One of the stand-out trends in recent years has been the number of print service providers (PSPs) bringing finishing work in house. In previous years, printing companies would often outsource this work to specialist finishing houses, which, on one hand ensured high-quality finishes, but on the other caused delays in delivering work to customers and forced them to relinquish control over this part of production. However, in the modern market, most print businesses now run finishing in house, offering customers a complete service for their printed work. Among the most common techniques in finishing are creasing, folding, and collating, with plenty of affordable options available on the market. Here, we cast an eye over some of the latest developments in these areas, speaking with manufacturers and suppliers about these solutions and how they can further strengthen a PSP’s in-house finishing offering. Automation Perfection First, Plockmatic Group offer finishing solutions through several brands under its umbrella including Morgana, Renz, and Intec. UK general manager, Ed Hudson says the latest high-quality folding, creasing, and collating solutions feature technology innovations to support more efficient production, aid operation, and reduce human touchpoints, with automation at the centre of these improvements. “It helps streamline throughput, increase capacity, and eliminate errors. It can support a broader range of applications too,” Hudson explains, continuing: “Technology-rich solutions are also increasingly able to help tackle another industry pressure – a shortage of skills. Systems that are simple to run and designed for single person operation help reduce the pressure by allowing team members to move confidently from one system to another. “Enhanced intelligent operation can aid with production efficiency and capacity while enabling faster order to completion. Planning can be streamlined and jobs scheduled efficiently.” With run lengths getting shorter and turnaround times faster, Hudson says work needs to be completed as quickly and accurately as possible, and highly automated systems are well placed to ensure production capacity is maximised. On this, he offers some pointers as to what printers should be looking for in new solutions across creasing, folding, and collating. Among these are superior fold quality, with precision creasing technology preventing cracking on digitally printed or coated stocks, ensuring clean, professional folds even on heavy or sensitive materials. High production efficiency and reduced labour costs should also be a must for printers, with automation playing a key part here, as well as accuracy and consistency, versatility across media types, seamless integration, and enhanced durability and CREASING, FOLDING, AND COLLATING | ROB FLETCHER An integral part of the finishing process for many printed applications, we take a closer look at creasing, folding, and collating, picking out some of the latest advancements within these sectors KNOW WHEN TO FOLD ‘EM, KNOW WHEN TO CREASE 45 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 358 - January | February 2026
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjM0NDIxOA==