Martin Yale 959 AutoFolder Heavy Duty Paper Folding Machine Review

There are many friction feed paper folders on the market today. But one to stop and take a look at is the Martin Yale 959 AutoFolder. This machine is designed for large mail rooms, churches, and other offices looking for high volume use combined with simple operation. After a quick setup, this device is speedy enough to keep up with even the fastest printing equipment, making it ideal for use in small to medium print and copy shops. Optional features add even more versatility. Let's take a closer look.

Strengths:

• The automatic friction feed system ensures precise feeding of individual sheets. Consistently aligned folds are further ensured by the angular control adjustment for the entrance rollers. An innovative bottom feeding/top loading design allows the continuous reloading during use.
• Clearly marked fold plates require simple adjustments for the folding of letter and legal size paper as well as 11" x 17" sheets. A preset guide offers easy switching between "C", "Z", single, double parallel, right angle, and baronial folds. Custom folds are also possible by manual manipulation of the plates.
• This device also slits, scores, and perforates documents. Quick-release journal shafts assist in the set up for each of those functions. A seven tooth per inch perforating wheel as well as two scoring wheels are included with the purchase of this folder. You can also buy optional three and fourteen tooth per inch perforating wheels as well as a slitting wheel. These allow additional functionality and provide a multi-tasking machine needed in print and copy shops.
• Paper as small as 3.5" x 3.5" up to 14" x 20" with a wide assortment in between can all be folded by this machine. Weights can range from 9lb onion skin to 110lb index. Variable speed control allows use of an optimal speed for any paper thickness with a maximum rate of 22,000 pieces per hour.
• Martin Yale provides a one year warranty on this product, not including consumable parts, shipping, or labor.

Weaknesses:

• The fold plates require a manual setup. This is time consuming and often difficult to obtain exact folds. Offices that rarely switch fold styles will be able to set this up and then not worry about it and might not mind the inconvenience. But businesses requiring frequent plate changes will most likely find switching to be a pain. We suggest you save yourself the hassle and invest in an automatically adjusted machine, such as the 2051 Smartfold.
• This machine isn't rated for glossy or coated paper. Offices that don't fold large quantities of these mediums won't find this to be much of a problem. If your company often folds a number of specialty material, you might prefer the air-fed 959AF which can handle these items.

As you can see in the many strengths, the Martin Yale 959 AutoFolder is well-suited for the needs of almost any business. The wide range of paper sizes, weights, and folds created make this versatile device highly functional. Efficiency is seen in the unique loading system as well as the high folding speeds. We think the 959 AutoFolder would make an excellent addition to any office.