Automatic paper folders are an excellent solution for offices that frequently handle paper folding tasks. If your team often needs to fold letters, documents, brochures, or other materials, investing in a paper folder can save significant time and effort. This device ensures your staff doesn’t have to spend hours manually folding paper, freeing them to focus on more productive tasks.

What is a Automatic Paper Folder and how can I get one?

An automatic paper folder is a device designed to fold paper into specific formats such as tri-fold, C- fold, Z-fold, or in half quickly and efficiently, making it an excellent choice for offices, print shops, and businesses with high folding demands.

There are two primary options for incorporating a paper folding solution into your workflow. The first is to purchase a standalone paper folding machine, which is specifically built for the task. Alternatively, if your office already has a copier, you may have the option to add a folding attachment directly to the device.

In this guide, we’ll compare these two solutions, discussing the pros and cons of each to help you decide which option best suits your needs. In general we recommend reaching out to a managed print solutions/office solutions company to get equipped with one. They will be able to ask you important questions to determine what options will make the most sense for your business.

Understanding an Automatic Paper Folding Machine

An automatic paper folder is a standalone device built specifically for folding paper. Unlike copier attachments, these machines are dedicated solely to folding tasks, offering a variety of folding styles and accommodating different paper sizes and weights.

For tasks like folding paper to fit into envelopes, an automatic paper folder can complete the job in a fraction of the time. The FD 300, the entry-level model, can fold an impressive 7,400 sheets per hour. This exceptional speed allows you to complete folding tasks in record time. Its efficiency makes it an ideal choice for businesses with high-volume folding needs or those requiring advanced capabilities that go beyond what standard copier attachments offer.

Pros and Cons of an Auto Fold Machine

Pros:

• High efficiency: Designed specifically for folding, offering faster speeds
• Versatility: Can handle a wide range of paper types/fold types
• Reliability: Devices can last 10+ years if properly cared for
• Cost: A managed print company can work with you for lease payment plans to make this a fixed monthly payment
• User friendly: Compact footprint with push-button controls, it's simple for anyone to use right out of the box!

Cons:

• No stapling: Folding machines don't offer stapling. If you need your papers to be stapled this may not accomplish what you are looking for.

Understanding a Paper Folder Copier Options

A copier paper folder (finishing) option is an attachment sold with your copier. You can print and fold your documents with the click of a button. This attachment automates the folding process, allowing you to print and fold documents in one seamless operation.

This option could be useful for business that have high capacity copiers and need to make booklets.

Pros and Cons of a Paper Folder Copier Option

Pros:

• Convenience: Allows for seamless printing and folding from a click of the button.
• Multifaceted: The Paper Folder option is connected to a finisher which comes with stapling included as well.

Cons:

• Limited functionality: May not offer as many folding styles as a dedicated machine.
• Compatibility: Only works with certain models of copiers.
• Time: Folding typically takes longer through a copy machine finisher.
• Life Span: You typically want to upgrade your copier within every 5 years, whereas a paper folder machine could last double that time.

Which one should I choose - It depends

The choice between a paper folder copier attachment and an automatic paper folder machine depends on your specific needs and circumstances.

At American Office Solutions, we take the time to understand your workspace to recommend the best solutions tailored to your needs. Our team doesn’t work on commission, so there’s no pressure to upsell—just honest consultative advice. We can even further the discussion on how we can save you the most time and money. Our goal is to equip your office with the ideal devices to keep things running smoothly.

We proudly serve Western, Central, and Southeast Michigan, but we’re always happy to explore these options to ensure you get the right equipment for your office. Contact us today—we’d love to help!