Goss has been busy with folder technology, announcing a new double-aisle design for its M-500 and M-600 presses in France, and completing assembly of its fourth SG-3 pinless combination folder in the USA. The new JF-55 is based on the existing Goss JF-55 folder design, with the added ability to produce two separate streams of eight-page magazine with closed heads or four-page tabloid signatures from a single web. It can also produce standard 16-page magazine signatures, eight-page tabloid products and a range of additional product formats. A second chopper module has been introduced alongside the original in the JF-55 folder to produce tandem quarterfolds across the full web width up to the maximum width of 965 mm. Two tabloid fans are also positioned side-by-side to enable the double production of four-page tabloids. With a new optimised cylinder ratio of 1:3:3, the development included widening the cylinders in the folder and adjusting all dynamics to accommodate the new functionality. In addition, the foldaway design of the tape transfer mechanism allows easy access to the cylinders for routine maintenance. Capable of running at up to 55,000 impressions per hour, the new JF-55 double-aisle folder complements high-quality print capabilities with streamlined production of precise, accurate folds for typical premium products, according to Jean François Robert, head of folder engineering at Goss International’s Montataire, France facility. “Basically, what we can offer now is two folders in one,” Robert says. “Previously, to produce two eight-page magazine or two four-page tabloid streams would have required using two folders, or a cutting module delivering signatures open on three sides, making the finishing and/or distribution stage more tricky. With the JF-55 double-aisle folder, we simplify four-page tabloid and eight-page magazine production with a minimized investment and, at the same time, preserve the flexibility to produce higher-pagination signatures.” • Goss says it has completed assembly of its fourth SG-3 pinless web press combination folder at its facility in Durham, New Hampshire, for shipment to a customer in the US. Another SG-3 folder was recently shipped to Germany, where a commercial and publication printing company is installing it with a Goss Sunday 4000 press, and two more are scheduled to be manufactured at the Durham location later this year. The new high-speed SG-3 model produces short-grain magazine, insert and book products at speeds of up to 120,000 copies per hour. The folder accommodates up to eight ribbons and can produce signatures with up to 96 magazine pages. Key technology features of the SG-3 folder include individual ribbon drives, double-cut signature creation, increased product width capacity, simplified group jaw cylinder adjustment, optimised tape paths, simplified diverter and 40-percent product slowdown. Options include balloon formers, edge trimming, ribbon stitching, collect stitching and Goss International's 'zero-slip' nip technology.