A Paper Folding Machine is an ideal piece of equipment for any home or office where mailers or other documents need to be folded precisely, quickly and with little operator effort. Paper Folders range in size and capabilities from small personal units for low-volume folding and high production units for continuous mailers.
Some of you may have had experience with the Martin Yale P7200 Paper Folding Machine. Were you happy with the outcome? Many customers who used this machine complained that the feed tray was not catching correctly, leaving the folded sheets on the floor. Customers also wanted jam detection because when paper jammed there was no indicator except for a loud noise and cease of folding. Lastly, customer wanted a machine that would automatically shut-off after folding so that no one would need to stand-by to shut off the machine after a job.
Well Martin Yale heard your cries, and addressed the problems you encountered. The new and improved P7400 RapidFold is an improved P7200 that features a jam-detection devise, automatic shut-off and an improved stacking design to keep your folded documents in order. It also has a manual feed slot bypass for folding up to 3 sheets at a time together, even with staples. Whereas the original P7200 was only capable of handling letter size paper, the P7400 has expanded its usability by allowing for a paper size range from 3.5" x 8.5" through 8.5" x 14". The folding trays are labeled for the four most common paper folds used in an office environment; however, you can easily customize your fold by simply straying from the designated markers on the folding trays.
To operate the Martin Yale P7400, simply set the type of fold by moving those knobs to set the fold stops on the both removable plates. The standard stops are marked for the four standard folds including half fold, letter fold (also known as C-fold), Z-fold and double parallel fold. You can place up to 50 sheets of paper in the feed tray, and turn the machine on. The sheets will be automatically grabbed, folded and collected in the improved bin at a quick rate of approximately 66 sheets per minute – unheard of for a small paper folder like this. The Martin Yale P7400 RapidFold will automatically shut off once the feed tray is empty, saving you energy and removing the thought that always comes after you leave the office: “Did I shut off the equipment?”
The Martin Yale P7400 offers great value for its price and it fits perfectly in almost any office requiring light folding of up to 300 sheets per session. The Martin Yale P7400 is very small and only weighs about 17 lbs., making it easy to set up, transport and use.
The RapidFold P7400 is a great desktop folding machine, but it is not great for everyone. Before you buy this particular paper folder, make sure to ask yourself these important questions.
Volume: How often do you plan on using the machine? This is an important factor because while some folding equipment is designed to be used continuously, others are only meant to be used occasionally. Certain folders can be used for mass mailing purposes, but not all are designed for this degree of use. Lower end machines are only built to handle light usage and would inevitably break under constant production. Be sure to choose a folding machine that will accommodate your specific folding requirements.
The P7400 was built for light-use of no more than 300 sheets per session. It is ideal for small offices, churches, or schools with weekly or fewer needs. It folds at a speed of up to 66 sheets per minute.
Fold Types: What types of folds do you need this machine to perform? Although many common folds are standard for most paper folders, some units offer a larger variety of folds including the capability of custom programmable folds. Determine which types of folds you are seeking before making a purchasing decision.
The Martin Yale P7400 offers four standard folds (half fold, letter fold (also known as C-fold), Z-fold and double parallel fold) however; your fold can easily be customized with the folding trays that feature ruler guides.
Paper Types: What kind of paper do you plan to fold? You must consider the paper size, weight, and finish when narrowing down your folder options. Each paper folder has limitations as to the size of paper it can handle as well as the weight of paper it will work with. Compare the folders' specifications with your specific needs. Be sure to choose a folder that can accommodate your current as well as future folding requirements.
The P7400 will fold sheet sizes as small as 3.5" x 8.5" and as large as legal 8.5" x 14". It can handle paper stocks ranging in thickness from 16# - 28# bond, however, is not rated for coated and glossy stocks.
Programmable Memory: Will you have multiple reoccurring folding jobs? For some companies, this feature is essential for maximizing productivity. Programmable Memory makes it possible to record or "program" the details of any given job, therefore reducing future set-up time and improving overall efficiency. Several folders offer this feature, however some are more limited than others as far as the number of memory locations.
The P7400 does not feature programmable memory because the fold settings are done manually, rather then electronically. Simply leave the machine in the most common fold that you use and it will be ready for your next repeat job.
About the Author • Mallory Morsa has been the product expert at Binding101 since 2008, and has grown up in the industry. Every day she pushes herself to learn new information, incorporating real-life experiences to create solutions to the most common problems in the industry, and then present those solutions in a way that is easy to understand for everyone, from novices to experts.
