Tabletop folding machines are typically used for simple folding jobs yet most of them have trimming tools available. You can use these to trim a job after it’s folded or to trim flat, unfolded sheets. If you don’t do a lot of trimming on your small folder, here are a few things to look out for to avoid problems and ensure good results.
Today we’re going to show you a solution to a common problem that affects operators of perfect binding lines. The problem happens after the cover is glued and applied to the book block.
Since many of you couldn’t make it to Drupa this year, we thought you’d let us be your unofficial eyes and ears. We were fortunate to be able to spend three days working at Drupa with our Tech-ni-fold Ltd and CreaseStream colleagues from around the world. The stand was busy but we did find time to sneak a few peeks at some other interesting exhibitors. This week’s items are more on the fun side of the printing industry although the last one is practical too.
Quick copy and small commercial printers frequently ask us about the best way to avoid wrinkling, sometimes called “alligator skin,” when folding cover stocks. Copiers and digital presses can print on some fairly heavy papers. The problem arises because the types of tabletop folding machines found in these smaller operations or in-plant departments are usually designed for text papers. The smaller the fold roller diameter, the smaller the range of papers you can run. Curl also increases in severity as fold roller diameters decrease.
The folding machine operators I’ve met would never let a little cut on their fingers keep them sidelined. You’ll hear, “Ah…it’s just a flesh wound. A little duct tape will fix that.” After working with rotary cutting or perforating blades for many years you’d think an experienced folder operator would never get cut. Yet all it takes is a split second of carelessness, mishandling, or reaching into the folder too quickly to clear a paper jam and you’ve got a painful cut. Heck, we've had people at trade shows cut themselves while admiring our uniquely constructed durable blades! (Don't worry, we'll have gloves on hand at Graph Expo in Orlando, FL at Booth #2611.)
In a previous article about using crimp lock perforators we show you how to use that tool to effectively run certain difficult saddle stitching jobs with a little less hassle. Today we’re going to show you how to automatically do a letter fold with a loose insert tucked inside, as shown in the photo at right. Technically speaking, we are producing a 4-panel roll fold in two sections. Then we do some trimming to produce the desired result. You can see the full layout of the folding machine operation in photo 4 below.
Do you like to think you do your print finishing job with an open, objective mind? You won’t feel that way after you watch this fascinating video and read this article.
Here’s a print finishing technique that saddle stitcher operators will love but folding machine operators might hate. This particular folding machine accessory is called a crimp perforator or crimp lock device. The purpose of the tool is to crimp two or more sheets of paper together so that certain panels or pages are held in place for subsequent operations. I have two examples for you.
Here’s an unscientific but important question to ask yourself: How do you feel when you walk into your work space? Your workspace could be an entire shop, or your bindery equipment work area, or an office cubicle. Do you feel good or bad about the surroundings and overall environment of the workspace? If you don’t feel good, you should pay attention. Negative feelings detract from how well you do your job.
Here at Technifold USA we’re all about coming up with ways to help you to do far more with what you already have in your bindery department. In our conversations with thousands of print finishers we often hear a recurring theme. That is, that some of their best print finishing resources are often discovered right under their noses.