Specialist [ARCHIVED]

• Paper is classified by weight and measured in gsm (Grams per metre squared)
• The higher the GSM, the thicker the paper
• A4 paper has a standard size of 210 x 297mm
• Bleached paper is made from wood pulp that has been treated with chemicals to remove colour.
• Buying in standard weights means that the amount needed can be easily calculated accurately
• Paper is sold in reams (500 sheets)
• During the manufactoring process of paper, layers of wood fibres are placed ontop of one another then stuck together, forming a bond
• Bond strength is the force required to break the paper and measured in N/m or J/m^2
• The internal bond strength (IBS) is the strength of bonding fibres layers and the resistance to ripping or tearing
• Laminates are a special type of coated paper used to protect products and packaging
• Laminates are supplied in large rolls, 2m to 3m wide, and weighs over 1 tonne
• A series is the most common type of size series and ranges from A0 (largest) to A10 with A4 being the most common
• Each paper size in the A series is half the area than the next largest size. E.g, A4 is 297mm x 210mm and is half the area of A3 which is 297mm x 420mm
• B series is less common than A series. It is used for both paper and printing press sizes as well as for books, posters, envelopes and passports
• Smart materials change or react to a change in the environment. This causes the material's properties e.g, colour, shape or resistance to change.
• Shape - memory alloys have a memory that allows them to return their original shape if heated or cooled. This is used for glass frames as well as for medical fastening but is expensive to produce.
• Resistance - piezoelectric ceramics generate an electric charge when pressure is applied. These are used in watches and alarm clocks.
• Nanomaterials use nanoparticles inorder to enhance their properties. This can help make the products more durable, strong or be aerodynamic while also keeping the product lightweight. This is used in biker helmets and more durable fabric.
• Thermochromic polymers use thermochromic pigments which causes the product to change colour in light/heat. This is used for Baby-thermometers and sunglasses lense.
• Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity. The efficiency depends on how much energy they capture. Solar panels are made up of solar cells.
• Conductive inks contain conductive particles which allows the creation of circuits via hand-drawing or digitally printing.
• Composite materials are created when two or more materials are combined to create a new enhanced material with both properties of the two materials
• Concrete is made up of gravel, rock, sand, cement and water and has a high compressive strength but is weak under tension. It is used in construction, kerbs and drainage
• Plywood is made up of several layers of wood glued at 90 degree angles on top of each other for consistant strength. This is used in roofing, flooring and furniture
• $TeddieGyatt$#TeddieGyatt

  #TeddieGyatt
• One-off production is when a single product or unit is made. The positives are that it has high quality due to one product being made so can be sold for high profit. The negatives are that it has high production costs, high labour costs and skilled labour is needed
• Batch production is made in 100s and more than one unit is produced at a time in a batch. Production lines are flexible and generally enable shorter lead times. The positives are that it created identical products and is cheap to produce. The negatives are that it requires a trained labour force and requires a design/pattern
• Mass production is when products are made in 100,000s. Mass production products are made in large volumes with hgih levels of automation and this is used for products on high demand. The positives are that millions are made with low production costs and only semi-skilled labour is needed. The negatives are that it is expensive to set-up and jobs are taken by machines due to it mostly being automated.
• Continuous production is a production line run non-stop, 24/7 and manufactures products to meet a constant demand. The positives are that is creates identical products at a high volume and is cheap to produce with cheap labour costs. The negatives are that it is expensive to set-up and to fix an automated production line and is only suited for simple products.
• Surface treatments and finishes

  Added to a product to help enhance it
• Printing finishes are expensive as it requires a separate machine/additional labour to add the effect
• Two main reasons for using a surface treatment

  • Aesthetics - making the product look better/enhancing it
  • Function - improve the product original substrate (material)
• Five main print finishes

  • Varnishing/spot varnishing
  • Hot Foil Blocking
  • Edge Staining
  • Embossing
  • Laminating
• Varnishing


  Adds a protective barrier and can offer different finishes and textures
• Varnishing


  A fine layer varnish is sprayed on to the surface of paper/card, when dry this gives a gloss finish and helps protect the printing underneath
• Varnishing


  • magazines
• Varnishing


  • Conveys a sense of quality
  • A full covering of varnish can improve its durability
• Varnishing


  • Expensive
  • Commercial set-up required
• Spot Varnishing


  Enables manufacturers to pick out specific features such as text or pattern to add a texture too. It give a high quality finish
• Spot Varnishing


  • wrapping paper, business cards