Know When To Fold 'Em

When shopping for a new folding machine, consider your volume, the types of jobs you'll need it for and the unit's ease of use. Speed doesn't always matter.

FINISHING IS often the difference between a prize-winning piece and one that is thrown away. Nowhere was this more evident than at the judging for the In-Print 99 contest, where a number of entries were eliminated due to poor folds. If these jobs were not up to par for our judges, then your customers probably took notice too.

When looking to bring a new folding machine into your in-plant, think about your volume and what types of jobs the folder will be used for.

"People have to take into consideration the stock that's being folded, the size that's being folded and tabletop versus console, depending on their applications," says Scott MacKenzie, director of machine marketing for A.B.Dick. He sees the folder market growing strong for simple, low-cost folding machines.

That's also how Doug Reny feels. Reny, vice president and director of business development for Standard Business Systems, says that a simple-to-use and reliable folder is the key to completing a job successfully. He notes that speed is not always the most important function when it comes to folding equipment, and that air-feed systems that produce 30,000 folds per hour sometimes cause more headaches than benefits.

"Moving along at 10 or 15,000 folds per hour without having misfeeds may seem slower at first, but you will pick up some benefits in the end," Reny says.

He reminds users that the ability to feed without worries of jamming is important and can lead to less waste. Glossy and cardboard stock is better suited for an air-feed system though, Reny adds. He suggests users note the grain direction when using heavier stock. He says tabletop feeders are not geared for these types of applications, although you can get away with it.

A Look At The Latest

The Model 52 folder from A.B.Dick folds 12,000 81⁄2x11˝ letters per hour, and will fold smaller forms even faster. There are six folds to choose from with two simple settings. Paper is automatically fed with a rubber feed roller. Adjustable stacking guides, springs and endless stacking tapes assure continuous delivery of folded paper to top of desk or run-out receiving tray.

The Baum USA 714 MP Autofold is an automated air-feed tabletop folder, designed to complement your digital and laser printing operations. It features a built-in batch and total counter, infinitely adjustable speed control, information about the current job running and built-in diagnostics. Jam detection is a standard feature that reduces waste by immediately shutting down the folder until the jam is cleared. The 714MP Autofold can continuously be loaded with a variety of stocks.

Challenge offers the vacuum-feed Medalist 870 table-model folder, which folds up to 30,000 sheets per hour. It can handle stock up to 14x20˝ and features an adjustable metallic sheet separator, a flip-up swing deflector, combination of rubber and steel rollers, adjustable roll calipers and a top-mounted control panel with built-in sheet counter. The Medalist 870 also has a delivery area jam detector system and a noise hood. A two-plate right angle attachment is available.

Count Machinery offers the Count-Fold 235 and 245 series mid-size modular folders. The Count-Fold can function as a stand-alone folder or it can be extended to create a complete folding line to handle intricate folds. Available in 14˝ or 18˝ widths with two- or four-plate configurations, it folds up to 30,000 sheets per hour. For uninterrupted feeding, Count offers the Z-Feeder pile feeder system, available in 18˝ and 30˝ widths.

The new DF-520 automatic setting folder from Duplo requires no time-consuming manual plate adjustments. Six folds have been preprogrammed for five paper sizes, so at the touch of a button you can get accurate folding for a variety of applications. Two memory functions allow you to preprogram specialized folds for future use, and the fold plates can be manually adjusted for any one-time fold.

Stahl's Quickfold—an air-feed tabletop folder—is available from Heidelberg USA. On-screen directions guide users through each step. The microprocessor automatically determines the correct position for the paper stops and delivery wheels, moving them accordingly. Quickfold has many extra features, such as built-in batch and total counter, infinitely adjustable speed control, productivity information about the current job running, and built-in diagnostics.

The 959AF AutoFolder from Martin Yale now features individual vacuum and air pumps for more efficient feeding and lower operating costs. New rubber folding rollers are resistant to the chemicals in carbonless papers. A dual-surface sheet detector effectively doubles feeding life. The 959AF feeds at speeds of up to 18,000 sheets per hour, and can also slit, score or perforate—separately or during folding.

MBM's newest folder, the 305A Automatic, allows operators to load the paper, set the fold and walk away. A user-friendly touch-button control panel and automatic paper size sensors take the guesswork out of achieving perfect folds. A test button folds two sheets at a time for inspection by the operator. Other features include automatic stoppage and audio-visual signals to allow users to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

MBO offers the Combi folder line, available in various configurations, with various feeders, such as flat pile, continuous or palletized. Integrated batch, rate and total counters are available. The line features static reducing stainless steel components, "spiral" fold rollers, and a quiet, smooth running belt drive system. An easily accessible knife folding area and centralized fold roller adjustments are available.

The Roll Systems updated Roll-to-Separate/Fold System has a new design, including a new Unwinder and new Separator/Folder. The low frame height of the Separator/Folder enables easy operator access for threading the paper, performing scheduled maintenance, and clearing jams. The updated system allows easy access to control panels.

The PF-P320 folder from Standard Duplicating Machines is an automated version of the PF-P310 folder. It features automatic fold adjustments, output stacking, a noise-reduction mode and speeds of up to 200 folds per minute for 81⁄2x11˝ paper. It is designed to increase performance and productivity within demanding environments. The PF-P320 is offered through both Standard's Business Systems and Finishing Systems Divisions.

The Vijuk G&K V-14/V-18 miniature/commercial folders fold down to 5⁄8˝. Zero makeready folding plates and quick-set folding roller adjustments allow faster changeovers. The quick-release slitting shafts perforate, slit and score. The folder operates as a flat pile feeder or a continuous top load, bottom feeder. Add a knife folding attachment for an additional fold. Sizes: 141⁄4x26˝ and 181⁄2x26˝.

by CHRIS BAUER