folding press: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Professional
Quick answer
What does “folding press” mean?
A machine designed to apply pressure to fold materials, often paper, cardboard, or textiles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A machine designed to apply pressure to fold materials, often paper, cardboard, or textiles.
Any mechanical or hydraulic press specifically engineered to create a clean, precise fold in sheet material, commonly used in printing, packaging, and manufacturing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Spelling of related terms may vary (e.g., 'pressurise' vs. 'pressurize').
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general English but standard within relevant technical fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “folding press” in a Sentence
[The/An] [ADJ] folding press [VERB] [OBJ][PREP] the folding pressVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “folding press” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We'll need to fold these signatures on the press.
- The machine is designed to fold and press in one action.
American English
- We have to fold these sheets on the press.
- The equipment folds and presses simultaneously.
adverb
British English
- The cardboard was folded press-perfect.
- He adjusted the guides folding-press carefully.
American English
- The paper was folded press-perfectly.
- She calibrated the machine folding-press carefully.
adjective
British English
- The folding-press operator called in sick.
- We're reviewing folding-press specifications.
American English
- The folding press operator is out today.
- We're comparing folding press models.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to capital equipment in printing, packaging, or manufacturing companies; a line item in procurement or asset lists.
Academic
Used in engineering, materials science, or graphic communications papers describing manufacturing processes.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Precise term in printing, bookbinding, and sheet metal work for a machine that folds substrates along a scored line.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “folding press”
- Using 'folding press' as a verb (e.g., 'We folding press the brochures'). Correct: 'We use the folding press on the brochures.'
- Confusing it with a 'clothes press' or 'trouser press'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A printing press applies ink to paper. A folding press is a separate machine used in the post-press 'finishing' stage to fold the printed sheets.
Yes, specialized folding presses exist for paper, cardboard, thin metal sheets, and some textiles, but each is engineered for specific material properties.
No, 'folding press' is technical jargon. In everyday contexts, people would simply refer to a 'machine that folds' or the brand name of the equipment.
Keeping hands and clothing clear of the moving platen and folding plates, as the machine exerts considerable force and can cause severe crushing injuries.
A machine designed to apply pressure to fold materials, often paper, cardboard, or textiles.
Folding press is usually technical/professional in register.
Folding press: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfəʊldɪŋ prɛs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfoʊldɪŋ prɛs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a press that FOLDS things, not just squashes them.
Conceptual Metaphor
A specialized TOOL AS A BODY PART (the 'arm' of the press performs the folding action).
Practice
Quiz
In which industry would you most likely encounter a 'folding press'?