Close-up of a folder cutting belt used in print finishing

Folder Maintenance Tips

We understand the importance of keeping your folders running smoothly and in great condition. Here are some helpful maintenance tips for your folding needs:

Inspect Belts

  • Check for burn spots on your main flat drive belts (common on MBO fold rollers). These appear where a pulley has spun for a long time—often due to a paper jam—and indicate a weak point where the belt may break.
  • For infeed belts, inspect under the marble signal guide for torn or frayed edges, or exposed inner fabric.
  • Poly-V belts are drive belts with multiple grooves. Check for cracks or breaks.
  • Stacker belts are the most visible; wear is usually obvious.
  • MBO Perfection vacuum belts (with holes) do wear down and lose their sponge/grip effect. Replace every 2–3 years—the improvement in suction is noticeable.

Inspect Rollers

  • Folder rollers tend to wear in the center where most paper travels.
  • How to check: Set all roller sets for one sheet. Using a single strip of paper, check the tension/grip at each roller gap from the middle out to the edges as you would during setup.
  • A roller is worn if you can’t achieve even tension from the middle to the edge.
  • Worn rollers can be upgraded by replacing with new, recovering (Stahl, Baum), or regrinding (MBO). Note: MBO rollers can be ground only once; recovering is not recommended.
  • Update carries high-quality new rollers with hardened steel cores and long-lasting urethane for MBO, Stahl, Baum, and Vijuk folders.

Vacuum / Blow Out Rollers & Filters

  • Remove the side covers from your fold roller. Blow out or vacuum roller hangers so they move freely. Grease or replace the grease canister (Perma-Lube) on Stahl folders.
  • Blow out pump filters. Replace them if they’re older than 3 years (some folders have two pumps).

Consistent maintenance is critical for productivity and print quality. Update Ltd stocks belts, filters, grease canisters, rollers, bearings, and more—everything you need to keep your folders running like new.