Variable-length cut-off folder and method

A device for cutting a web of material comprising:

• a plurality of linearly movable first cutting elements for moving along a first path;
• a plurality of linearly movable first gripping elements for moving along the first path;
• a plurality of linearly movable second cutting elements for moving along a second path and interacting with the first gripping elements;
• and
• a plurality of second gripper elements for moving along the second path and interacting with the first cutting elements;
• the web passing between the first path and the second path in a signature formation area.

A method for cutting a web comprising the steps of:

• linearly moving a plurality of cutting elements within a signature formation area, the web also moving within the signature formation area, the cutting elements and the web moving in the same direction;
• cutting the web with the plurality of cutting elements so as to form signatures;
• gripping the signatures;
• and
• varying a length of the signatures by controlling a spacing between the cutting elements within the signature formation area.