Ever printed a brochure or invitation on thick paper, only to see it crack or split right at the fold? That is the problem a creasing machine solves. It is one of the most overlooked finishing machines, yet it has a big effect on print quality.
What a creasing machine does
Creasing is the process of pressing a line (not cutting) along the fold before the paper is folded. The line weakens the paper fibres in a controlled way, so the paper bends cleanly at the fold instead of cracking.
When you need one
- Printing on thick paper (generally above 200 gsm) that will be folded, such as invitations or company profiles.
- Printing on coated paper, which tends to crack when folded by hand.
- High production volumes, where creasing by hand takes too long.
Creasing, perforating and grooving: do not mix them up
Creasing presses a fold line into paper. Perforating makes a line of small cuts so paper tears easily. Grooving cuts a V-shaped groove into thick board or cardboard. The full explanation is in creasing, perforating and grooving: what is the difference.
Example: the E660 Electric Creasing Machine
The E660 handles 85–400 gsm paper at up to 4,000 sheets per hour, with a maximum feeding width of 650 mm. Feeding is manual, power is only 120 W, weight is 64 kg and dimensions are 1000 × 300 × 600 mm.
When to invest
Tips for clean creasing results
- Test on 3–5 scrap sheets before running the whole order, to make sure the crease line is right and does not break the paper surface.
- Mind the paper grain. Folding with the grain generally gives a cleaner fold than folding across it.
- Crease before folding, not after, and make sure the line is parallel to the printed edge.
- Coated and heavy paper benefit most from creasing, because their surfaces crack most easily.
Frequently asked questions
What paper weight needs creasing?
Generally paper above 200 gsm. The E660 handles 85–400 gsm, covering both thick and medium paper.
Is creasing the same as folding?
No. Creasing only presses a line at the fold. The folding itself is done afterwards, by hand or with another machine.
What is the E660's capacity?
Up to 4,000 sheets per hour with a maximum feeding width of 650 mm. Feeding is manual.
If you already get folded brochures, invitations or company profiles on thick paper fairly often, a creasing machine will show its value straight away in quality and speed. Browse all creasing machines or contact Lexia Machinery in Medan.
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