In-Depth Notes on Applications of Papers and Boards

Key Objectives

• Naming & Describing Performance Characteristics:

  • Understand different types of papers and boards.
  • Evaluate their properties and applications.

• Impact Resistance:

  • Learn how specific papers and boards can be designed to withstand impacts.

Differences Between Paper and Board

• Weight Classification:
  • Paper weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM).
  • Materials over 220 GSM are considered boards.
• Thickness Measurement:
  • Boards are typically measured in microns (μm).
  • 1000 μm = 1 mm thickness.

Performance Characteristics by Weight

• Weight Ranges:
  • Tissue Paper: 10 – 35 GSM
  • Layout Paper: 40 – 60 GSM
  • Tracing Paper: 40 – 120 GSM
  • Bleed Proof Paper: 70 GSM
  • Photocopy Paper: 70 – 150 GSM
  • Cartridge Paper: 120 – 150 GSM
  • Foil-Lined Board: 200 – 400 GSM
  • Mountboard: 500 – 2500 GSM

Paper Sizes (ISO 216)

• Types of Series:
  • A Series: Standard trimmed sizes.
  • B Series: Alternative sizes, often for industry.
  • C Series: Sizes for envelopes.
• Untrimmed Sizes:
  • RA series (105% of A series)
  • SAR series (115% of A series)

Types of Card and Board

• Card vs Board:
  • Card (over 220 GSM) vs Board (often in microns).
  • Available in various thicknesses and strengths.
• Corrugated Card:
  • Consists of flat outer layers (liners) and a corrugated medium.
  • Stronger in one direction due to fluting.

Types of Cardboard

• Single Wall: 3000 - 5000 μm
• Double Wall: 6000 - 10000 μm
• Triple Wall: 12000 - 15000 μm
• Applications:
  • Single Wall: Packaging boxes.
  • Double Wall: Point of sales displays.
  • Triple Wall: Furniture.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Packaging

• Advantages include:
  • Easy handling, printability, availability, cost-effectiveness, recyclability.
• Disadvantages include:
  • Susceptibility to moisture, limited heavyweight capacity.

Types of Paper to Know

• Common Papers:
  • Tracing Paper: Semi-transparent, used for tracing and overlaying images.
  • Layout Paper: Slightly transparent for sketching.
  • Bleed Proof Paper: Prevents ink/marker bleed; high opacity.
  • Cartridge Paper: Used for sketching; heavier and more textured.
  • Watercolour Paper: Highly absorbent, withstands water used for painting.
  • Photo Paper: Three types (inkjet, laser, photographic) with different properties for printing.

Types of Board to Know

• Key Boards:
  • Bleached Card: White, high brightness, used for high-end packaging.
  • Duplex Board: Twin-layered for packaging, food-safe.
  • Mount Board: Strong, used for photo framing and model making.
  • Foil Backed and Laminated Card: Provides moisture protection.
  • Metal Effect Card: Decorative, can be used in various applications.

Tetra-Pak® Overview

• Composition:
  • 74% Paperboard, 22% Polyethylene, 4% Aluminium Foil.
• Benefits:
  • Ideal for liquids, provides insulation, maintains sterility.
• Recycling Needs:
  • Requires specialist recycling processes.

Moulded Paper Pulp

• Pulped Paper Products:
  • Egg boxes, protective packaging.
  • 100% recyclable, limited printability.
• Innovative Uses:
  • Paper pulp cycle helmet designed for bike sharing.

Plenary Questions To Consider

• Define the differences between paper, card, and board.
• Identify ideal materials for packaging.
• Analyze qualities needed for packaging a mobile phone.
• Determine the most absorbent papers and boards.