A cross fold is also known as a right angle fold. It is made by folding paper twice: first lengthwise and then, on a second pass, from the side.

The machines below are capable of performing a cross fold in 2 passes.

We also have Cross Fold Systems, which are 2 machines connected to one another to do the cross fold in one pass. Click the link to go to Cross Fold Systems.

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CROSS FOLDING ON A 2 PLATE FOLDING MACHINE

Most folding machines cannot perform a cross fold.  Those that can are shown below.  Generally, they have 2 fold plates which allows them to perform either 1 (half) or 2 (trifold) folds on a sheet of paper during the first pass.  After all of the paper has been folded lengthwise, the machine is set up and loaded for the second fold.  This requires an operator to properly set up the machine, pinch the folded edge of the stack of paper, and place it precisely in the feed tray.  The feed tires must be aligned properly for this to work.  If you are folding more than a few hundred, you should consider a Cross Fold System.  See below.

On the second (cross) fold, these machines can fold either in half or in thirds.  So the final result is a paper that is either 1/4 or 1/3 of the original size, or 5.5" x 4.25" (1/4) or 3.7" x 2.84" (1/3).  These are called a Cross Fold and a Baronial Fold respectively.

Photos of types of cross folds on Cross-Fold machines

CROSS FOLDING ON A 4 PLATE FOLDING MACHINE

A different type of folding machine called a pharmaceutical folder has 4 fold plates, so it can fold paper into smaller sizes, down to 1/8 of the length of a sheet of paper. However due to the thickness of the paper, the smallest cross fold they can perform is 1/6 of the paper on the first fold, then into thirds. So the smallest for a letter size piece of paper would be 2.84" x 3.7" on the more common 2 plate machine, but down to 1.84" x 2.84 on the 4 plate machines. NOTE THAT THIS APPLIES ONLY TO PAPER THAT IS NOT THICK OR GLOSSY.


All cross fold machines are listed below.

They vary greatly in capabilities. Call us with your application for a recommendation.


Products 1-4 of 4
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Add to Compare Dynafold DE-42FC Large Format Paper Folding Machine paper folder
Retail: $1,995.00
Price: $1,875.00
Availability: Typically in stock; call or email to order
Dynafold - Folding Machines Item #: Dynafold-DE-42FC -

    • Heavy volume
    • 500 sheet hopper
    • Paper Size 3.5" x 5" to 11" x 17"
    • Handle glossy? YES
    • CALL or EMAIL us to talk about your paper before purchase
    • CALL or EMAIL us for a shipping quote
    Photo of folds of DE-42FC large format paper folding machine

    Add to Compare Formax FD 346 Large Format Touchscreen Desktop Office Folder paper folder

    Retail: $3,895.00
    Price: $3,506.00
    Availability: Call or Email To Order
    Formax Item #: Formax-FD346 -

      • Heavy volume
      • 500 sheet hopper
      • Paper Size 3.5" x 5" to 12.25" x 18"
      • Handle glossy? No
      Photo of folds performed by Formax FD 342 paper folding machine

      Add to Compare Formax FD 386 Automated Document Folder paper folder & paper folding machine
      Retail: $5,195.00
      Price: $4,676.00
      Availability: Call or Email To Order
      Formax Item #: Formax-FD386 -

        • Heavy volume
        • 500 sheet hopper
        • LCD display
        • Paper Size 3.5" x 5" to 12.25" x 18"
        • Handle glossy? No
        Photo of folds for Formax FD 382 paper folding machine

        Add to Compare Formax FD 38Xi Automated Document Folder paper folder

        Retail: $5,850.00
        Price: $5,265.00
        Availability: Call or Email To Order
        Formax Item #: Formax-FD38Xi -

          • Heavy volume
          • 500 sheet hopper
          • Paper Size 3.5" x 5" to 12.25" x 18"
          • Handle glossy? No
          • Full Color Touchscreen
          Photos of folds performed by FD 38X folding machine