The 4 Buckle + 3 Knife Combination Folding Machine is a heavy-duty industrial post-press system built for commercial printing houses, book binding shops and packaging converters with medium-to-high volume production needs. It integrates a parallel buckle folding station and a perpendicular knife folding unit, paired with a gantry pallet feeder and multi-functional finishing tools, delivering reliable precision and efficient inline production for 24/7 operation.
Dual-Station Folding System: 4 Buckle Plates + 3 Folding Knives
This hybrid folder features 4 precision buckle plates in the first folding unit for parallel fold execution, and 3 independent folding knives in the second knife station for right-angle cross folds. The buckle unit completes all standard parallel fold patterns in a single pass, while the 3-knife unit performs up to 3 perpendicular folds to produce multi-page signatures, cross-folded inserts and complex folded formats without secondary handling.
It supports a full range of standard fold patterns including half fold, tri fold, accordion fold, double parallel fold, cross fold and gate fold. Processing paper stocks from 28 to 200gsm and sheet sizes from 150 × 150 mm up to 780 × 1200 mm, the machine delivers consistent fold registration accuracy and sharp, uniform creases at a maximum operating speed of 210m/min.
Integrated Inline Finishing: Scoring, Perforating & Slitting
Beyond standard folding, the machine is equipped with rotary tool shafts that enable in-line scoring, perforating and slitting functions, eliminating the need for separate secondary processing equipment:
- Scoring: Creates precise crease lines for clean, uniform folds on thick stocks and coated papers, reducing fiber cracking and improving fold quality
- Perforating: Produces standard tear-off perforation for reply cards, return slips and easy-tear packaging inserts
- Slitting: Performs in-line sheet slitting to divide large-format sheets into multiple finished sections in a single pass
This all-in-one functionality streamlines production workflows, reduces labor costs and improves overall finishing line efficiency, making it ideal for diversified print and packaging production facilities.
Gantry Pallet Feeder & Direct Inline Press Integration
Equipped with a gantry pallet feeder with a 1200mm maximum paper pile height, the machine accepts full-pallet loading via forklift for extended uninterrupted production, significantly reducing material reloading downtime. The gantry feeding design enables direct inline feeding from printing press delivery systems: full printed pallets can be transferred directly from the press delivery to the folder feeder without manual restacking, creating a fully automated print-to-fold workflow.
The vacuum suction feeding system ensures stable, misfeed-free sheet transport across the full paper weight range, while integrated double sheet detection prevents misfeeds and reduces production waste, maintaining consistent output quality for medium-to-long run jobs.
Intelligent Control & Industrial-Grade Build
Operated via a PLC touchscreen control system with job memory functionality, the machine stores fold parameter presets for fast job changeovers and minimal setup time. It features variable frequency drive (VFD) stepless speed regulation, allowing operators to fine-tune running speed to match different paper types and fold complexities for optimal output quality.
Built with a heavy-duty industrial frame and helical gear drive system, the machine minimizes vibration at high speeds for long-term reliability and low maintenance. CE certified for safety, it is compatible with downstream pressing units, vertical stackers and binding lines to form a complete end-to-end post-press finishing solution.