papers and boards

what is the thickness or weight of paper and card measured in ?

grams per square metre (gsm)

what weight is classified as a board ?

more than 170 gsm

what is the thickness of board measured in ?

microns

what is a micron in mm ?

1/1,000 mm

description and properties of paper

available in a variety of colours, sizes and finishes

uses of paper

newspapers, magazines, receipts, toilet paper

description and properties of card

-slightly thicker than paper (180-300 gsm)
-available in a range of colours, sizes and finishes
-easy to fold, cut and print on

uses of card

greetings cards, paperback book covers, modelling

description and properties of cardboard

-has a thickness greater than 300 microns
-available i. different sizes and surface finishes
-inexpensive
-can be cut, folded and printed on easily

uses of cardboard

packaging (e.g. cereal boxes, tissue boxes, sandwich packets), modelling, templates

description and properties of corrugated cardboard

-strong but lightweight
-made from 2 layers of card with a fluted sheet in between
-thickness from 3mm (3,000 microns) upwards
-the fluted construction makes it very stiff and difficult to bend or fold

uses of corrugated cardboard

packaging of fragile and delicate items;takeaway food packaging

description and properties of board sheets

-rigid card
-thickness of 1.4 mm (1,400 microns)
-has a smooth surface
-available in different colours but white and black are most popular

uses of board sheets

picture framing mounds; architectural modelling

description and properties of foam board

-a lightweight board consisting of polystyrene foam sandwiched between two pieces of thin card or paper
-has a smooth surface
-available in a range of colours
-different sheet sizes and thicknesses available bit 5mm (5,000 microns) is the most common
-very lightweight but rigid material
-easy to cut and fold

foam board uses

modelling; point-of-sale displays

description and properties of styrofoam (expanded polystyrene foam)

-available in a range of sizes and thickness
-blue in colour
-easy to cut, shape and sand to a smooth finish
-strong
-lightweight
-water resistant
-good heat-insulation properties

uses of styrofoam (expanded polystyrene foam)

wall insulation in caravans, boats and lorries; modelling; moulds for vacuum- formed or glass fibre products

description and properties of corriflute

-an extruded corrugated plastic sheet similar in structure and thickness to corrugated cardboard
-made firm high-impact polypropylene resin
-available in a wide range of colours and sizes
-rigid
-lightweight
-waterproof
-easy to cut but can be difficult ti fold, especially across the flutes

Uses of corriflute

estate agents' signe and signs outside shops; plastic containers; packaging; point-of-sale displays; modelling

what are the 7 common types of paper ?

-layout paper
-cartridge paper
-copier paper
-tracing paper
-tissue paper
-bleedproof paper
-sugar paper