*It is an automatic setup folder which simply means that you can press a button or two on the machine in order to choose the desired paper size and folding style. The fold plates move into position automatically.
*This makes the Martin Yale 1701 easy to setup and easy to use even for users who don't have any training or experience using a paper folding machine.
Strengths / Features:
*One of the best things about the 1701 Martin Yale Autofolder is the cost. It is the lowest cost auto setup folder available on the market. With a selling price of around $1500 it is priced similarly to manual setup paper folder from other manufacturers but is much easier to use.
*The auto setup features of the 1701 make it incredibly simple to operate. You simply choose the size of paper that you want to fold and the folding pattern that you want to use. In just a couple of seconds, the machine will move the folding plates into position and you are ready to begin folding. This makes the 1701 an excellent choice for organizations that use multiple folding patterns or who have users who struggle to set up complicated mechanical equipment.
*The Martin Yale 1701 is capable of handling letter size, legal size and A4 paper. It can create be set to six different folding patterns including: letter fold, half fold, z-fold, double parallet, right angle and baronial. Or if you have a custom fold or need to fold a sheet as small as 3-1/2" x 5", it can be manually adjusted to handle these as well.
*The 1701 can fold stapled sets of up to 5 sheets through its manual bypass. These have to be fed into the machine one set a time.
*The 1701 has a feed tray that is capable of handling up to 150 sheets of 20lb paper. This helps to improve productivity without having to worry about reloading the folder every few seconds.
Weaknesses / Limitations:
*The 1701 does not have an adjustable speed setting. This means that the speed of the folder cannot be reduced for folding specialty papers or thicker stocks. The Martin Yale 1701 is an excellent choice for folding 20lb, 24lb and 28lb paper. However, it is not designed for folding heavy card stocks, slick glossy papers or papers with special coatings. These types of stocks will most likely cause paper jams inside the 1701 folder.
*Although the 1701 is capable of folding letter, legal and A4 paper it is not capable of handling 11" x 17" or A3 sized papers. If you are looking for an automatic setup folder that can handle these larger sizes of paper you will need to check out the Intimus 2051 or a similar commercial grade folding machine.
*Although the 1701 paper folder is an automatic setup folder it is still necessary in some cases and for some folding patterns to adjust the output stacker wheel manually. Only the largest automatic setup folders adjust the stacker wheel automatically.
*The 1701 requires removal of the side covers and the top roller safety cover to clean the rollers. Once these parts are removed the rollers can be easily cleaned, but the process of gaining access to the rollers takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Most users will only need to do this about every 6 months.
Recommendation:
*The Martin Yale 1701 is best suited for organizations that have numerous users who may not know how to manually set up a folding machine, or for organizations that frequently change fold types and don't want to hassle with constant set-ups.
*This paper folding machine makes changing paper sizes and folding patterns simple and is ideal for users who will only use the folding machine on an occasional basis, and may not remember how to set up the machine every time.
*However, organizations that need to fold sheets larger than legal size or heavier paper stocks will most likely find that the 1701 folder will not meet their needs. These users should consider a larger automatic setup folding machine such as the Intimus 2051 or the Formax FD380.
*The P7400 is both small and compact so that it won't take up a lot of space in your office or mailroom. It is common to see this machine sitting in an office beside a postage meter or a desktop laser printer.
*This light volume paper folding machine is ideal for companies that occasionally need to fold letters, statements, bulletins invoices, flyers and correspondence.
Strengths / Features:
*Although the P7400 looks very much like the P7200, the primary difference between these two machines is the sizes of paper that the machines can handle. The Martin Yale Rapidfold P7200 is designed to take letter sized (8.5" x 11") sheets where the P7400 can accept letter size, legal size and A4 sized paper.
*The P7400 can also produce a number of different folding patterns including the: letter-fold, z-fold, half-fold and double parallel fold. With the ability to produce all of these folding patterns this machine can be incredibly versatile for helping you to complete a number of different tasks around the office.
*The P7400 is a big step up from the smaller 6200 and 6400 letter folders that need to be fed by hand, one document at a time. With the Martin Yale 7400 you can add up to 50 sheets of paper onto the feed tray and it will conveniently feed each sheet and eject the stacked sheets into the stacking bin that is included with the unit.
*The Rapidfold P7400 also has a manual bypass slot that allows you to fold between 1 and 3 sheets at a time including stapled sets.
Weaknesses / Limitations:
*The Martin Yale P7400 Rapidfold is a great personal folding machine that is designed for folding letters, bulletins or invoices. However, it is not designed for handling glossy paper stocks, thick papers or coated sheets. In fact, the P7400 should not be used with paper that is heavier than 28lb bond (or its equivalent).
*This machine is only designed to fold sheets that are letter, legal or A4 size. Users who need to fold larger sheet sizes or produce custom folds should probably consider moving up to either the 1501x or the 1601 paper folding machines.
*The P7400 is what is commonly referred to as a manual setup paper folder. This means that you need to manually adjust the paper stops on the fold plates in order to change folding patterns. Adjusting the fold plates can be difficult and if they are not adjusted properly the folder may jam or produce crooked folds. For this reason, the P7400 is not ideal for organizations that need to switch folding patterns on a regular basis. A Larger electronic setup folding machine can simplify the movement of the folding plates but those machines also cost a lot more.
Recommendation:
*The Martin Yale P7400 Rapidfold is excellent for organizations that need to fold a few hundred letter or legal sized documents per week or are looking for a convenient solution to fold a few dozen sheets at a time.
*For organizations that need to fold larger volumes or who need to handle larger sheet sizes the P7400 will not be a good choice. These individuals should really consider a larger folding machine such as the 1501x or the 1601 paper folders.
*Still, this folding machine is an excellent choice for organizations that are looking for a small machine to place beside their printer, copier or postage meter.