Paper Types, Weights and Handling
Paper for office use can be as light as newsprint or as heavy as cardboard, although the weight for standard office use range between 75-90 gsm, whilst card and cover papers can be anywhere in the range of 200-300gsm.
The range of paper types is vast and complex, and some careful thought is required to achieve the best results. Here we outline some important issues.
Paper Types: Some Features
Paper can be defined by its weight (generally gsm but in lbs in the USA) and thickness affecting handling characteristics (especially important for photo papers). The brightness index refers to the amount of light reflected from the paper's surface - more light reflected means crisper text and better photo backgrounds. Hewlett-Packard, for example, refer to "Bright White" for its inkjet series and "Premium Choice" for laser printing.
For duplex, or 2-sided printing, the opacity is important - especially for example when creating brochures or newsletters, where it is undesirable to have printing on pages showing through from the other side. The finish is also important in this context, with an increasing range of matte, semi-gloss and gloss finishes, and several grades in between.
In the context of photo production paper smoothness is important. Smoothness governs how text and pictures appear on the page, and this is different for Laser papers, where greater smoothness ensures good fusion of toner to the page, whilst for Inkjet printers, a different level of absorption capability is needed for the application of ink drops.
Paper Handling - for Printers
This paper and materials website from Micro Format Inc. is one of many which carries detailed information on paper weights and sizes . It also quotes useful advice on paper management and storage
- Prior to use, paper should be allowed to acclimatise at least 48 hours in the environment in which it will be used.
- Before loading paper, fan the sheets on all four sides. This creates a small layer of air between the sheets which should help printer feeding mechanisms.
- Do not stack heavier materials. Feed into printer one sheet at a time.
- Load materials according to the instructions in the printer owner's manual. Recommended feeding is generally to use the manual feed tray, or the straightest path through the printer.
- Upon completion, the unused material should be stored in a closed package, re-sealed and stored flat
In general it is not a necessity to stick with manufacturers branded paper. In practice, of course it is easier, but costs can be saved by applying the above handling rules, as well as checking compatibility and paper characteristics issues to avoid jamming and multi-feeding, as well as disappointing end-results.
Paper Handling - Photocopiers and All-in-One Devices
With each new generation of photocopier and multifunctional device, manufacturers such as Konica Minolta and Canon have developed high levels of automated handling capability.
Here are some typical uses for differing sizes of paper of varying weight, for which office workgroups or Print for Pay businesses require of their systems.
| A0,A1 | Posters: Technical drawings: |
| A2,A3 | Drawings: Diagrams: Large tables |
| A4 | Letters: Magazines: Forms: Catalogues: Printer and copy machine output |
| A5 | Notepads |
| A6 | Postcards |
| B5,A5,B6,A6 | Book formats |
| C4,C5,C6 | Envelopes for A4 letters: unfolded (C4): folded once (C5), folded twice (C6) |
| B4,A3 | Newspapers, usually supported on copying machines in addition to A4 |
| B8,A8 | Playing cards |
| Wide Format - 44" Paper | Posters and Exhibition graphics |
| Wide Format - 60" Paper | Posters and Exhibition graphics |
The initial pre-requisite for many of these tasks is to establish the right paper weight and type. Most photocopier systems these days will handle a maximum somewhere between 200 – 300gsm paper - and it not a case of the more you spend on a machine the heavier paper it will handle. This varies from model to model and is something which manufacturers look to increase with each new machine/range of machines as their paper feed technology becomes more sophisticated.
Configureable Photocopier Solutions for Paper Handling
A wide range of configurable photocopier solutions are now available which enable, for example, use of multi trays for different paper types/colours and a bypass tray for high density paper and card. Many systems are available with optional "bolt-on" modules to handle folding, stitching and stapling for each defined task. The lastest bizhub C550 All-in-One from Konica Minolta is a quality example of exactly such a versatile machine - with paper-handling for up to 256gsm in its main feeder trays, 300gsm in its bypass tray - plus a set of optional complex functions made simple through design.
These continuously-upgraded developments enable sophisticated production for short and long runs which only a few years ago would always be outsourced due to their complexity. Typical of these are the Konica Minolta and Canon "bundles" - preconfigured to address precise customer requirements.
Compare Photocopier Prices Using Paper Handling Choices
Principal's photocopier comparison system enables you to pinpoint your ideal photocopier based on your needs. Get your ideal photocopier system using your choice of paper-handling functions.
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