Paper grades
When you order paper, it’s important to know the differences between papers so that you’ll know what to ask for. Professionals divide papers into large categories or grades according to their end use, method of printing, and pulp content. The following tables summarise the major grades available, as well as providing a digital comparison.
BOND
Type | Forms or register bond | |
Definition | • Business forms and computer paper. Designed for a forms press or | |
| continuous feed pin hole fed printing system. | |
| • Typically used by forms converters. | |
Weights | 60 – 90 gsm |
|
Standard sizes | Usually web rolls |
|
Finish | Smooth, often with high bulk | |
Application | ||
Xerox equivalent | Blue Wrap 80 gsm | 635 x 880 mm S/G |
|
| 650 x 910 mm L/G |
|
| A4, A3 |
| Blue Wrap 90 gsm | 650 x 910 mm L/G |
Comment | Surface best suited to simple forms work. Not suitable for halftone | |
| reproduction. |
|
Type | Xerographic, | |
Definition | • Engineered for use in xerographic equipment. | |
| • Marketed for xerography, laser, inkjet, plain paper fax and press. | |
| • Smoother, brighter, sometimes heavier weights for laser printing. | |
| • Surface treated for xerography or inkjet printing. | |
| • Well balanced moisture content. | |
Weights | 70 – 90 gsm |
|
Standard sizes | Folio sheets | 430 x 610, 450 x 650, 635 x 880, 650 x 910 mm |
| Cut sizes | A4, A3 |
Finish | Smooth writing type surface. Sometimes treated for inkjet printing. | |
| Tinted. |
|
Application | General office communications, letterheads, forms, statements, | |
| newsletters, reports, manuals, flyers, directories and leaflets. | |
DocuColor 2000 series design guide
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