“What sets Fold Stream apart is the fast setup,” states Blake Houser, Principal at Wells & Drew. “Unlike the Molls or similar machines, which require an hour or more for a switchover (even for highly skilled operators), the Fold Stream can switch from a folding carton to a pocket folder in just 10 to 15 minutes. For our digital press operator to achieve that speed is a massive time savings—potentially cutting very complicated changeover times from two to three hours down to 30 minutes.”
Wells & Drew in Jacksonville, FL completed a successful installation of the Fold Stream system in March. With a 170-year legacy of excellence, Wells & Drew has mastered the craft of engraving, foil stamping, embossing, raised print, and letterpress offering comprehensive in-house specialty printing services that only a handful of providers in the country can match. This milestone marks the first installation of Fold Stream in North America, underscoring Graphco’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to specialty printers.
“As a specialty printer, we constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible in print,”
states Blake Houser, Principal at Wells & Drew. “The Fold Stream system enhances our capabilities, allowing us to streamline intricate folding and finishing processes while maintaining the unmatched quality our customers expect. This installation reaffirms our commitment to investing in top-tier technology to serve our clients better.”
Fold Stream by Pro Cut is a high-speed, precision folding and gluing system designed for efficient, small-run packaging with quick changeovers. “I reviewed plenty of folder-gluers before,” continues Houser, “and we have a variety of them here including industry heavyweights like Moll. But when I saw the Fold Stream demo video, I immediately understood how the system worked, which was a big deal. The current systems we use demand significant operator expertise, so I appreciate the simplicity of the Fold Stream for our digitally oriented work.”
“Our goal is to offer packaging solutions because, right now, every printer is trying to move into that space, but very few of them offer the special embellishments we have done for years” observes Houser. “The challenge is figuring out how to integrate our specialty printing processes across various substrates and colors while maintaining efficiency for small runs. This machine enables us to do just that—offering six different printing processes on 21 different paper types.”
Graphco’s Fold Stream system is renowned for its precision, efficiency, and ability to handle complex folding and finishing tasks with ease. The system’s advanced automation significantly reduces manual labor while increasing production speed and accuracy—critical factors for a specialty print house like Wells & Drew.
Chris Manley, President of Graphco, highlighted the importance of this first North American installation: “We are thrilled to see the Fold Stream in action at Wells & Drew, a company that embodies excellence in specialty printing. This installation is a testament to how Fold Stream can revolutionize niche print operations, providing efficiency and precision for even the most intricate jobs. Wells & Drew’s decision to adopt this technology further reinforces their position as an industry leader.”
Folding & Gluing Reinvented
The Fold Stream folding and gluing machine employs a multi-belt system that simplifies setup and reconfiguration for a broad range of plow folding applications. This innovative design eliminates the need to change belts when switching between digital and offset printing, ensuring seamless operation. Guided tools with quick-release fasteners facilitate effortless positioning, while adjustable, spring-loaded drive rollers maintain consistent and uniform pressure on the product. Each plow can be adjusted in both height and angle to ensure smooth flap turning and precise folding. An interactive touchscreen provides precise control over machine speed and glue application at various positions and lengths, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.
Technical Specifications
- Material Thickness: 5.30 to 11.79 oz/sq² yard
- Sheet width: 2.36" to 20.47"
- Arc Length: 2.36" to 17.71"
- Machine Speed; adjustable*: 6.56' to 164.04' per minute
- Electrical Consumption: 29 amps
- Electric Connection: 2 x 240 V/single phase/50 Hz
- Pneumatic Connection: 6 bar/5 l/min
* Actual production speed and effective net output depend on the format, type and composition of products, paper quality and quality of die-cut and scored blanks, as well as general production conditions.