Most Common Franking Machine Features

The most common franking machine features are a feeder, an integrated weighing scale, connectivity, envelope sealing, a stacker, smart meter and Mailmark technology, and a rate chip that stores current postage rates. Together these features speed up mailing and help you pay the correct postage every time.

The basic functionality of a franking machine is similar across the board: it imprints a franking impression onto mail items so they can be posted by Royal Mail, at a lower cost than stamps. Beyond this, certain features make mailing easier and simpler.

Franking Machine Features

Below are some of the most common franking machine features in more detail.

Feeder

All franking machines have a feeder or feeding system – the part that processes mail through the machine where postage is applied. Feeders differ: some are manual and others automatic. Manual feeding requires you to hold the letter under the machine. Semi-automatic feeding requires you to place the letter in the feeder and the machine does the rest. Automatic feeding lets you stack envelopes and the machine processes them at the touch of a button. Depending on the machine, it will process mail up to a certain thickness, usually around 9.5mm.

Sealer, Nesting & Flapping

Many franking machines can automatically seal letters once they are franked, and can open the envelope flap before sealing. Some can also seal alternative envelopes that are not meant to be posted, in which case no franking impression is applied.

Stacker

A stacker helps you organise franked mail. Lower-volume machines catch and stack the mail; higher-volume machines can clear mail away using a power stacker.

Connectivity

So that your machine can hold and top up postage, it needs to be connected. This can be done via a LAN connection, an analogue line or a Wi-Fi box. Analogue is more traditional, but a LAN connection gives faster download and upload speeds.

Franking Technologies

The latest franking technologies – smart meter and Mailmark – are common across almost all franking machines. Smart meter lets users access VAT-applicable services and record any VAT applied. Mailmark lets users frank a 2D barcode impression and access Royal Mail’s lowest franking prices. Find out more about Mailmark here.

Weighing Scale

Almost all franking machines come with an integrated weighing scale as standard, helping you apply the correct postage every time and eliminating the risk of mispayment.

Rate Chip

The rate chip stores the latest postage rates. When rates change – usually each year – the chip is updated so the correct postage is still applied. The chip normally holds rates for multiple carriers and every type of mail.

Interested in a low-cost franking machine with some of these features? View our range of franking machines here and receive a quick quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features do franking machines have?

Common features include a feeder (manual, semi-automatic or automatic), envelope sealing, a stacker, LAN/Wi-Fi/analogue connectivity, an integrated weighing scale, smart meter and Mailmark technology, and a rate chip storing the latest postage rates.

What is a rate chip in a franking machine?

The rate chip stores the latest Royal Mail postage rates. When rates change (usually each year) the chip is updated so your machine always applies the correct postage.

What is the difference between manual and automatic feeding?

Manual feeding means holding each item under the machine; semi-automatic feeding processes an item once placed in the feeder; automatic feeding pulls stacked envelopes through at the touch of a button, which suits higher mail volumes.