How to Choose the Best Folder Inserter

What is a Folder Inserter?

A folder inserter, also known as an envelope inserter, simplifies the process of inserting documents into envelopes. These machines are typically used in businesses that have to send out immense volumes of mail, like invoices, statements, and marketing materials. Folder inserters can be used with a variety of paper sizes and envelope types. They are a valuable tool since they process mailings quickly and professionally.

Here is how a folder inserter works:

1. Folding Documents: The product folds many types of documents, like letters, invoices, statements, flyers, or promotional materials, according to preset configurations.

2. Inserting into Envelopes: After the documents are folded, the device automatically inserts them into the appropriate envelopes.

3. Sealing and Sorting: Once the insertion is completed, some models of folder inserters can seal the envelopes and sort the mail depending on predefined criteria.

4. High-Speed Processing: Folder inserters are able to handle enormous volumes of mail efficiently, which significantly reduces the time and effort needed for manual folding and insertion.

Benefits of Using a Folder Inserter

A benefit of a folder inserter machine is that it can save large amounts of time by automating the process of folding, inserting, and sealing documents and mail pieces. This will allow employees to spend time on other important tasks in the office. In addition, since no manual folding or inserting is needed, organizations can cut down on labor costs and save money in the long run. Read more about the potential cost savings of folding machines.

Another benefit of a folder inserter is that it can eliminate errors in mail preparation. Because the machine accurately folds and inserts mail pieces, there is less of a chance of misfolds and misinsertion.

Furthermore, a folder inserter can elevate business mail by giving the mail a more professional look. The device performs consistent folds and neatly seals envelopes, which allows businesses to present a more polished image to their customers.

How to Choose a Folder Inserter

In order to choose a folder inserter or letter folder machine, you should consider several factors to make sure that you purchase the best machine for your needs. It is important to assess features such as the size of the folder inserter, paper capacity, types and sizes of envelopes, type and weight of paper used, and different folds and inserts.

1. Size of Machine

Tabletop folder inserters are small, and are about 20” to 30” wide, 20” to 40” deep, and 15” to 30” tall. They weigh about 30 to 100 lbs. They are made for small-scale mail operations and small offices with limited space. Mid-size folder inserters are about 30” to 50” wide, 30” to 60” deep, and 30” to 50” tall. They weigh about 100 to 300 lbs., and are designed for medium to large-scale mail processing needs.

Finally, the largest folder inserters are about 50” to 80” wide, 40” to 60” deep, and 50” to 80” tall. These models weigh about 300 to over 1,000 lbs. They are created to handle high volumes of mail, and are usually standalone units.

2. Paper Capacity

Folder inserters have multiple feeder trays, or stations, for various kinds of documents. Paper capacity for folder inserters refers to the maximum amount of paper that each feeder tray or station within the folder inserter can hold at one time. The standard capacity for feeder trays in folder inserters is usually 50 to 500 sheets of paper. In contrast, there are folder inserters that have high-capacity feeders that can hold up to 1,000 sheets or more in a single station.

Different models of folder inserters can have varying capacities. Some folder inserter models can manage higher volumes of paper than other models. Moreover, there are folder inserters where the user can adjust the feeder capacities. This lets users load different volumes of paper in each tray.

3. Types and Sizes of Envelopes

Folder inserters have the ability to insert documents into a variety of envelope types and sizes. Most machines can process standard business envelopes (4 1/8" x 9 1/2") as well as bigger catalog envelopes (9” x 12” or 10” x 13”). Moreover, there are folder inserters that allow users to submit custom envelope sizes.

Other envelopes that can be processed include regular #10 envelopes, window envelopes, and square envelopes. Since these machines can insert documents into many types of envelopes, it is easy to put together different mailings like invoices, statements, marketing materials, and more.

4. Types and Weight of Paper Used

Folder inserters can accommodate many paper types and weights for various document needs. The correct type and weight of paper that a folder inserter can use depends on the device’s capabilities, adjustments, and settings. The most common document types used with folder inserters are standard office paper, brochures or flyers, and pre-printed forms.

Typical paper weights for these machines are 20 lb. bond paper, 24 lb. to 32 lb. paper, and cardstock or heavier materials. The 20 lb. bond paper weight is the standard for office printing, and is supported by most folder inserters for regular document mailings. Some models can utilize 24 lb. to 32 lb. paper, which is heavier, more durable, and produces more professional-looking documents. In addition, certain folder inserters can make use of thicker and heavier materials like cardstock for special mailings or specific applications.

5. Different Folds and Inserts

Folder inserters are versatile machines that have various folding options and insertion features for many document types and mailing requirements. Popular folds the device performs are the letter fold, accordion fold, and gate fold. The letter fold, also known as the C-fold, is folded into thirds to look like a letter, with the edges tucked in. The accordion fold, also known as the Z-fold, is folded in a zigzag pattern, which creates parallel folds. The gate fold consists of folding the sides of the document inward to meet in the middle, and resembles a gate.

There are also insertion features such as a single insert, multiple inserts, and additional inserts. A single insert is a single document that is inserted into an envelope. However, some machines can insert multiple documents into a single envelope simultaneously. Finally, there are folder inserters that can handle additional inserts like flyers, promotional cards, or return envelopes with the main documents.

Whitaker Brothers’ Folder Inserters and Envelope Stuffers

Choosing the best folder inserter depends on your specific needs, like the amount of documents you have to fold, and the variety of paper sizes and fold types you require. We offer a comprehensive collection of folder inserters and envelope stuffers, from compact machines for home offices to high-speed machines for big businesses.