that cassette folding machines are recommended to work with 45-160g/m² paper for breaks using two cassettes, and 45-220g/m² when folding in half.

2. knife folding machines

Knife folders, on the other hand, are the answer to the need to fold higher-weight paper. They are often integrated with creasing machine, which makes it possible to process thicker and stiffer papers:

• First, the paper is creased (folded)
• Then transported to the knife folding machine
• The precisely synchronized knife then strikes the paper at the creasing point
• Finally, the folded paper is inserted between the rollers

It is worth noting that knife folders can work with paper weights as heavy as 400g/m² when folding in half or 350g/m² when folding with two cassettes.

Diagram A - operation of the cassette folder machine

Diagram B - operation of the knife folding machine

Photo of the schematic below:

Types of breaks

Folding machines allow you to make different types of breaks, depending on your needs and the purpose of the material. Among the most popular types of breaks are:

1. Folding in the so-called "Z"
2. Folding into a double parallel break
3. Folding in "C"
4. Folding in half
5. Folding into a gate

It is worth noting that the first four tears require a device with two cassettes, while one cassette is enough to fold the paper in half.

Superfax PF-460 Folding Machine

Choosing the right folder

There are several key factors to consider when choosing a folder:

1. Type and weight of paper used
2. Required operating speed
3. The diversity of the breaks made
4. Frequency of change of settings

For digital and offset printers, where there is a large variety of work and print runs often do not exceed a few hundred pieces, automatic and semi-automatic slat folders are dedicated.

Recommended models

1. Superfax PF-460 Folding Machine - model with automatic setting of breaking cassettes, which guarantees quick switching between jobs.
2. Superfax PF-440 folder machine - model with manual adjustment of breaking cassette positions, suitable where changes in types of breaks and papers are less frequent.
3. Swift Speed Fold creasing machine - An advanced solution for precision creasing and folding of thicker papers.

Summary

In summary, folding machines are indispensable devices in modern printing and large offices. Thanks to them, the process of folding paper is automated, which translates into increased efficiency and precision of work. The choice of the right model of folding machine depends on the specifics of the work performed and the type of materials used.

Whether you need to assemble a simple flyer or a complex brochure, suitable folder will significantly improve the production process and increase the quality of the final product. Therefore, an investment in a high-quality folding machine can be crucial to the growth of your print shop or office.

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