Paper and Boards

Papers

 

Layout paper	Thin translucent paper used for sketching and technical drawing
Cartridge paper	Off white, slightly textured paper used for sketching, rendering and can be used for printing
Tracing paper	Translucent paper slightly thicker than layout. Used for copying images
Bleed - proof paper	Similar to cartridge but has bleed proof layer so colours do not run when rendering with markers
Treated paper	Plan paper with clear or dye layer to hold/ brighten image. Different sheens available. Used for photographs
Watercolour paper	Available in absorbent, smooth, hot or cold  pressed, heavily textured. Used for watercolour painting

Boards

 

Corrugated card	Fluted middle layer. Gives protection. Used for outer packaging, food packaging eg take away boxes and modelling
Bleached card	Chemically treated to brightened surface for high quality printing such as greetings cards
Mount board	Compressed cotton fibres. Used for modelling, and picture mounting
Duplex card	2 layers one coated to give glossy feel used in food packaging, disposable cups and plates
Foil backed and laminated card	Film or foil applied on one or both sides. Makes it water resistant or heat insulating. Layer must be removed before recycling- milk cartons/ takeaway lids
Metal effect card	Thin metal effect layer for enhanced aesthetics for items such as gift boxes and packaging
Moulded paper pulp	Recycled paper moulded into a shape for items such as eco friendly packaging

Applications

• Packaging: Corrugated cardboard, food packaging, and cosmetic cartons.

• Printing and Writing: Cartridge paper, bleed-proof paper, tracing paper, and watercolor paper.

• Model Making: Foam-core board.

• Hardback Books: Solid white board.

• Greeting Cards and High-Quality Packaging: Bleached card. 

Stock Forms and Sizes

Die Cutting

• Cut out nets for folding and assembly or shapes

• Steel dies are shaped and pushed into a board to cut out the stock material 

• Where parts need to be folded creasing rules score the paper as they are blunt 

• Ejection rubber can be added to stop stock material stocking to the press 

Laser Cutting

• Prototype/ small scale production  construction 

• Can cut, engrave, perforate and carve 

• Intricate cuts 

• Common due to high speed, accuracy and high level of detail 

• Can often leave burnt/ brown edge where laser has been

Creasing

Laminating

Via Encapsulation 

• Desk top laminator 

• Paper is encapsulated by polymer sheet (PET AND EVA) 

• Paper fed through laminator and heat sealed 

Via surface coating 

• Liquid – rolled or spray. Used on signs to prevent colour fading and moisture and dirt 

• Film- Hot or cold, made of pp with adhesive and red from a roller onto paper where pressure is applied. Used on menus 

Embossing

• Creates a raised design 

• Decorative technique for greeting cards and packaging

• Uses 2 dies (male and female) made from stainless steel or brass

• A sheet is placed between the 2 dies and held under pressure 

• Can have ink or foil applied

Debossing

• Opposite of embossing 

• Created imprinted depression 

• Create same way as embossing

Foil Blocking

• Applying heat and pressure to a metallic foil 

• Creates areas of depth and texture 

• Foils – metallic, gloss, matt, clear

• Used on business cards, logos and letterheads

• A heated die is stamped onto the material through the foil 

• Needs accuracy and consistency 

• If the die is too hot or held on for too long it will bubble or peel or if not hot enough it may not stick to the paper 

Off-Set Lithography

• Substrate is sheet or web rolled fed into the machine 

• Printing plates are produced on a computer and laser etched onto the plate. Rollers are attached to the machine and dampened 

• Ink is applied to the plate. The roller rotates onto a blanket roller which becomes coated and the substrate is fed through