Important Considerations When Choosing A Paper Folding
If you are in the market for a paper folding machine there are some very important things that you need to consider before
you make your purchase. Considering these factors will help you to
choose the correct paper folder
for your application and will help you to ensure that you are fully
satisfied with your paper folding experience. Here is a list of six
things to consider when purchasing a new paper folder.
- Paper Size:
The first question that you need to ask yourself when choosing a paper
folding machine is: what size of paper do I need to fold? Depending on
your answer to this question your search for a paper folder may be
narrowed somewhat. For instance if you need to fold 11??x 17??paper you
wouldn?? want to buy a folder that is only capable of folding letter
sized documents.
- Fold Type: The second
question to ask yourself when choosing a paper folder is: What type of
fold do I need to create. If you are looking for a simple tri fold, a
half fold or a z-fold most folders will work for your needs. However,
if you are looking to do a cross fold or a fold that is more complex
you probably don?? want to buy a lower end folder. You most likely
won?? be happy with the results.
- Paper Stock:
The third thing to consider when choosing a paper folding machine is
the type of paper that you need to fold. Most lower end folders on the
market (anything below $5000) will have a difficult time folding any
type of cardstock or index stock that is not pre scored. Many of these
folders will also have a difficult time with slick glossy paper stocks.
If you plan on folding these types of materials you may want to
consider sending in a sample to have tested before you purchase your
folding machine (you should also look at the folders above $2000, you
probably won?? have a lot of luck with the smaller ones).
- Variety of Folds:
The fourth thing to consider when choosing a paper folding machine is
the number of different folds that you will need to do. Many of the
lower end paper folders are very difficult to set up and change fold
patterns. If you are only going to need to do one type of fold it is
not as essential that the paper folding machine be easy to set up and
change folding patterns. However, if you work at a print shop and need
to change folding patterns with every different job you should probably
consider a paper folding machine with digital fold plate adjustments or
at very least a paper folder with a fold plate that is fixed at 90
degrees to the paper path (some of the lower end folders such as the Dynafold Paper Folder
models require you to square your fold plates during setup which can be
difficult if you are constantly changing folding patterns).
- Folding Volume:
If you are going to need to fold hundreds of thousands of documents per
month you are going to need a different type of folder than if you are
going to fold 500 sheets per month. Most people with a paper folder
will fall somewhere in between. Just remember to consider your volume
when deciding what type of folder to buy. The more you are going to
fold the better the folder that you are going to need.
- Budget:
If I could give you one piece of advice when choosing a paper folder,
it would be to buy the best paper folding machine that you can afford.
Most individuals tend to buy a paper folder that is less than adequate
for their needs and are not satisfied with the results. If you can
afford it consider an.MBM or Formax Paper Folder .
Both of these companies have simple to use designs and great
reputations. Buying a paper folder is a little bit like buying a new
car. Sometimes it is better to buy a better quality car up front to
save you on hassles down the road.