If you’re in the printing business, you know the process doesn’t end when the printing stops. This is where finishing tools for commercial printing businesses step in, transforming printed sheets into polished, professional products. Whether they’re trimming, folding, laminating, or embossing, finishing tools ensure your projects look as good as they read. In this post, we’ll explore the must-have finishing tools that will elevate your print quality to new heights.

Aligning and Ordering Equipment

To produce accurate and high-quality printed materials, commercial printers must prioritize precision and organization. Proper alignment and ordering of sheets guarantees a professional appearance and streamlines subsequent finishing steps. Below, we’ll discuss two essential tools—paper joggers and collators—designed to enhance efficiency and accuracy in your operations.

1. Paper Joggers

A paper jogger is an indispensable tool for aligning stacks of printed sheets. This machine gently vibrates the pages, ensuring they are perfectly squared and free of static electricity that could cause misalignment. By using a paper jogger, commercial printers can reduce errors in subsequent processes like cutting, folding, or binding. Plus, by investing in a reliable paper jogger, your staff can focus on other tasks instead of manually aligning printed sheets.

2. Collators

A collator arranges printed sheets or pages in a specified, sequential order. This tool is particularly valuable for producing multi-page booklets, brochures, or manuals. Modern collators are highly versatile, featuring adjustable settings to accommodate various paper sizes and thicknesses. By automating the collation process, businesses can eliminate manual sorting errors and achieve high-quality outputs with greater efficiency.

Cutting and Trimming Equipment

The next step in the finishing process is cutting and trimming. The right tools ensure neat edges and customizable designs without damaging your prints.

1. Paper Cutters or Guillotines

Paper cutters or guillotines are essential for making precise, straight cuts. These heavy-duty cutters are designed for high-volume jobs, allowing print shops to slice through stacks of paper quickly and accurately. With adjustable guides and safety features, modern paper cutters make precision cutting effortless. Whether you’re producing brochures, flyers, or business cards, guillotines are a must.

2. Rotary Trimmers

Rotary trimmers excel at handling flexible or delicate materials such as posters, banners, or laminated sheets. These tools are lightweight, portable, and ideal for precision cuts on single sheets or smaller batches. Their circular blade glides seamlessly along the material, leaving smooth edges without any tearing.

3. Die-Cutting Machines

Die-cutting machines can create custom shapes and designs. From intricate designs for invitations to bold cutout shapes for packaging, die-cutting machines add versatility to your offerings. They’re equally effective for small runs or mass production, making them a favorite for promotional and specialty work.

Colorful photo books travel through a saddle stitch binding machine in a commercial printing facility.

Folding and Binding Equipment

The right binding and folding tools ensure a polished, professional finish. Whether you’re producing books, brochures, or magazines, quality folding and binding define product quality.

1. Folding Machines

Folding machines come in various types, from buckle folders to knife folders. Buckle folders are perfect for lightweight paper, while knife folders work seamlessly with heavier materials. With automated settings and multiple fold options, these machines bring efficiency and versatility to your production floor.

2. Perfect Binders

If books and catalogs are part of your product lineup, perfect binders are a must. These machines create clean, smooth spines using adhesives to bind pages securely. Perfect binding exudes professionalism, making this tool a popular choice for corporate presentations, annual reports, and high-end publications.

3. Saddle Stitchers

Saddle stitchers are a go-to tool for creating booklets, magazines, and smaller catalogs. By binding pages with wire staples along the centerfold, saddle stitching delivers cost-effective yet professional results. Since they handle work at high speeds, these machines are perfect for large-scale projects with quick turnarounds.

Laminating and Coating Equipment

Laminating and coating enhance both the durability and visual appeal of printed materials.

1. Laminators

Laminators apply a protective film to printed materials, shielding them from dirt, moisture, and wear. Whether you’re producing ID cards, restaurant menus, or marketing materials, laminators improve longevity. They’re available in hot and cold options to suit different materials and designs.

2. UV Coaters

UV coating machines add an elegant, high-gloss or matte finish that enhances print quality and makes colors pop. Beyond aesthetics, UV coating protects surfaces from scratches and smudges. Whether used selectively to add emphasis or as an all-over finish, it gives your prints a premium look and feel.

A commercial finishing machine in a printing facility is fitted with a roll of gold embossing foil before production begins.

Specialty Finishing Tools

The ability to add tactile elements or functional features to your work can set your business apart. Specialty tools help you create standout materials that grab attention.

1. Embossing and Debossing Machines

These machines use pressure to create raised or recessed designs on printed materials. Add a professional touch to business cards, greeting cards, or certificates by incorporating textured designs that customers can see and feel.

2. Foil-Stamping Machines

Want to add a luxurious flair to your printed materials? Foil-stamping machines apply a thin layer of metallic foil that catches the eye. Perfect for creating high-end materials such as invitations, luxury product packaging, or corporate logos, foil stamping can also be combined with embossing for an even more striking effect.

3. Perforating and Numbering Machines

Perforating machines allow for easy tearing for projects like tickets, coupons, or invoice notepads. Numbering machines sequentially number each sheet for easy tracking or organization.

Tips for Maintaining Commercial Finishing Tools

Your tools are only as good as their upkeep. Regular maintenance and proactive problem-solving are key to extending the lifespan of your equipment and ensuring consistent results.

Regular maintenance: Clean and lubricate your equipment according to manufacturer guidelines and replace worn-out parts promptly. This not only keeps tools running smoothly but also minimizes downtime during busy production periods.
Troubleshooting tips: When issues arise, troubleshooting can save you valuable time. Keep an eye out for common problems like dull or misaligned blades, paper jams, or inconsistent folds. Addressing these issues immediately ensures your production line stays on track.

Invest in the Right Finishing Tools for Success

Finishing tools for commercial printing businesses are essential for delivering polished, professional results that keep your clients coming back. From precision-cutting guillotines to foil-stamping machines, each tool plays a vital role in transforming prints into high-quality finished products.

If you’re ready to elevate your business, Automated Liquidity International can help. Our selection of pre-owned and used industrial equipment for commercial printing is vetted by our own technicians so that you can rest assured you’re getting a high-quality machine. Reach out to us today to learn more about our current inventory!

13 Finishing Tools for Commercial Printing Businesses