Cross-Folds

A cross fold is made by folding paper twice: first in one direction and then, on a second pass, from the side. The 2 most common are these: the basic Cross Fold (fold in half then fold that in half from the side; and the Baronial fold (fold in half and then in thirds from the side).

Most folding machines cannot perform these folds. Some can, but have limitations. For example, Martin Yale machines require that you hand feed each sheet for the second fold.

Of those that can, there are 2 categories of machines that can perform a cross fold:

ONE PASS (2 machine) SYSTEMS

First, are one pass systems, meaning both folds are performed in one pass. These Cross Folding Systems combine 2 machines at right angles connected by a conveyor. The paper is folded by the first machine and then fed into the second machine by the conveyor for the cross fold.

1. The Formax 396 is an air-feed system that is good for larger folds, and/or glossy paper. It is very fast.

2. The PaperFolder Cross Fold System. This is a friction-feed one pass system capable of folding paper into all cross folds, including smaller sizes as inserts into small packages. It has an optional stacker that allows the operator to pause the machine and collect very small folds.

TWO PASS (performed on one machine)

We have found that the listed machines work best for this use. They are designed to perform cross folds, but cannot fold either glossy paper or down to small folds very well. The Formax machines have a guide that aids in the second fold.

Very Small Folds for Packaging

We often get calls from people needing to fold paper to very small sizes, mainly to put in product packages. The PaperFolder Cross Fold System is ideal for this purpose, particularly with the stacker.

There is no machine that will automatically fold more than one sheet together.

We recommend that you call us on this application. It can get complicated.