Everythig you ever wanted to know about Paper Folders, and then some. We are dedicated to bringing you the most comprehensive paper folder information, so it's easier for you to make the best paper folder purchase possible.Friday, May 12, 2006
Before You Buy a Folder/Inserter
Purchasing or upgrading an existing folder/inserter is an important investment for any business and can greatly increase productivity as well as save money. As this is often a large purchase, and one that will undergo excessive use, it can be very important to choose a manufacturer and dealer that has a good reputation for customer service and maintenance. In many cases, local companies that have a community investment will provide you with professional and personal attention. You will always receive the best service and selection on paper folders at Factory Express. The following is a list of items you should consider before buying your new folder/inserter.
Consider the following before you purchase a folder/inserter:
Volume Frequency of Folding - How often do you plan on using this machine? This can be an extremely important factor because while some folder/inserters are designed to be used continuously, others are only meant to be used occasionally. Some folder/inserters can be used for mass mailing purposes, but not all are designed for this degree of use. Lower end machines are only built to handle light use, and would inevitably break under constant production. Be sure to choose a folder inserter that will accomodate your specific folding requirements.
Types of Folds - What type of folds do you need this machine to perform? Allthough some more common folds are pretty much standard for all folders, some will be able to do a larger variety than others. Some of the common folds you may be interested in creating are a standard business-letter fold(c-fold), an accordion fold (a-fold), double folds, and single folds. Some units will have the ability to perform custom folds as well. Make sure that the machine you are looking at has the folding capabilities you are seeking.
Type of Paper - What kind of paper do you plan to fold? The things to consider about your paper is size, weight and finish. The thickness of the paper, whether thick or thin, can effect the machine that you will need. Also, if you want to fold glossy paper this will require a certain type of folder as well. Paper size is also an important factor. Do you plan on folding mostly letter size documents, legal size documents or larger. All folder/inserters will have different capabilities reguarding the type of paper they can handle. Be sure to choose a folder that can accomodate your current and future folding needs.
Type of Envelopes - What type and size of envelope will you be using? Do you plan on using standard size envelopes or larger ones? Depending upon the folder you choose, you may be able to only use up to a certain size. Folder manufacturers also have specifications as to what type of envelopes work best in their machines. Usually you will want to use machine quality envelopes which are also known as commercial envelopes. These would be the most commonly used envelopes in the business community, often being used for sending invoices, self-addressed cards, or order returns. Commercial envelopes will meet specifications for size, weight, flap length, gum and seam type.
Programmable Memory - Will you have reaccuring folding jobs? Companies often find this this feature of a folder/inserter can be essential to their productivity. Programmable memory makes it possible for the user to record as many programs or "jobs" as the machine allows. This can drastically reduce set-up time and allow for more efficiency overall. If you think this will be important to you, look for programmable memory with multiple memory locations and automatic fold settings.
Intelligent Optical Mark Reading (OMR) - OMR ensures that the appropriate forms are inserted into the right envelope. OMR-equipped models are particularly useful when sending invoices or statements of different page lengths to clients. Although you might not require this feature now, look for models that can be upgraded to OMR in case you need this in the future. A good dealer will be able to help you evaluate your future needs.
Batch Counter - Do you need a Batch Counter? A batch counter is useful because it will prevent the folding machine from folding/inserting more sheets than you want. If this feature is important to you, then look for models with batch counters that automatically stop folding once a desired number has been completed. Ther are also batch counters that are "total counters" that will just tell you how many sheets have already been folded and inserted.
Paper Jams - Make sure to find out how paper jams are handled by the machine you are looking at. Better-designed machines will have open access and release rollers for easier clearing of problematic documents and envelopes. Look for a unit with access and step-by-step instructions that tell you where to look for jams as well as how to clear them.
Double Insert Prevention - Some folder/ inserters have the ability to measure the final envelope package in the insert area, thus preventing a double insertion.
Placement - Where are you planning to put your new folder/inserter. Certain models of paper folders will work better in different areas. Once you know where you are going to put your new folder/inserter, you will know whether you should look for a desktop or floor model. You can also purchase optional carts or stands to allow for mobility and greater versatility of placement.
Materials Testing - Are you unsure of whether or not a machine will be able to fold your documents? Test the folder/sealer equipment with the paper and envelopes that you plan to use. Many manufacturers will offer free material testing before you purchase a machine. Have the manufacturer test your application to make sure that their equipment will work for you. Not all systems will be as good at handling different kinds of paper and multiple sizes of envelopes.
Lease Options - Do you feel like the folder you need is out of your price range? Sometimes it can be more cost effective to lease equipment rather than buy it all at once. This way you can get the machine you need, and ramp up your productivity immediately. Factory Express has leasing options available for many of the paper folders thet sell.
Folder inserters will finish in hours what would normally take you weeks or even months. One of these machines will pay for itself by saving you thousands of dollars in manual labor. Factory Express is your source for the best service and selection on folder/inserters. Ask about our Low Price Guarantee!
Shop for Folder Inserters
Consider the following before you purchase a folder/inserter:
Volume Frequency of Folding - How often do you plan on using this machine? This can be an extremely important factor because while some folder/inserters are designed to be used continuously, others are only meant to be used occasionally. Some folder/inserters can be used for mass mailing purposes, but not all are designed for this degree of use. Lower end machines are only built to handle light use, and would inevitably break under constant production. Be sure to choose a folder inserter that will accomodate your specific folding requirements.
Types of Folds - What type of folds do you need this machine to perform? Allthough some more common folds are pretty much standard for all folders, some will be able to do a larger variety than others. Some of the common folds you may be interested in creating are a standard business-letter fold(c-fold), an accordion fold (a-fold), double folds, and single folds. Some units will have the ability to perform custom folds as well. Make sure that the machine you are looking at has the folding capabilities you are seeking.
Type of Paper - What kind of paper do you plan to fold? The things to consider about your paper is size, weight and finish. The thickness of the paper, whether thick or thin, can effect the machine that you will need. Also, if you want to fold glossy paper this will require a certain type of folder as well. Paper size is also an important factor. Do you plan on folding mostly letter size documents, legal size documents or larger. All folder/inserters will have different capabilities reguarding the type of paper they can handle. Be sure to choose a folder that can accomodate your current and future folding needs.
Type of Envelopes - What type and size of envelope will you be using? Do you plan on using standard size envelopes or larger ones? Depending upon the folder you choose, you may be able to only use up to a certain size. Folder manufacturers also have specifications as to what type of envelopes work best in their machines. Usually you will want to use machine quality envelopes which are also known as commercial envelopes. These would be the most commonly used envelopes in the business community, often being used for sending invoices, self-addressed cards, or order returns. Commercial envelopes will meet specifications for size, weight, flap length, gum and seam type.
Programmable Memory - Will you have reaccuring folding jobs? Companies often find this this feature of a folder/inserter can be essential to their productivity. Programmable memory makes it possible for the user to record as many programs or "jobs" as the machine allows. This can drastically reduce set-up time and allow for more efficiency overall. If you think this will be important to you, look for programmable memory with multiple memory locations and automatic fold settings.
Intelligent Optical Mark Reading (OMR) - OMR ensures that the appropriate forms are inserted into the right envelope. OMR-equipped models are particularly useful when sending invoices or statements of different page lengths to clients. Although you might not require this feature now, look for models that can be upgraded to OMR in case you need this in the future. A good dealer will be able to help you evaluate your future needs.
Batch Counter - Do you need a Batch Counter? A batch counter is useful because it will prevent the folding machine from folding/inserting more sheets than you want. If this feature is important to you, then look for models with batch counters that automatically stop folding once a desired number has been completed. Ther are also batch counters that are "total counters" that will just tell you how many sheets have already been folded and inserted.
Paper Jams - Make sure to find out how paper jams are handled by the machine you are looking at. Better-designed machines will have open access and release rollers for easier clearing of problematic documents and envelopes. Look for a unit with access and step-by-step instructions that tell you where to look for jams as well as how to clear them.
Double Insert Prevention - Some folder/ inserters have the ability to measure the final envelope package in the insert area, thus preventing a double insertion.
Placement - Where are you planning to put your new folder/inserter. Certain models of paper folders will work better in different areas. Once you know where you are going to put your new folder/inserter, you will know whether you should look for a desktop or floor model. You can also purchase optional carts or stands to allow for mobility and greater versatility of placement.
Materials Testing - Are you unsure of whether or not a machine will be able to fold your documents? Test the folder/sealer equipment with the paper and envelopes that you plan to use. Many manufacturers will offer free material testing before you purchase a machine. Have the manufacturer test your application to make sure that their equipment will work for you. Not all systems will be as good at handling different kinds of paper and multiple sizes of envelopes.
Lease Options - Do you feel like the folder you need is out of your price range? Sometimes it can be more cost effective to lease equipment rather than buy it all at once. This way you can get the machine you need, and ramp up your productivity immediately. Factory Express has leasing options available for many of the paper folders thet sell.
Folder inserters will finish in hours what would normally take you weeks or even months. One of these machines will pay for itself by saving you thousands of dollars in manual labor. Factory Express is your source for the best service and selection on folder/inserters. Ask about our Low Price Guarantee!
Shop for Folder Inserters
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