The quality of paper is determined by three parameters: density, grade and type. One of the most important characteristics is the density of paper, which is measured in grams per square meter. From this characteristic depends the longevity of printed products and its quality: the denser the paper, the longer it can remain. In this case, the paper of the same density can differ in both the stiffness and the thickness of the sheet. These parameters vary depending on the technology used in its production, and will be different for different manufacturers.
For different types of printing products, the density of paper is chosen based on their purpose. For example, for offset leaflets, offset paper with a density of 65-170 g / m 2 is most often used. For promotional products and covers, paper from 80 to 800 g / m 2 can be used. Paper with a low density (up to 45 g / m 2 ) is usually used for the release of newspapers - they do not need to be stored for a long time. The density of business card paper is usually quite high. The business card should be attractive and of high quality, so use paper with a density of 225 - 300 g / m 2 . To make the products of special strength and to create a better effect, lamination (one-sided or two-sided) is used.
For office use, paper with a density of 80 g / m 2 is best suited. Modern technology can work with almost any paper, but too dense can crumple and get stuck, and thin pieces of the device can grab several pieces at once. In the description for office equipment, the maximum and minimum values of the parameter are usually indicated, under which quality work is guaranteed. Most often, the density of paper for the printer, at which the device operates without interruptions, is 70-80 g / m 2 , although for paper, the paper having a density of 60-65 g / m 2 can be used. For productive work and maintaining the efficiency of printers, it is very important to choose the right kind of paper and you need to focus here not on the brand or price, but on the effectiveness of the work.
Types of paper
Paper can be coated, offset, design and self-adhesive. Coated paper is coated with a special composition and is matte or glossy. On glossy magazines, posters, postcards, advertising products are usually printed. The density of this type of paper can be from 70 to 300 g / m 2 .
Offset paper finds use when printing on printers, is used for forms and books. The density of such paper varies from 55 to 160 g / m 2 . Design paper and cardboard are characterized by unusual texture, coatings or visual effects. They are used to make representative types of products: business cards, envelopes, invitations and postcards. The density of paper of this type can be very different: from 70 g / m 2 to 300 g / m 2 .
Self-adhesive paper consists of several layers. The top layer is usually made of coated paper. On it, on the one hand, a special adhesive is applied, which is covered with a protective film. Self-adhesive paper can be matte, glossy, semi-glossy, and its density is usually 80 g / m 2 . Apply it to make labels, ads, stickers, etc.