In today’s fast-paced world, it’s important to keep up with deadlines no matter how much tasks you have to face. It might seem rather impossible to get these things done, but with a little help from technology, you can get things done. For instance, if you have a lot of paper work and paper folding to do in the office, a paper folding machine would be a big help to you. Offices and businesses that revolve around mail-out campaigns make use of these machines to get the job done not only immediately, but accurately as well. Depending on the type you choose, paper folding machines can actually process around 4000 sheets in an hour.
How do these paper folding machines work? Structure-wise, it consists of two adjustable folding plates. Once paper is entered into the machine, it encounters one plate initially and is then brought to the second plate for final creasing, before releasing it from the machine. All this takes less than a second, so it’s no wonder that these paper folding machines can process thousands of sheets in an hour. How does the paper move through the machine? By means of rubber rollers that also support the creasing process and play a role in the entire process from the loading of the paper until it exits into the feed tray.
What is the usual capacity of paper folding machines? Your usual automatic desktop paper folding machine can accommodate up to 8 ½ x 11” paper types with weights ranging from 6 to 28 pounds. Folds range from the simple C-fold and Z-fold as well as others including the double parallel, gate, and right angle fold. Don’t worry – you don’t program these; the paper folding machine comes pre-programmed and can be easily accessed through the control panel.
Paper folding machine are usually divided into two types – the entry-level paper folding machine requires more work from you; i.e. you have to manually adjust the plates although the folding settings are usually ingrained in the plates. The more high-end type is electronically powered, allowing for more convenience, precision and accuracy. Instead of manual adjustment, these units usually have fine tuning knobs. There’s also a pneumatic mail folding machine; this makes use of a suction to get the paper into the machine, making it perfect for glossy and/or colour printed folds. As opposed to friction feeds, air suction doesn’t leave any mark on the paper.
So what are the things you should consider when buying a paper folding machine? It’s important to take into account the sizes of paper you will be folding. Next, consider the type of fold you need. Z-folds, half-folds and tri-folds are relatively common so you won’t have any trouble finding machines that accommodate these types of folds. Some businesses require multiple folds, so it’s best to take this into account. It might be difficult to keep changing the configurations for certain machines, so a machine that offers a digital plate fold adjustment is a better option.
