Paper Folder Review: MBM 93M vs. Formax FD 300
The Formax FD 300 compares well to the MBM 93M
We recently sat down and did a side-by-side paper folding machine comparison between the MBM 93M and the new Formax FD 300. We were excited when Formax announced a paper folding machine that would compete directly with the MBM 93M, a popular model with our customers.
The MBM 93M has delivered top-notch paper folding capabilities to our customers for a reasonable price. We have several satisfied customers who currently use this machine. The new Formax entry, the FD 300 has several comparable features that could give the 93M a run for the money. Let’s take a look:
Folding Speed
MBM 93M: 7,200 sheets/hour
Formax FD 300: 7,400 sheets/hour
Two hundred more sheets folded per hour is quite a big difference when you need to fold several hundred pieces each day. Time and labor savings quickly add up. Advantage: Formax.
Input Capacity
MBM 93M: 150 Sheets
Formax FD 300: 200 Sheets
Formax comes out the winner here again, thanks to a much deeper paper hopper. This translates into fewer paper feedings into the paper tray required by the operator and a significant saving of time. Advantage: Formax.
Maximum Paper Size
MBM 93M: 8 1/2″ x 14″
Formax FD 300: 8 1/2″ x 14″
Both models will fold legal size paper, a common request by our customers. The 93M and FD 300 models handle the larger-sized sheets with ease. Advantage: Draw.
Accepted Paper Weights
MBM 93M: 20 lb. bond
Formax FD 300: 20 lb. bond
Both models will process paper that’s slightly lighter and heavier than copy paper, but that’s about it. We sometimes hear from frustrated callers who assume their paper folding machine can handle card stock or other heavy types of paper. The fact is, most models are designed to fold copy paper only. Heavier stock paper presents challenges for several models. Advantage: Draw.
Warranty
MBM 93M: 1 year limited warranty, excluding wearables
Formax FD 300: 90-day warranty does not include consumable parts, labor, or shipping.
A meager warranty has always been an issue with Formax machines. We have sold Formax machines for almost 20 years, and warranty claims are far and few between. Unfortunately, potential customers do not know this when they browse our website. They often side with a competitor’s comparable model that offers a more liberal warranty time frame. Such is the case with the model 93M. Advantage MBM.
Price
MBM 93M: $458
Formax FD 300: $499
Since the Formax FD 300 is a new model, we were hoping their price would be a little more competitive. Saving $41 may not seem like a significant amount of money, but every dollar counts – especially when buying office equipment and supplies. Advantage: MBM.
As you can see, both the MBM 93M and Formax FD 300 paper folding machines offer very similar capabilities. What model do we recommend? Well, if warranty and price are a big concern, then MBM is the clear choice. If that’s not a deal breaker, then we recommend the Formax FD 300 based on performance capabilities and less time required for operation and attendance.
Tags: fold legal size paper, folding speed, Formax FD 300, input capacity, MBM 93M, paper folder, paper folder review, Paper Folding, paper folding machine comparison, paper hopper, paper tray