Double Step-Down Accordion Fold Case Study

Marketing Challenge: We hope you know by now that Rickard Bindery provides both post press services and product ideas to the graphic arts community. With two purposes in mind, we created
a new promotional piece with a physical form suited to dual needs.

1. Promote our full range of services
2. Show examples of our work.

We chose a double step-down accordion folded brochure because this unique format provides an index-style reference that works from either side of the piece. To our knowledge, we know of no other bindery that has successfully machine folded this format.

The Historical Problem: Until a recent breakthrough in buckle folding technology, machinery could neither make a fold “behind” another fold, nor create a fold where a sheet of paper extends beyond the next fold. 

Fast forward to today. Since advanced binderies are able to make folds behind other folds, the completely automated and uniquely compelling double step-down accordion folded brochure design is a long-overdue reality. Admittedly, these are not easy jobs on the shop floor, but the end product is a rare design that will help your team win new business.

Design Advice:  If you choose a double step down accordion design, please consider the following tips:

• Choose a paper thickness suitable for scoring. This fold requires a minimum thickness of 4pt stock.
• Allow for enough production time in the bindery because this specialized fold requires extensive setup time.  Also, run times are slower for similar sized pieces using different fold designs.
• The maximum number of panels for a double step-down accordion folded piece is nine.
• This design makes for an intriguing standalone handout brochure, rack stuffer or kitting project component. Any application in two languages is a natural. Other uses could include:

• Dual product launches
• Co-branded marketing efforts
• Any message that would benefit from a separation of ideas
  


• NOTE: If downstream machinability is an issue, this may not be the fold for you.  However, hand inserting is always an option.
  

Get a Sample :
To see a sample of our new double step-down accordion folded promotional piece, contact Jim Egan at 312-296-6219 or jegan@rickardbindery.com.

In summary, if you would like to tell a sequential or compartmentalized story in two parts or languages, consider the double step-down accordion fold. Why? You will ensure your customers distinguish themselves from their competition.

NOTE:
In case you’re ahead of the game and are wondering why “pyramid” or “single” step-down accordion folded pieces have traditionally been machinable, the answer is because these designs have sequential panels that are larger than previous panels.

The Rickard Bindery Advantage:
The dedicated staff at Rickard Bindery is constantly pushing itself to achieve solutions to the most complex folding and other bindery requests. While others are content to say “no,” we won’t give up until our team of experienced engineers has exhausted all reasonable options.  Do you have an “impossible” project?  Before you give up, give us a call. With the post press power of Rickard Bindery at your side, the answer you just might hear is … “yes.”