Helpful Tips
This Month's Topic: Plan for Proper Folding
January 2004
Folding is an essential function of almost every project that requires binding and finishing. Whether your project needs a single parallel fold or a multi-panel gate or accordion fold, a quality fold can improve its appearance and functionality. However, folding is often overlooked until after the project design phase. The last-minute scrambling that results can add unnecessary costs and headaches to the project. Here are a few details about three main types of folds, along with a helpful tip to keep in mind when planning your next project:
• Gate folding – Gate folding is comprised of a series of parallel folds that fold inward from opposite directions to meet at either a center panel (“open gate”) or center fold (“closed gate”). This style is ideal for including foldouts on either the inside covers or inside spread of saddle stitched books.
• Accordion folding – This folding style is comprised of multiple folds made in the opposite direction of each preceding fold. Accordion folds are great for applications such as a brochure or foldout book cover.
• Roll folding – This folding style is performed in a sequence where each panel folds over the one adjacent to it in the same direction. Common applications include self mailers, brochures, pocket schedules and book foldouts.
Planning Tip
Use a double-parallel fold for critical alignment – For projects that have crossover elements, proper lineup is critical to their appearance. When using eight- and 16-page forms, it’s much easier to line up those elements by laying out your project for double-parallel folding rather right-angle folding. That’s because the crossover elements will all be printed on the same side of the press sheet (see image).
The Allied Advantage
At Allied Bindery, we strive to offer you exceptional quality and quick turnaround for all of your folding and binding applications. Give us a call to see how we can help you plan your projects to take advantage of the most efficient folding formats possible.
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