UNIT 6:
PAPER CHARACTERISTICS
Task 1:
1. What kind of unit is used to classify papers in terms of thickness?
Paper thickness is typically measured using two different units:
- GSM (Grams per Square Metre): This unit measures paper weight. It represents how
much a 1m² piece of paper would weigh in grams. Higher GSM values indicate more
wood pulp is used to produce the paper. However, GSM doesn’t directly correlate with
paper thickness.
- Microns (Mic): Microns measure paper thickness. One micron equals 1000th of a
millimeter. For instance, 250 microns = 0.25mm, and 1000 microns = 1mm. Note that
GSM and Microns are not always directly proportionate to each other
2. Name the materials that can be used to make paper.
Paper is primarily made from wood pulp, which comes from trees. Other materials include:
- Cotton: Used for high-quality papers like fine art paper.
- Recycled Fibers: Derived from post-consumer waste paper.
- Hemp: An eco-friendly alternative.
- Bamboo: Known for sustainability.
- Rag Paper: Made from cloth fibers.
- Synthetic Fibers: Used in specialty papers.
3. What are the meanings of paper and papers?
"Paper" can have two main meanings:
- Material: As a material, it refers to a thin sheet typically made from wood pulp or other
fibrous materials. This is the stuff you write or draw on, wrap presents with, or use for
tissues.
- Single sheet with writing/printing: It can also refer to a single sheet of this material,
especially if there's something written or printed on it. For instance, a sheet of notebook
paper or a printed document can both be called "paper."
"Papers," on the other hand, is usually the plural form of "paper" and refers to:
- Multiple sheets: Several sheets of paper together, especially if they have writing or
printing. For example, "The desk was covered in papers."
- Documents: It often refers to documents in general, such as official records, essays, or
identification cards. These papers could be handwritten, typed, or printed.
4. The advantages of coated paper?
Coated paper has a smooth, glossy surface due to a layer of coating (usually clay or other
compounds). Its advantages include:
- Enhanced Print Quality: Coated paper displays sharper images and vibrant colors.
- Reduced Ink Absorption: The coating prevents ink from soaking into the paper, resulting
in crisper text and images.
- Suitable for High-Resolution Printing: Ideal for brochures, catalogs, and promotional
materials.
- Better Reproduction of Fine Details: Coated surfaces allow intricate designs to shine.
5. What is recycled paper?
Recycled paper is made from post-consumer waste or recovered paper fibers. It reduces the need
for fresh wood pulp and minimizes environmental impact. Recycled paper can be used for
various purposes, including printing, packaging, and stationery.
Task 2:
1. What’s the difference between paper and paperboard?
Paper Paperboard
Paper is a thin, flat material made primarily
Paperboard is a thicker paper-based material
from cellulose fibers with certain superior attributes.
Typically, paper has a grammage (weight perPaperboard generally exceeds 200 g/m²
unit area) below 200 g/m² according to ISO standards or 220 g/m²
according to the Confederation of European
Paper Industries (CEPI).
Used for everyday writing, newspapers, and Often used for packaging, cartons, and
lightweight packaging. heavier applications.
2. How many types of paper are there?
There are various types of paper, each with distinct characteristics and uses
3. What is pick resistance?
Pick resistance refers to a material’s ability to withstand damage caused by picking, scratching,
or scraping. In the context of printing and packaging, it’s particularly relevant for substrates like
paper and paperboard. When a material has good pick resistance, it can endure handling, friction,
and minor abrasions without significant harm
4. How can we get cellulose fiber?
Cellulose can be obtained from various plant parts, such as bark, wood, leaves, and seeds.
5. Besides cellulose fiber, what are other elements of normal papers?
In addition to cellulose fiber, normal papers contain various other elements. Include:
hemicellulose, lignin, fillers and loading materials, additives
Task 3:
Simple sentences
- There are many varieties, grades, and finishes of paper and paperboard.
- Sufficient surface strength will prevent picking without excessive reduction of ink tack.
- Paper can be tested for curling tendency and rejected if it is excessive.
Compound sentences
- After being printed, some thin papers curl toward the printed side
- In addition to these basic requirements, there are certain qualities required for special
work.
- Furthermore, runnability (runability) is impaired if the press operator must frequently
stop to clean plates and blankets.
Complex sentences
- Greater RH differences result in wavy or tight edges that cause distortion, misregister,
wrinkles, and feeding problems.
- Because the papermaker must make all paper to one specification and because the printer
cannot effectively control this RH, the pressroom RH must be controlled.
- Paper must contain no chemical that blinds or sensitizes
- printing plates or causes scumming, tinting, or ink emulsification.
Mixed sentences
- They have other properties in common, such as grain direction and hygroscopic (i.e.,
interaction with moisture) properties, but they vary tremendously depending on the
cellulose fiber used, the fiber preparation, and the surface and finish given the paper in
manufacture.
Task 4:
1–e
2–d
3–c
4–f
5–b
6–a
Task 5:
- Greater RH differences result in wavy or tight edges that cause distortion, misregister,
wrinkles, and feeding problems.
- When skids or feeder piles are exposed to the pressroom atmosphere, the paper must have
a relative humidity (RH) close to that in the pressroom (i.e., between 8% RH drier and
8% RH moister), especially when the job calls for two or more printings
- Paper must contain no chemical that blinds or sensitizes printing plates or causes
scumming, tinting, or ink emulsification.
- Subsequently, the press operator may have managed to run these sheets only to find that
they cannot be handled in the bindery.
- This curling is caused by the slight moistening that papers get through contact with the
offset blanket
- Dimensional changes, which are much greater across than with the grain, can then be
compensated for by changes in plate and blanket packing to maintain fit
Task 6:
1. Scumming
2. Scumming
3. Picking
4. Sizing
5. Offseting
6. Misregistration
7. Swelling
8. Curl
9. Tweaking
Task 7:
1. Loose fibers and dust particles quickly destroy print quality. Furthermore, runnability
(runability) is impaired if the press operator must frequently stop to clean plates and
blankets.
2. Because the papermaker must make all paper to one specification and because the printer
cannot effectively control this RH, the pressroom RH must be controlled
3. For satisfactory performance on the press, sheet papers must meet
4. Dimensional changes, which are much greater across than with the grain, can then be
compensated for by changes in plate and blanket packing to maintain fit
5. The sheets must be flat enough to feed properly and to pass through the impression nip
under pressure (squeeze) without wrinkling or distorting.
