Colour Materials Usage Guide
Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Making the best decision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Answers to these question and more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Papers for today’s business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to Order Paper like a Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 How paper is categorised – in Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business papers/Office papers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commercial Printing and Publishing Papers . . . . . . . Uncoated Standard Printing (Smooth) . . . . . . . . . . . . Uncoated Standard Printing (Machine Finished (MF) Coated Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Board Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Colour Materials Usage Guide Introduction Today, office documents are no longer limited to black and white. There are literally thousands of choices: colours, images, paper and multiple technology options. Desktop publishing, colour laser printing, on-demand and digital full-colour printing offer many document creation choices but also present some challenging questions —especially when it comes to choosing paper.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE About this guide Symbols The following symbols have been used to help you quickly find information you need. The Key indicates that the information provided is important for you to know. CAUTION: These statements inform you of actions that may result in mechanical damage to the copier/printer. WARNING: These statements alert you to actions which may cause personal injury.
ABOUT PAPER About Paper Fundamentals of Paper This guide will help you to understand the variables that occur during the paper-making process that influence paper performance, and why paper may not always work the way you think it should. You’ll be able to use this knowledge where it really counts... when making paper choices for documents that are important to you. Let’s take a look at the papermaking machines.
ABOUT PAPER What Happens When Toner Meets Paper How toner interacts with a paper’s surface directly influences how ideas are translated into the tones and values that make up an image. This section takes a look at the how toner, paper properties and the optical characteristics of paper impart certain qualities in finished documents. Printed images are actually an optical illusion created from a pattern or screen of dots.
ABOUT PAPER Important Paper Properties for Colour Xerography Paper influences on document quality Variables in the paper-making process can influence the quality and performance of the finished paper. While some variables are controlled to create specific stocks, others may result in imperfections. • Formation – Formation is how fibers are distributed on a sheet. Poor fiber formation can cause mottle or uneven, spotty toner distribution in images with high solid area coverage.
ABOUT PAPER • Grain Direction – The grain of a paper is the direction in which most of the fibers lie. During the paper-making process, the majority of the paper fibers align parallel with one another. Depending on how the paper is cut to its finished size, it will be either grain-long (the grain is parallel to the longer dimension of the paper), or grain-short (the grain is parallel to the shorter dimension of the paper).
ABOUT PAPER • Stiffness – Stiffness refers to the rigidity, or bending resistance of paper. Thicker papers are usually stiffer. In general, paper that is less than 64 g/m2 is more likely to bunch up or wrinkle in the copier/printer, causing jams and misfeeds. Heavier weight papers, over 105 g/m2, may have runability problems as well as print quality defects (skips, blurs, deletions) due to their reduced ability to bend around the transfer drum.
ABOUT PAPER • Finish/Smoothness – Finish is the smoothness or roughness of a paper’s surface. Finish may be controlled by the surface (wire or felt) pattern used to carry the pulp mixture through the paper-making machine, by adding coatings, and through the calendering process which smooths and polishes the paper surface. Calendering is a series of polished stainless steel rollers which compress the surface fibers and add gloss to the sheet.
ABOUT PAPER • Image on bright white paper Impurities– Impurities in the paper-making process can leave tiny specks in some paper stocks which may result in undesirable marks or spots on the image of your copy or print. (This is especially true with many recycled papers since some impurities may not be removed in the recycling process.) Hint: The specks in recycled papers may interfere with some images and fine type in documents.
ABOUT PAPER Optical paper qualities that influence image quality The performance of toner is affected by the following paper characteristics: Shade - Opacity - Brightness - Reflectivity • Shade – Paper shades may change the appearance of colour images because toner is applied in dot patterns (or screens) which allow a certain amount of the paper colour to show through. Paper shade can also vary significantly among brands.
ABOUT PAPER • Light Light Image Image Reflectivity – When toner is applied to a smooth surface paper, such as gloss, the resulting image is sharper because the image is reflected back in a straightforward direction. Images resulting from toner applied to a rough surface are not as sharp because the image reflection is scattered in several directions. Hint: Select paper with a smooth, reflective surface for sharper images. Reliability • Curl – Excessive paper curl may cause jams.
ABOUT PAPER If the wrapper on a ream of paper is not marked with an arrow showing the wire side of the paper, the side of the paper facing the seam of the package is the wire side. Or, you can determine the curl side by holding a one-half inch stack of paper by one of the short edges. Let the paper hang with the long edge parallel to your body. Either the lower edge or the two side edges will curl slightly toward the center. Observe which way the edge or edges curl. This is the curl side.
ABOUT PAPER Moisture content Moisture content directly affects reliability and image quality. • Too much moisture can cause excessive paper curl, paper jams, and image quality problems. Moisture levels that are too low can cause static problems, which can also result in paper jams. • Moisture content must be uniform within the ream. The ream should not be allowed to lose or absorb moisture during storage. Moisture-proof ream wrappers are essential to maintaining the correct moisture level.
ABOUT PAPER Friction coefficient This term refers to the frictional differences between two adjacent sheets of paper and between paper and the copier/printer feed rolls or belts. Since most Xerox digital colour copier/printers are designed with friction feeders, the correct frictional properties of the paper are important in order that friction be uniform throughout each sheet. Also, relative friction that is too high or too low causes misfeeds, multifeeds, and jams.
ABOUT PAPER Paper Storage Paper is normally delivered in cartons. The number of reams in a carton depends on the size of the paper. If a large quantity of paper has been ordered, the cartons are stacked on wooden pallets. Mishandled cartons (e.g., dropped, thrown, or struck with a fork lift), may result in damaged paper, some of which may not be immediately obvious. The use of damaged paper increases the frequency of paper jams and other feeding problems.
ABOUT PAPER Stacking If the cartons or individual reams are to be stacked, they should be placed carefully on top of one another to avoid crushing the edges or causing any other damage. The cartons should be stacked no more than five cartons high. Pallets of paper may be stacked three high. Temperature and humidity The temperature of the room where paper is stored can have a significant effect on how that paper performs in the copier/printer.
ABOUT PAPER Conditioning paper If the paper is moved from a storage area to a location with a different temperature and humidity, the paper should be conditioned to the new location before it is used. All materials used in the copier/printer must be conditioned to the temperature/humidity of the room containing the copier/printer for optimum performance. Paper Put paper in the same room as the copier/printer the night before it is used in the copier/printer.
ABOUT PAPER Why Paper Doesn’t Always Work the Way it Should Coated paper and offset The high gloss papers used in magazines, brochures, and direct mail have long been the choice of graphic designers and offset press operators because the smooth, glossy finish has reflective qualities which provide an optimum surface for photographs, colour illustrations and text.
ABOUT PAPER Technology and Paper Choosing the right paper calls for a strong knowledge of paper characteristics and how they relate to different print technologies. Whether making colour copies, printing from a digital office or production printer, or a workgroup laser printer, you’ll need to consider the variables associated with different equipment and how they influence paper buying decisions.
ABOUT PAPER Xerox Papers and Xerox Digital Copier/Printers Xerox papers are carefully researched and developed to be the perfect link to Xerox digital technology. This seamless science means benefits for you: less equipment contamination and downtime, fewer paper jams, lower service costs and, above all, unprecedented colour image quality time and time again.
HOW TO ORDER PAPER LIKE A PRO How to Order Paper like a Pro 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. Refer to the chart, Types of Paper, for a description of many paper types, their features, surfaces, sizes, weights, and common names.
HOW TO ORDER PAPER LIKE A PRO Uncoated Standard Printing (Smooth) This smooth paper is typically chosen for annual reports, announcements, fliers, and simple brochures; it is not suitable for images with high colour saturation or fine line resolution. Uncoated Standard Printing (Machine Finished (MF) This standard offset paper comes in a variety of rough to smooth finishes. Used for books, newsletters, and direct mailers, this general purpose paper is often referred to as the workhorse paper.
HOW TO ORDER PAPER LIKE A PRO Index This is a rough, less expensive paper with poor formation. Stiffness and receptivity to writing inks characterize this paper. Index is used whenever an extremely durable, stiff, inexpensive paper is required. Index is primarily used for tabs, pocket folders, signs, flip charts, etc. Speciality materials This category includes transparencies, pressure sensitive labels, transfer paper, and more. Refer to the chart Types of Paper for more information on these materials.
HOW TO ORDER PAPER LIKE A PRO Types of Paper Grade Common Names Features Surfaces Standard Sizes Weight (g/m2) Caliper µm Name of Xerox paper General Laser, Office Xerographic, Printing A4 Photocopy, Writing, Offset Multipurpose Smooth A4, A3, SRA2 60, 70, 80, 60–126µm Colotech + 90 90, 100, 120 Letterhead A4 Text Deckle edged, textured, wide range of colours Wove, laid, water marked, textured, coloured, embossed A4, A3, SRA2 80, 90, 100, 110 100– 110µm Uncoated SRA2 Book, Offset, Eas
HOW TO ORDER PAPER LIKE A PRO Types of Paper Specialty Materials Features Weight Surfaces (g/m2) Caliper µm Name of Xerox material Transparency Specially coated for crisp colour projection, heat stabilized Special coating A4 layers on a plastic substrate 100µm Xerox Premium Colour: 3R91331 Type CR Printed Strip Pressure Sensitive Label Variety of configurations Uncoated A4 Various Xerox Colour copier label Transfer Paper Lasts longer, image stands up to more washings Specially A4/A3 coa
HOW TO ORDER PAPER LIKE A PRO Applications for Paper Back Lighting X Banners X Booklets X Brochures X X X X X X X X X X Business Cards X Calendars X Catalogs X Certificates X Classroom Handouts X Diplomas X Newsprint X X X X X X X X X X X Business Forms Synthetic Film Transfer Paper X Labels X X Specialty Materials Transparency X Art Reproductions Uncoated Smooth Uncoated MF Announcement Laser X Forms X Bond X Annual Reports Index Index X Coated a
HOW TO ORDER PAPER LIKE A PRO How Paper is Measured in Terms of Weights and Sizes Papers are packed in reams, cartons, and on pallets. The more paper you buy, the less you pay per unit. For example, buying a partial or “broken” carton costs more per unit than a full carton. Terms used to describe paper weight • Grammage - In countries using ISO paper sizes, g/m2 is the weight in grams of one square meter of paper as determined under standard test conditions.
HOW TO ORDER PAPER LIKE A PRO International Standards Organization (ISO) paper sizes A0 ISO sizes are widely used in countries utilizing the metric system. Paper sizes are named by having a letter designate the series of the paper and a number to designate the size. A series: Every size has its sheet length and width in the same ratio of 1:1.414. The basic size A0 is 841 x 1,189. Each subsequent size is obtained by either doubling or halving the longer dimension.
HOW TO ORDER PAPER LIKE A PRO C series: C Series Size Intended Contents Dimension; mm C4 229 x 324 A4 unfolded C5 162 x 229 A4 folder in half C6 114 x 162 A4 folded in quarters DL 110 x 220 A4 folded in thirds Japanese B series: Japanese B Series COLOUR MATERIALS USAGE GUIDE B0 1030 x 1456 mm B1 728 x 1030 mm B2 515 x 728 mm B3 364 x 515 mm B4 257 x 364 mm B5 182 x 257 mm B6 128 x 182 mm B7 91 x 128 mm B8 64 x 91 mm B9 45 x 64 mm B10 32 x 45 mm Visit our website at
HOW TO ORDER PAPER LIKE A PRO American National Standards Institute (ANSI) North American Papers: Following are some papers used in North America for general and office use. North America Names and Sizes Dimension inches Name Dimension mm Letter 8.5 x 11” 216 x 279 mm Legal 8.5 x 14” 216 x 356 mm Ledger 11 x 17” Other papers: These papers were commonly used before metrification and are still sometimes used in the North American market.
HOW TO ORDER PAPER LIKE A PRO How to Select the Right Texture/Finish Some grades of paper are available in a variety of finishes. Depending on which one you choose, a paper finish can be responsible for the feeling or mood projected from a printed piece. The right finish can add personality, richness, and appeal to your document. The selection is virtually endless as paper manufacturers continue to develop and market new finishes every day. The following are descriptions of common paper finishes.
HOW TO ORDER PAPER LIKE A PRO How to Specify Paper Paper can be specified or ordered in several ways: from a mill, paper distributor, paper retailer, supply catalog, print facility, or local office supply store. The decision on where to order should be based on quantity, paper stock and printing method. When ordering a few reams, a catalog or office supply store is the best choice. For ordering quantities by the carton, order from a paper merchant.
HOW TO ORDER PAPER LIKE A PRO How to Cut Your Costs Paper is one of the largest expenses of a print job. You can reduce your costs significantly by following a few simple guidelines. Ten ways to keep your costs down 1. Use standard sizes: Design your printed pieces to take maximum advantage of common sheet sizes. For example, think in multiples of A4. 2.
USAGE GUIDELINES FOR XEROX COLOUR COPIERS AND PRINTERS Usage Guidelines for Xerox Colour Copiers and Printers Xerox has an ongoing materials test program where new papers and other materials are continuously evaluated and approved for use in specific Xerox copiers and printers. Your Xerox representative can provide the address of the World Wide Web site where you can obtain the most current list of recommended materials for your Xerox copier or printer.
USAGE GUIDELINES FOR XEROX COLOUR COPIERS AND PRINTERS Heavy-Weight Papers Contact your Xerox representative or visit the Xerox website for the current list of recommended materials for your copier/printer. Description and expectations Heavy-weight papers can be classified as different weights of paper for different machines. Always refer to the user guide for your copier/ printer for the weight range of heavy-weight papers acceptable for that machine.
USAGE GUIDELINES FOR XEROX COLOUR COPIERS AND PRINTERS Coated Papers Contact your Xerox representative or visit the Xerox website for the current list of recommended materials for your copier/printer. Description and expectations Coated papers have binders, adhesives, and pigments applied to their surfaces on one or both sides. As compared to the benchmark Colotech + 90 g/m2 paper, coated papers provide improved image gloss but will generally cause an increase in jams.
USAGE GUIDELINES FOR XEROX COLOUR COPIERS AND PRINTERS Hints, tips and testing results Xerox testing has shown the following: • Coated papers are very susceptible to humidity. Image mottle (light patches in solid areas) or light images overall will occur if paper is not kept packaged in environments with more than 40% humidity. To avoid this, keep packages sealed, use sheets from the center of the ream, or store unused paper in a resealable bag.
USAGE GUIDELINES FOR XEROX COLOUR COPIERS AND PRINTERS • If attempting to run two sided copies, run the side with the lightest image, or the side with no colour (black-only) on side one, and the higher density, or the colour image on side two. Load the side one copies in the (Also Called Tray 5) so that the trail edge of side one is used as the lead edge for side two. While running side two, continuously monitor the copies as they exit the machine.
USAGE GUIDELINES FOR XEROX COLOUR COPIERS AND PRINTERS Recycled Papers Description and expectations Most recycled papers are made from a combination of new pulp, waste from the paper-making process, and paper that has been returned by consumers for recycling. Because the nature of paper returned for recycling is unpredictable, recycled papers are less uniform in content and quality than papers made from entirely virgin fiber.
USAGE GUIDELINES FOR XEROX COLOUR COPIERS AND PRINTERS Hole-Punched Papers Description and expectations Hole-punched papers have two or more holes along one edge for use in ring binders and notebooks. This paper is often referred to as predrilled paper. Most hole-punched papers that fit into the standard paper size and weight ranges for Xerox copier/printers should run reliably. The recommended hole-punched papers meet Xerox’s high quality standards and will provide reliable feeding and good image quality.
USAGE GUIDELINES FOR XEROX COLOUR COPIERS AND PRINTERS Pressure-Sensitive Labels Contact your Xerox representative or visit the Xerox website for the current list of recommended materials for your copier/printer. Description and expectations Pressure-sensitive label stock consists of three layers: the face sheet, the pressure sensitive adhesive, and the backing or release sheet. There are many types of face sheets and label weights available.
USAGE GUIDELINES FOR XEROX COLOUR COPIERS AND PRINTERS Preprinted Papers Description and expectations This category encompasses a wide variety of materials. Offset printed letterhead papers and xerographic prints within the recommended paper weight range will feed reliably in Xerox copier/ printers.
USAGE GUIDELINES FOR XEROX COLOUR COPIERS AND PRINTERS Single-Step Transfer Paper Contact your Xerox representative or visit the Xerox website for the current list of recommended materials for your copier/printer. Description and expectations Single step transfer papers enable you to transfer full colour images directly from copies or prints onto almost any fabric and other types of materials. A popular application is image transfer onto T-shirts.
USAGE GUIDELINES FOR XEROX COLOUR COPIERS AND PRINTERS Transparencies Contact your Xerox representative or visit the Xerox website for the current list of recommended materials for your copier/printer. Description and expectations Transparency stock is used primarily to create images that can be projected onto a wall or screen. Transparencies are made of polyester film that is specially coated to make toner readily adhere to it.
GLOSSARY Glossary A Book Papers: Category of paper suitable for books, magazines, catalogs, advertising and general printing needs. Book paper is divided into uncoated paper (also called offset paper), coated paper (also called art paper, enamel paper, gloss paper and slick paper) and text paper in a wide variety of basis weights, colors, and finishes. Acid free paper: Paper made from pulp containing little or no acid so it resists deterioration from age.
GLOSSARY Cast-coated paper: High gloss, coated paper made by pressing the paper against a polished, hot, metal drum while the coating is still wet. Embossed finish: Pattern on the surface of a paper by pressing it against an engraved metal roll. English finish: Coated paper: Usually a glossy paper with a smooth surface, but sometimes dull coated. Most commonly used for magazines, it is a smooth calendered finish.
GLOSSARY Gummed paper: Formation: Describes the distribution of fibers on a sheet. When held to a light, a paper with good formation will appear even and consistent, whereas with poor formation it will appear splotchy and uneven. Poor formation can cause mottle or uneven, spotty dry ink distribution in images with high solid area coverage. Paper with an adhesive coating on one side. H Heavy weight paperPapers classified as basis weight greater than 105 gsm (i.e.
GLOSSARY M P Micron: Page: The measure of paper thickness. One micron is 1 metre divided by 1000000. One side of a leaf in a publication. Pallet: Matt finish: A flat, dull, low gloss finish on photographic paper or coated printing paper. A wooden form on which a large quantity of paper or printed matter is shipped. Page-per-inch: Mottle: Also known as PPI, it is the number of pages in one inch. Spotty or uneven image areas of printing.
GLOSSARY Smooth finish: S A finish on paper that has been made smooth by passing through various rollers. Saddle stitch: The method of binding pamphlets or small books with staples. Stock: Another name for the paper on which printing will be done. Satin finish: A finish on paper that is smooth like satin. It is an alternate term for dull finish on coated paper. Stocking papers: Popular sizes, weights and colors of papers available for prompt delivery from a merchant’s warehouse.
GLOSSARY V Vellum finish: Somewhat absorbent, rough, toothy finish. Virgin paper: Paper made exclusively of pulp from trees or cotton, as compared to recycled paper. W Watermark: Translucent logo in paper created during manufacture by slight embossing from a dandy roll while paper is still approximately 90 percent water. Web press: Press that prints from rolls of paper, usually cutting it into sheets after printing. Also called reel-fed press.
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