Folding Machines

What Types of Folding Machines are Available for Office Use?

At Office Choice, many of the folding machines we sell are automatic folding machines, which help simplify the process of feeding and folding paper into various configurations. 

The resulting folded configurations, depending on the machine you purchase, include:

• Letter fold/C-fold - this paper fold divides the paper into three equal parts; the two outer sections fold inward over the centre and overlap each other.

• Zigzag/z-fold - paper is divided into three sections and then folded into a Z shape - commonly used for brochures.

• Half fold/V-fold - the paper is folded in half and creates two equal sections; when viewed from the side, it resembles a V.

• Double parallel fold - with a double parallel fold, the paper is folded in half and then folded in half again (in the same direction), resulting in four equal sections; often used for brochures and newspapers

• Gate fold - this fold divides the paper into three sections, with the two outer sections folding to meet in the middle without overlapping; often used for menus and presentation pieces

• Cross fold - a cross fold involves folding the paper in one direction and then folding it again perpendicular to the initial fold.

• Fold out - works similar to a Z-fold, but with one larger panel that can fold out from the resulting document.

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Paper Folding Machine?

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the appropriate paper folding machine for your workplace. 

The first two things to have clarity on are the paper sizes you want to work with and the types of folds you want the machine to perform. In general, most folding machines are capable of folding letter-sized papers, but you’ll also find machines that can fold sizes such as A3, A4, A5, A6, etc. Some machines will be equipped to fold a variation of paper sizes. Others may be able to fold papers of varying thicknesses and weights (including materials such as cardboard).

In terms of the folds that can be made, this will depend on the machine. Most general folding machines will usually manage more common folding techniques (letter fold, Z-fold, V-fold, etc.), whereas more advanced folds may require you to purchase a higher-end machine.

It’s also worth keeping in mind the folding volume you want. This simply refers to how many sheets of paper a machine can fold within a set period of time. The more affordable folding machines will typically have a lower folding volume output, whereas larger and more advanced machines may be able to fold thousands of sheets of paper within a much shorter time frame.

Finally, consider your budget. The cost of folding machines can vary significantly depending on the type of folding machine you need. High-end models naturally cost the most, while lower-end models are the most affordable.

Can Folding Machines Handle Various Paper Types and Weights?

Yes, but again this will depend on the paper folding machine you’re considering. 

As an example, the Ledah 240 Folding Machine is a more affordable and accessible option for folding papers of A6, A5, and A4 size. The weights it can handle range from 35 to 120 gsm (grams per square metre).

The Superfax PF460 A3 Paper Folding Machine, on the other hand, handles A5, A4, and A3 paper. It can work with weights of 46 to 160 gsm, and handle a single fold of paper weighing up to 230 gsm. The thicker and heavier a piece of paper, the higher its GSM.

Whatever folding machine you’re considering, ensure you read up on its full feature set so that you invest in the right machine for your needs.

What are the Benefits of Using a Folding Machine in an Office?

Folding machines offer clear benefits to any business where the need to fold papers in various configurations is consistent. Perhaps you send frequent letters or promotional materials to customers and clients or you’re a business that sends out physical newsletters or brochures. 

In these cases, you can either outsource the work to a company that specialises in printing and folding documents or you can invest in a folding machine to handle the process in-house. 

Investing in a folding machine can bring down costs significantly in the long run over hiring someone to handle the process. It also allows you to have more control over how you want your documents to be folded and to even have more room to experiment with different configurations.

Whether you invest in an entry-level desktop folding machine (a folding machine that can easily sit on top of a desk or table) or you go with a more heavy-duty option, they’ll allow you to save time, budget more effectively, and have more granular control over what and how you fold your work for distribution.