UniFold Folder Gluer
The Kluge UniFold folder gluer provides both productivity and versatility with a modular system built in the Kluge tradition of quality, durability and value. The UniFold’s unique unitized system provides unmatched versatility in folding and gluing equipment.
The bucklefolder, final fold Unit, TransTable converting unit and stacker unit are all portable, allowing for multiple configurations and applications. The UniFold’s rugged construction starts with a 2″x 2″ welded tubular steel frame.
All bearings are precision-sealed bearings. The electrical control system is well organized and clean, with channeled wire-ways and coordinating numbered wires and schematic.
- 2″ Welded Steel Frame – Stronger than “bolted” frames
- Hot, Cold and Fugitive Glue Systems - Various models available
Benefits- High speed hot, cold and fugitive gluing
- Compact, less obstructive and safe design
- Accurate dot placement
- Manufactured and serviced in the US
Outline
Kluge folder gluers can be configured with several different types of glue systems for hot melt gluing, cold glue or fugitive gluing. Depending on your application and control module, several glue heads can be used simultaneously which include a range of melt or stainless steel tanks.Gluing systems supplied with Kluge folder gluers have several advantages over competitor models. As well as capable of almost 3x the speed per second of comparable systems, the design of the glue system is extremely compact. Both the glue applicator heads and hoses are less obstructive by combining wiring with hose insulation and reducing the amount of cabling to position and secure during make-ready.
A supply cart is available for glue systems supplied with our equipment (supplied as standard with some packages). The cart adds convenience and mobility to your folder gluer. By allowing the system to be relocated to another part of the machine, alternate positioning of the glue heads can be made with little effort.
Contact Kluge directly for specific information about the range of glue systems available.
- CE Compliance Package
- Friction Feeder - Allows for faster and continuous feeding of stock
Benefits- Continuous feeding
- Portable, interchangable design
Outline
The Kluge Friction Feeder was designed to continuously feed stocks that otherwise are difficult or impossible to feed with a Vacuum Feed Unit. The Friction Feeder is portable and is designed to be easily removed when the Vacuum Feed Unit is a better choice to feed a specific stock.
- Vacuum Feeder - Feeds stock through a vacuum system.
Benefits
Multiple sheet detector- Vacuum Manifold position adjustment
- Dual vacuum wheels
- Gapper
- Hand Wheel
- Rear air sheet separator air blast
- Pile height bracket
- Dual blow pipes
Outline
The Kluge vacuum pile feeder is equipped with a rack-and-pinion drive elevator and laminated feed table. Electronic pile height adjustment and a double sheet detector provide effective control for a variety of products. An air blast bar with dual independent adjustment combined with a double row vacuum wheel mounted on a 7/8″ shaft assures controlled feeding on a wide variety of stocks and formats. Independent bottom sheet supports add to the ComFold’s positive sheet control. A gap control module provides precise control of spacing between sheets; a tab blast module is also included. The converting station is equipped with four 2-1/2″ belts and a top drive wheel system. Fourteen inch long electro-less, nickel-plated tab turning plows assure consistent fold quality. An independent vacuum pump and self-contained blower are provided as standard equipment.
- Rack and Pinion Elevator Drive – Smooth, low maintenance
- Vacuum Feeder Hand Wheel - Advance or reverse stock manually
Benefits
- Reduce setup time
- Minimize waste
Outline
With the vacuum feeder hand wheel, users are able to advance or reverse stock manually from the vacuum feeder unit to the converting section or visa versa. Convenient and precise job setups are achieved this way, as stock can be tested and troubleshooted before running larger quantities through the machine.
- Electronic Multi-Sheet Detector (MSD) - Reduces downtime from jams
In the past Kluge folder gluers have been shipped with a Mechanical Multi-Sheet Detector. Although this was a beneficial feature for detecting multi-fed sheets, the configuration was somewhat cumbersome and could not be applied to smaller jobs. To eliminate these shortcomings and utilize technological advances, Kluge has introduced the Electronic Multi-Sheet Detector (MSD) to its newest folder gluer, the OmniFold.How Does it Work?The MSD is simple to set up and use. A pair of sensors mounted to a crossbar at the in-feed area scans every sheet that passes between them. These sensors are wired to a control module that can be set to shut the machine off when more than one sheet tries to pass through it. By stopping the machine when multiple sheets are detected, waste and damaged stock is reduced providing larger quantities of usable product while reducing downtime caused by jams.Samples of stock are used to set the sensors precisely for the job that will be run on the machine.What Does it Look Like?
While compact in design, and taking up minimal space on the machine, the New MSD replaces the complex setup associated with the mechanical detector with low profile compact sensors. Easy-to-operate push-button controls are mounted to the vacuum feeder structure and include an LCD display for setting verification.Currently the MSD is available as a standard feature for OmniFold folder gluers. Plans are in the works to incorporate this into the design of the UniFold.Ask us today how the New Electronic Multi-Sheet Detector can reduce waste and damaged stock during production on the OmniFold folder gluer.
- Segmented In-feed Table - Versatility for make-readies/maintenance
Benefits- Increased flexibility
- Reduce clean up time
Outline
The segmented table makes Kluge folder gluers more versatile for folding, gluing and converting jobs. The new table design utilizes 2 inch wide segments joined together along the entire table length. These can be removed or replaced as required, to accommodate a wide range of jobs. By removing appropriate segments, the segmented table enables the user to set up a job that will utilize, the tab blaster, air gate, fold hooks and glue system at any area along the table. Clean up time can be reduced by removing segments that would otherwise be dirtied by excess glue, allowing glue waste to be deposited away from the machinery.Available for UniFold (optional) and OmniFold (standard), the segmented table is a valuable component when maximum flexibility is required for converting projects with your Kluge automatic folder gluer.
- Electrical Controls – Operate the start, stop, jog and speed controls
- High-end 4 or 8 Channel Controller – Operate a variety of devices
- TransTable III Converting Unit – For mounting accessories
- Airgate Folding Kit - Creates cross folds on thick stocks
Benefits- Creates cross folds
- Converts thick stocks
- Two placement options
Outline
Like the bucklefolder, the airgate folding kit creates cross folds. However, this feature does not use rollers to convert your product. Instead the airgate uses an air blast from below the machine to push the stock upwards at the correct point in the converting process. The Airgate is used to fold thick stocks or to create cross folds in addition to the bucklefolder, giving a machine greater converting capabilities.The airgate folding kit can be mounted at the transtable mid-section or onto the bucklefolder section dependant on job requirements.
- Bump 90 - Rotates stock 90 degrees for folding and gluing
Benefits- Increase converting capabilities
- Positions stock accurately for taping, gluing and plow folding
Outline
The Bump 90 attachment rotates the sheet 90 degrees inline, providing accurate alignment for plow folding, taping and two directional gluing.
- 6.5 inch, 18 inch, 33 inch & 36 inch Top Belt Drives - Delivers continuous drive/ pressure
Benefits- 1/8″ thick belt
- Spring loaded pressure wheels
- Sealed bearings
Outline
Delivers continuous drive and pressure to products. The continuous drive aspect improves sheet control to all products that require plow, airgate or flipgate folding. Utilizes 1/8″ thick belt with skew adjustment for fine tuning sheet alignment. The Top Belt Drives have independently spring loaded pressure wheels to maintain even and firm pressure with sealed bearings throughout.
- Narrow Reinforced Folding Sword Attachment – Glue closer to score
- 7″ Plows – Plow folds small partitions. Required for pre-breaking
- Self Contained Control – For offline transtables and final folds
- Friction-fed Inserter - For inserting/onserting products like CDs
Benefits- CD, booklet, digipack inserting and similar products
- Onserting
- Tipping
Outline
Also known as the ‘Pick and Place Unit’, the optional Inserter for Kluge folder gluers allow for placement of an item inline with folding and gluing. In this demonstration a friction-fed tipping unit is mounted to our ComFold folder gluer to onsert CD media onto a flat single pocket CD sleeve. The sleeve is then folded and glued around the CD using hot melt glue and our flip gate feature.
- Automatic Tape Head - Applies self adhesive & reinforcement tapes
Benefits- High speed automatic seal placement
- CD wallet seals, envelope seal applications etc.
Outline
Applying self-adhesive transfer tape or reinforcement tape in-line is easy with the automatic tape head. The tape head can be attached to the converting station in the feeding section or either converting station on the TransTable Unit. The tape head is designed to operate with the standard control module.
- Angled Bucklefolder - Creates cross folds on stock
Benefits- 40% faster than the flip gate
- Segmented rollers
- Micro-adjustment
Outline
The Angled Bucklefolder for Kluge folder gluers is a portable unit that functions similarly to the Flip Gate and is used for converting presentation folder pockets and similar products. Segmented fold rollers add flexibility by allowing adjustment to accommodate glue lines. Additional design features such as slotted plates and drip trays make the Bucklefolder completely compatible with the glue applicators and in turn this reduces clean up.One of the key advantages of the Kluge Bucklefolder is that it is capable of producing pocket folders up to 40% faster than using the Flip Gate alternative. This advantage is applicable to heavy and light stocks.
The fold plate is equipped with a hand wheel, removable plate fingers and an easy to use adjustment scale with micro-adjustment.
Also available is our patented Vertical Bucklefolder design which eliminates wrinkling (or crows feet) on thick stocks while maintaining maximum operating speeds.
- PATENTED Vertical Bucklefolder - Prevents crows feet (creasing)
Benefits- Eliminates creasing on thick stocks
- Reduces waste
Outline
The Kluge Vertical Buckle Folder is a patented design that prevents crows feet on thick stocks by maintaining a sheet path that does not force a sheet around a small diameter fold roller.
Thick stocks are not flexible enough to bend and follow the surface of small diameter fold rollers. As a result, the sheet forms small creases where it was not able to form itself to the surface of the standard fold roller. This creasing is very visible on the finished product and many times will be unacceptable to a customer.
Customarily, stocks prone to crows-feet wrinkles were produced with the Kluge Airgate Module. Using the Airgate Module is a very effective way to avoid crows feet, but you are sacrificing production speed.
The Kluge Vertical Buckle Fold Unit offers a production solution that eliminates crows feet while maintaining maximum operating speeds.
Guarding
Kluge has engineered a guarding addition to the vertical buckle fold plate feature for increased all round safety. This guarding system can be easily retrofitted (added) to existing folder/gluers.The guarding system features include: Spring-lift assisting hinged frame that can be opened, providing the user with easy access to critical adjustment points for buckle folding; constructed from perforated sheet metal enabling a clear view of the buckle folder and production at all times; interlocking connections to main unit ensuring safety.
The vertical buckle folder guarding ensures all round safety when setting up and operating the unit.
Special Feature!
A combination bucklefolder configuration is available for increased converting capabilities with the OmniFold automatic folder gluer. Here an additional vertical bucklefolder may be installed inline after the segmented table. Furthermore, an angled bucklefolder may also be installed behind the original vertical bucklefolder (see photo) for the maximum capacity of a three buckle folder setup for any single project.
- Final Fold – Used to spine fold various pocket folders
- Final Fold II - Improved design for spine folding on thicker stocks
Benefits- Fold thicker stocks
- Increase production speeds on thick stocks
Outline
The Kluge Final Fold Unit was designed with a sturdy 2″x 2″ welded tubular steel frame to provide a stable and long lasting unit. The frame serves as the base for a unit that will outperform our previous design by folding thicker stocks thanks to our new center drive belt design.The center drive belt design helps drive thick stock through points in the saddle where sheets have a slight tendency to stall while increasing production speeds on thick stocks. The new center drive belt also helps reduce scuffing by keeping the stock moving at the same speed as the fold belts throughout the entire folding process.
The new design does not change the quick and easy make-ready feature of the original Kluge Final Fold Unit, providing the fastest set-up of any finishing section in the industry.
- Stacker Unit - Compresses, counts & batches finished product.
Benefits- Electronic batch counter
- Electronic totalizing counter
- Rack-and-pinion drive
Outline
Stacking and batching is made easy with the Kluge Stacker Unit. An electronic batch counter controls the belt drive providing consistent batching. An electronic totalizing counter keeps track of total production. The stacker height is easily adjusted by a rack-and-pinion drive.
Brandtjen & Kluge is a US manufacturer of quality modular folding and gluing equipment for the graphics, mailing and packaging industries. Kluge multi-function folder gluers are quality-built with versatility in mind.
Folding and Gluing. The critical last step in print finishing. Which markets do you serve? Digital Printing? Variable Data Printing? Mailing? Transactional Mailing? Food, Health & Beauty, Pharmaceutical Packaging? Something different? A virtually infinite range of end products can be converted on any one machine. Select your format from the list below for layout drawings, video demonstrations and more details.
Remember, the list below represents only common folder gluer formats, it is not a complete list of the capabilities of our folding and gluing equipment. If you have any questions relating to our line of folder gluers, contact us.
Presentation or pocket folders are great tools for displaying and/or mailing corporate materials and documents. They are available in many different size and shape formats, 1, 2, 3 etc. pockets, business card slits, CD wallet pockets, vertical and horizontal pocket configurations etc. Listed here are some common layouts that have been tested on our folder gluer equipment.
Office and file folders are generally more “pocket-based” than pocket folders. They are used more for filing and organizing documents than they are for displaying materials. A few examples are shown here.
Designed to hold and transport a large amount of material, the accordion fold feature of our folder gluer equipment requires a unique plow fold configuration. These plows fold the stock in both directions and achieve the accordion function. Ask us for details on your specific accordion style folder.
Expandable or expansion pocket folders look very similar to regular pocket folders with the exception of the unique design where strategically placed score lines enable the product to expand as more materials or documents are inserted. Essentially, this gradually converts the pocket folder into a capacity folder with a peak thickness governed by the score lines. Kluge folder gluers have no difficulty in converting this style of folder. Similar technology is applied to expandable envelopes also.
CD and DVD wallets vary tremendously in design, some holding multiple discs others holding single discs, others holding a disc and booklet or simply a single pocket sleeve. The samples shown here are a general outline of the types of wallets that can be converted on our folder gluer equipment. Kluge folder gluers have the capability to insert/onsert/place discs and booklets inline with the folding and gluing of the sleeve. In this case the product is usually placed early in process and the wallet formed around it. Ask us for details.
Similar to CD and DVD wallets, sleeves come in all shapes and sizes. The examples here show different types of single pocket document sleeves and a hotel key or ticket holder. More layouts are available on request.
Booklets and book covers can be scored, folder and glued inline. Take layout REI1 for example. This reinforced book cover was scored, folded and glued in one direction, then rotated 90 degrees and again scored folded and glued all in one pass.
Booklets and book covers can be scored, folder and glued inline. Take layout REI1 for example. This reinforced book cover was scored, folded and glued in one direction, then rotated 90 degrees and again scored folded and glued all in one pass.
There are many types of brochure and fold styles used in the industry today. Kluge’s folder gluer capabilities extend far beyond the examples show here.
A small sleeve application that can be run at high speed on our folder gluers and even two up configurations are available that will double production speeds. Brainstorming along these lines, slightly larger sleeve formats could be converted for door hangers or airplane ticket holders.
A small sleeve application that can be run at high speed on our folder gluers and even two up configurations are available that will double production speeds. Brainstorming along these lines, slightly larger sleeve formats could be converted for door hangers or airplane ticket holders.
Probably the broadest folder gluer end product category. There are too many examples here to list of different types, shapes and sizes of packaging products that can be run on our folder gluer equipment. As well as the common formats, pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, long and thin, small and partitioned boxes all area able to be run on our equipment.
Utilizing the fold hook kit, tuck top and auto-lock bottom boxes and packaging pieces can be converted on Kluge multi-function folder gluers. Many options available here. Ask us for details.
Our folding and gluing systems have the capability to run small narrow boxes at high speeds. Up to 40,000 pph have been documented. Specifically, this end product included a partition and was approximately sized for a lip stick box.
Our folding and gluing systems have the capability to run small boxes at high speeds. Sample 117 below was ran at 40,000 pph. This end product included a partition and was approximately sized for a lip stick box.
From simple sleeves to more elaborate video inset packaging, there is a range of packaging formats in the market that can be run on our folding and gluing systems. Similar layout configurations can apply to books, DVD’s and similar items.
With the digital photo market booming, more and more consumers are opting to print their own photographs. Kluge’s line of folding and gluing equipment has proven capabilities for converting a wide range of photo frames. We have even ran a photo mailer which combined a three panel mailer with a series of three photo frames (SAMPLE5). Take a look at the examples here and contact us about your specific photo frame format.
Like the expandable pocket folders, expandable envelopes follow a similar principle. Their unique design has strategically placed score lines that enables the product to expand as more materials or documents are inserted. Essentially, this gradually converts the envelope into a capacity envelope folder with a peak thickness governed by the score lines. Kluge folder gluers have no difficulty in converting this style of envelope.
The size shape and format of envelopes are determined by the content. Since many types of materials can be mailed, there are many types of envelopes. A few samples are shown here. Return format envelopes like 008 are worth mentioning. Here, the end user is able to reuse the envelope to respond to the message in mail piece. A great waste reducing and environmentally friendly application. Kluge’s remoist glue technology enables efficient production of such a piece.
The direct mail market is hot. Mailers of all shapes and sizes can be converted on Kluge folder gluers. Accessories such as tabbers, inkjetting systems with or without dryers, inserters/onserters, can easily be integrated inline into your finishing configuration to eliminate multi pass time wasting. few samples are shown here. Ask us about your direct mail needs.
| Unifold | English | Metric |
| Average length (approx) | 300″ | 762 cm |
| Width | 48″ | 122 cm |
| Height | 56″ | 142 cm |
| Maximum sheet size (29″ x 32″ or 74 x 82 cm with optional feature) | 29″ x 24″ | 74 x 61 cm |
| Minimum sheet size | 6″ x 6″ | 15 x 15 cm |
| Stock range (coated or uncoated) | .006″ – .018″ | 100 – 400 gsm |
| Operating speed | 4,000 – 25,000 pph, 300 fpm (107 mpm) | |
| Air | 90 psi @ 15 cfm | |
| Machine power required | 230V, single-phase, 30 amp |
In general terms the UniFold and OmniFold folder gluers have or can be configured to do nearly the same work. The main benefits of the OmniFold Automatic Folder Gluer are as follows:
- Constructed to be more heavier duty than the UniFold
- It is belt driven, offering easier maintenance of drive and product belts
- Utilizes Kluge’s patented bearing bed drives
Why the choice?
The main concept behind designing two machines with similar capabilities and functionality is that the UniFold can be purchased as an entry-level, modular-constructed machine providing the customer with a highly versatile folder gluer with the option to add to as they grow their business and expand their converting services.
On the other hand, the OmniFold has been primarily manufactured for the established business that demands a range of unique features with unmatched versatility and ease of use.
Additional features available for the OmniFold
Although many of the UniFold features cross over to the OmniFold, the OmniFold boasts additional feature benefits to maximise the converting potential of the machine.
Left and Right Registration
With integrated left and right registration the use of the Bump-90 becomes a simple and easy setup. Re-aligning after the 90 degree turn is made easy by dropping in the side guide and marble bar, then skew the belt left or right to guide the sheet. This is a huge time saving feature when converting 3-sided reinforced pocket folders or folders with a vertical and horizontal pockets in one pass.
Bearing Bed Drives
By eliminating the friction between drive belts and the table, longer top drives of 18″, 33″ and 36″ lengths can be used for faster make-readies and better sheet control. The Bearing Beds easily lift out of the machine for cleaning and maintenance.
Belt Drives
The entire system is belt driven with easy to access belt tensors. This drive system offers little to no maintenance vs. competing chain drive system or undersized belt driven systems. They are universally preferred on Kluge folder gluer style systems.
Incline Drive
The incline drive can be positioned in angled or horizontal positions to return sheet to entry height after a buckle fold. The feature comprises of gas springs, four 2.5″ wide belts, deflector chute and intermediate drive wheels.
Download product literature for the UniFold Folder and Gluer.
UniFold Automatic Folder Gluer
Kluge Folder Gluer specifications sheet (44kb)
UniFold Automatic Folder Gluer Spec Sheet with line drawings
