Abstract: In a folder, a folding cylinder having folding components accommodated on the periphery thereof and being phase-dependently operatable, and cylinder segments for carrying the folding components, the cylinder segments being adjustable in relation to one another and being mounted coaxially in side walls, includes separate drives, respectively, for driving each of the folding components, a rotary leadthrough via which energy is supplied to the separate drives, and a speed controller for speed-dependently controlling the separate drives; a method of operating the folding cylinder; a folder including the folding cylinder; and a rotary printing machine in combination with the folder including the folding cylinder.