Can someone please source me some information (technical and dummies')
on crash folding in the context of the printing and finishing
industry. My limited knowledge is that it's the only way to fold A4
direct mail magazines into dl size envelopes. What is so special about
it? What *is* it? Is it a specialized field of the finishing industry?
What is the association with web presses? Can crash folders fold a
stapled booklet? I don't know any other term than 'crash folder' so I
hope you can help me. I can't find much.

Hi stressedmum,

In brief, "crash folding" is a means to fold multi-page documents.
Likewise, "crash printing" is a means to print multiple pages of a
document and "crash perforation" makes a hole through multiple pages.
So yes, in order to fold a magazine, you will need something that can
handle a thick document, and whether or not it can handle staples will
depend on the machine (but it is possible). "Web Presses" use a large
roll of paper to produce a high volume of magazines quickly but are
not necessary for smaller volumes.

"Actionmail can save you $$$$ by crashfolding your multi page
documents. What was A3 or A4 can be folded to A4, A5 or even DL and
create huge savings on your postal lodgement. Our crash folder (Big
Bertha's)greatest challenge to date was an 82 page glossy magazine
which Bertha handled without a hitch!"
http://www.actionmail.co.nz/services.asp?ID=9

"See our crash folding service for all those multi paged brochures,
magazines and documents"
http://www.actionmail.co.nz/services.asp?ID=8

Shoei's Crash Folder:
"Shoei Crash Folder is the only folder available in Australia capable
of folding a heavy stapled booklet."
http://www.currentimages.com.au/shoei.htm

Web Press: 
"A high speed printing press that prints on both sides of a continuous
roll of paper. Web presses are used for high volume printing such as
newspapers and magazines. "
http://www.preciseprint.com/preciseprint.com/gloss_w.htm


Additional Links of Interest:

Do You Want That Booklet Stapled, Stitched or Squashed?
http://americanprinter.com/ar/printing_booklet_stapled_stitched/

Crash Numbering
Numbering a multiple part form by the numbering machine making an
impression of the number on the form. The number is red on part one
and is an image transfer on the other parts made from the impression
of the numbering machine. The form must be carbon interleaved or be
made carbonless paper for the impression to go through to all parts.
http://desktoppub.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fglossary.ippaper.com%2Fipaper%2Fcontent%2Fdefault.asp%3FreqArgs%3Dcatalogitem%2Cipaper.print_prep.finishing.finfold

Crash Perforation
A perforation created by cutting through all of the parts of a
multiple part form.
http://desktoppub.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fglossary.ippaper.com%2Fipaper%2Fcontent%2Fdefault.asp%3FreqArgs%3Dcatalogitem%2Cipaper.print_prep.finishing.finfold

Crash Printing
A printing process, such as letterpress, using hard type and heavy
impressioning to create an image on the top sheet of a multiple part
form, which will transfer through to the other parts. Part 1 is
printed with ink and the image on the other parts is transferred by
the use of carbon between each part or carbonless paper.
http://desktoppub.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fglossary.ippaper.com%2Fipaper%2Fcontent%2Fdefault.asp%3FreqArgs%3Dcatalogitem%2Cipaper.print_prep.finishing.finfold

Crash Sequence
When a carbonless set is assembled in the proper order for usage.
http://desktoppub.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fglossary.ippaper.com%2Fipaper%2Fcontent%2Fdefault.asp%3FreqArgs%3Dcatalogitem%2Cipaper.print_prep.finishing.finfold

Letter Folding & Inserting Equipment Buyer's Guide:
http://www.buyerzone.com/mailroom/letter_folding/printable_bg.html

Printworks, Inc: Topic - Folding and Folders:
http://www.cjpw.com/folders.htm

Stapled sheets:
http://www.walcar-graphics.com.au/showdetails.asp?prodid=96

"Most machines can fold several sheets of paper together at one time.
However, feeders usually have trouble handling stapled sheets. This
means that you may need to feed stapled sheets through the folders by
hand."
http://desktoppub.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buyerzone.com%2Fmailroom%2Fletter_folding%2Fbuyers_guide1.html

FOLDS:

Types of Folds, Folders & Paper Grain:
http://desktoppub.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fglossary.ippaper.com%2Fipaper%2Fcontent%2Fdefault.asp%3FreqArgs%3Dcatalogitem%2Cipaper.print_prep.finishing.finfold

Forms and Functions of Folds:
http://desktoppub.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fideabook.com%2F005_fold%2Ffolds.htm


I hope this helps. If you have any questions, please post a
clarification request before rating my answer.

Thank you,
hummer

Google Search Terms Used:

"crash folding"
"folding paper" crash machines
"folding paper machines"  
"folding paper machines"  crash
"crash bar" paper folder
"crash bar" folder
paper crash folding
paper crash folding A4 
"web press" glossary
fold A4 dl envelopes

---

Request for Answer Clarification by stressedmum-ga on 08 Sep 2003 17:59 PDT

Thanks Hummer. I didn't realise that's what it was. There's no great
mystique to it at all, is there? ;) The only thing I don't understand
is why they are known in the industry as crash folders, yet when I go
to the Shoei site who apparently manufacture them, there's no mention
of 'crash folders'. Is there another name for them or even a model
number?

---

Clarification of Answer by hummer-ga on 09 Sep 2003 05:13 PDT

Good morning stressedmum,

As you mentioned in your question, there just isn't that much
available online about crash folders. However, I did manage to find a
used one for sale (about US$31,500)! If you click on the link and
agree to the terms, you will be able to send an email to the seller
(he is in Australia). Hopefully if you get in touch with him, he will
be forthcoming and answer all of your questions (at the very least, he
will be able to give you the model number).

Shoei Crash Folders listed for sale:
"Fully overhauled, any test welcome, available immediately, age approx
1988"
http://www.printerspost.com.au/Classifieds/XcCPViewInCat.asp?ID=23

Apparently, there are over 30 Shoei models - you'll find some at the
following link.

Click on "Products" in the left-hand column:
http://www.shoei-folder.co.jp/e_shoei/index.html

Next, click on "Floor Plan and Specification" to view the specs of
various models. None are named "Shoei Crash Folder", however some
sound like they could certainly do the job. Given the number of
models, perhaps "Crash Folder" is an older term that has been set
aside and now it is just a matter of finding the machine which matches
the need. You could also try contacting Shoei themselves.

Shoei Finishing and Bindery Division at (503) 255-5800 or (800)
278-5123.
For email contact, please send to web-international@ldr.com.
http://www.ldr.com/products_new/shoei.shtml

Shoei: "The Art of Folding":
"Shoei Machinery Manufacturing Co.Ltd., Japan is on of the largest
manufacturer of Paper Folding Machines in the world. The weight of
years of research and development, of pains taking testing and
refined, of finding the best component or system and then making it
ever better. Now there are over 30 different models to fill your
needs; all well proven in thousands of installations."
http://suprabhat.webhostme.com/shoei.htm


Additional Links:

Bindery Folding Skills:
http://mbofoldingskills.freeservers.com/index2.html

With "Shoei Crash Folder" highlighted:
://www.google.ca/search?q=cache:38Qc0WIzQRkJ:www.currentimages.com.au/shoei.htm+%22shoei+crash+folder%22&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

Good luck with your emails, I hope they bring results. 

Sincerely,
hummer

Thanks Hummer. Very comprehensive answer.

Thank you, stressedmum.  

Sincerely, hummer