How to Shop for a Paper Folder

Paper folders are machines that fold paper into different ways. Folded paper examples includee single fold, letter fold, zig-zag fold, double parallel, fold out, and gate fold. Paper folding machines are available in two different options: friction paper folders and air feed paper folders. Today, we are going to explain how to shop for a paper folding machine with tips on what to look for when you shop.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Paper Fold Types Find out the largest size paper you need to fold. Many folding machines are limited to the size of paper it can accept. If the largest size paper you will fold is legal size, then make sure the paper folder can fold this size. The same applies to 11’’ x 17’’ paper. You don’t want to buy a paper folder that can’t handle your largest size paper.
2. You will need to know the heaviest paper weight you will fold. Are you folding regular 20 pound paper? Is it cardstock? Is it glossy paper? A paper folder is limited by the paper weight. Look for a paper folder that can fold the paper weight you are using.
3. Air Feed Paper Folder Also, if you fold heavy cardstock or glossy paper consider purchasing an air feed folder. An air feed folder uses air to separate paper and a vacuum to pull in sheets one at a time. Air feed folders are highly recommended for heavier paper.
4. Friction Feed Paper Folder If your paper weight is not very heavy, then you can go with a friction paper folder. A friction paper folder uses rollers to pull in sheets one at a time.
5. Make sure you buy a paper folder that can handle your volume. For example, print shops have a very high volume of folding and typically go with an air feed folder because these machines are built for high speed/high volume applications. If you fold over 10,000 sheets per day, you are much better off buying an air feed folder.
6. One-touch Paper Folder Fully automatic paper folder? Manual set up folder? Paper folders are offered with many features such as a digital counter, automatic fold plate adjustments, and automatic paper size adjustments.
   
   Ask yourself if you would like a folding machine that is so easy to use all you need to do is push a button. These machines do exist! On the other hand, most folding machines have manual adjusted fold plates – this means the operator has to move each fold plate to the appropriate fold setting (each fold plate has an indication for paper size and type of fold).
   
   Manual fold plate paper folders are cheaper, but may take longer to set up for an beginner.
   
   For offices or churches that have a lot of volunteers or inexperienced operators: definitely choose a fully automatic paper folder because it is much easier to operate. The operator can load paper in the machine and press a button for the fold they want. The machine does the rest!
7. Make sure to buy roller cleaner for preventive maintenance. Roller cleaner is a lubricant used on the folding rollers – for friction and air feed folding machines. Roller cleaner is inexpensive, around $30.00 for a kit, and will help extend the lifetime of your paper folder. A can of roller cleaner will last a long time, perhaps a year, depending upon your volume. You will also maintain the warranty.
8. Consider your budget when shopping for a paper folder. The price for a paper folder ranges between $200.00 to $12,000.00.
9. Lift Gate Larger paper folders can weigh several hundred pounds. Make sure you have either of the following: a loading dock or a fork lift. If you don’t have these, then definitely buy the optional lift gate service. A lift gate is a mechanical device at the end of a truck that brings merchandise down to ground level. A lift gate service is an additional one time charge and prices may vary. Remember: you don’t want to risk injury by lifting this equipment yourself off the back of a freight truck.

Tips & Warnings

• When shopping for a paper folder, find out if the company charges for shipping and if so how much.
• If you need a lift gate service, ask how much a lift gate costs. Be sure to provide a shipping zip code address.