Types of Gravure Folders

Types of Gravure Folders

The gravure press fleet in the United States has seen significant expansion and modernization in recent years. Despite these advancements, a wide variety of folder configurations remain in active operation. This section details the common folder types used within the industry and explains how each processes folds in its upper and lower sections.

• Former Board Newspaper Folder. This configuration creates one fold over a former running in the web direction. The lower folder then cuts off the signatures and typically produces a second cross fold. The number of ribbons over the former varies according to product size. Producing a full-size broadsheet product requires a cylinder page layout with columns around its head or foot lead-edge.

• Single Jaw Folder. Here, the upper folder cuts the web into ribbons. The lower folder then produces one fold after cutting the signatures off at a right angle to the web's travel direction. This method requires the printing cylinder page layout to have columns across the cylinder, utilizing either a low or high lead edge.

• Former Jaw Folder. The upper folder generates one fold over a former board, while the lower folder creates a second fold at a right angle. The resulting signature has two open sides. Slitting the ribbon on the former's center line can produce a three-side open signature.

• Jaw Double Parallel Folder. In this setup, the upper folder slits the web into ribbons. The lower folder then produces two folds, both at right angles to the ribbon running direction. The second fold occurs after the product is fully folded across its center.

• Former Jaw Double Parallel Folder. The upper folder produces one fold over a former board, and ribbons can be slit on the former's center line. The lower folder creates two folds, both at right angles to the web travel direction, similar to the Jaw Double Parallel Folder.

• Jaw Chopper Folder. The upper folder slits the web into ribbons. The lower folder then produces one fold at right angles to the web direction, followed by a second fold in the direction of web travel.

• Former Jaw Chopper Folder. This type uses the upper folder to produce one former fold. The lower folder then creates one fold at right angles to the web direction and a third fold in the web's running direction.

Looking ahead to 2026, gravure printing continues to adapt within a broader industry shift towards integrated automation and data-driven production. Sustainability remains a key driver, influencing material choices and pressroom efficiency. These evolving demands ensure that understanding these foundational mechanical processes remains highly relevant.