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| Accordion folding is an important first step in reducing a big piece down to a manageable size. |
When someone asks about large format printing what comes to mind? Most people will think of the huge 80” presses that are becoming more and more common. In the finishing world oversized folding can take on many meanings.
Lets Define Large Format Folding:
Most printers have a stable of folders on their shop floors and 95% of those folders will have a maximum width of 30”. Therefore in the post press world large format folding is really any product with a starting width greater than the 30” dimension of the most common folders. Of course the other parameter is the product’s length. Once a piece exceeds 60” it moves into the oversized category.
Big Folding Techniques:
Typically the best way to handle a large sheet is to begin by getting the product’s length down to a manageable size. Accordion folds work well because the very nature of the fold allows the product to remain flexible in the right angle section. This flexibility is an important factor because the more pliable a sheet the less stress it will endure, resulting in less wrinkling or gusseting. Once in the right angle section the product is brought down to its final size.
The Broad Side Fold:
Folding broadside means the product’s running length is the shorter dimension. For instance a 22 x 35 sheet that folds to 11 x 35 is a broadside fold. This a great way to create visual interest because it opens differently than the end user would normally expect. After making a broadside fold, the product then goes into the right angle section where parallel, accordion, and gate folds are the most common. Proper panel sizing and pre planning is necessary.
Plan for Push out:
It is important to note that after a broadside fold is made the subsequent folds at right angle will cause push out. This is the nature of the fold and should be explained to your clients. Binderies will work hard to keep push out to an absolute minimum; however a 1/16 of an inch isn’t uncommon. Of course, as with all folding, the thicker the stock the greater the push out.
Be Creative when picking stocks:
An oversized product should not make your stock selections dull. The synthetic stocks like Yupo and Poly Art add incredible durability, enhancing the product’s longevity. Also, the ultra light sheets like 40# offset, 30# offset, or even onion skin papers allow for a large sheet to be folded down to a relatively small size without much wrinkling.
Products to sell:
We all know maps are a common example of oversized folding. However there are many other products that fit this market. Growth Charts, tape measures, calendars, posters, store signage, and instruction sheets are but a few of the products that work well.
The Rickard Advantage:
At Rickard Bindery, we have some of the largest folders in the Midwest. With a fleet of folders capable of sheet sizes up to 44 x 80 when can handle sheets from the largest of oversized presses. Whether your project is a few thousand or a few million, we have the right machinery for the job. Give us a call to see how we can help you get the job done.
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