papers and boards

• paper- from natural fibres (cellulose), usually sourced from wood

  • sources of fibre: bamboo, flax, hemp, kenaf, straw, sugarcane
  • wood fibres mostly sourced from softwoods rather than hardwoods
  • rag paper is made using cotton, gives superior strength
• pulp- first stage of production of paper and boards

  • the natural cellulose fibres are mixed with water
  • mixture is cooked which produces fibrous liquid- pulp
  • pulp is fed on mesh conveyor and drains water away
  • goes to roller to form and dry pulp on a sheet and cut to size
• treatments and finishes- final finish of paper or board depends upon...

  • type of fibre used to make pulp
  • chemicals adding during manufacturing process
  • addition of layers, different coatings or laminates
  • bleaching level to decrease natural colour and make it whiter
  • sizing, reduces absorbency
• paper weight- classified by weight and size

  • weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM)
  • paper sizes set globally- A, B, C series
• copier paper- thin, smooth, uncoated paper used in printers and photocopiers

  • 80 gsm, everyday, lost cost, take colours well
  • suitable for drawing/writing
  • available in bright white and colours
• cartridge paper- thick, opaque, quality paper with slight texture

  • used for pencil and ink drawings and paintings
  • available in range of weights from 120-200gsm
  • heavier gsm is more suitable for watercolour and acrylic painting
• translucency- tracing paper is strong, smooth and translucent

  • commonly 60-90gsm but from 40-280gsm for specialist use
  • finish achieved by beating paper pulp to remove air or passing though acid
  • increase translucency and stability
  • less absorbent and resists water and grease
• paper board- paper based materials that weight more than 220gsm

  • board is measured by weight/gsm/thickness
  • board thickness is measured in microns
  • 1000 microns = 1mm
• boards- cards and boards are available in thickness and strength

  • can be made from recycled paper
  • boards can be laminated to other materials or layered to enhance properties
  • are versatile
• corrugated cardboard- made up of one or two outer flat layers and a corrugated layer

  • shock absorbent, lightweight, low-cost, thermal insulator
  • flexible/rigid depending on direction of force
  • printable
• folding box board- (FBB) ubiquitous card primarily used in packaging

  • compromised in printable top coat wit thin un/bleached layers
  • 400-600 microns think, folds and scores effectively
  • gains structural strength from shape
  • used in packaging food, cosmetics, toys
  • take a range of print finishes
• solid white board- high quality board with bright white finish

  • ranges from 200-500gsm / 650-2000 microns
  • strong smooth surface is suitable for hard book covers and high- end product packaging
  • accepts printing and surface finishes
• degradable- a material degrading chemically
• biodegradable- materials breakig down naturally by bacteria and microorganisms, compostable
• lined and coated boards- some boards are coated or laminated with other materials and enhance their properties