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1. Determine the Appropriate Size Based on Use and Equipment Compatibility
The A-series is standard in most office environments.
- A4 (210 × 297 mm): Ideal for internal documents, reports, contracts, resumes, and archiving. Compatible with most printers and copiers.
- A3 (297 × 420 mm): Suitable for drawings, charts, posters, and multi-page layouts. Confirm printer compatibility before purchase.
- A5 (148 × 210 mm): Used for sticky notes, invoices, and brochure inserts. Lower usage volume; purchase as needed.
- B5 (176 × 250 mm): Limited use; primarily for specific notebooks, financial vouchers, or Japanese/Korean standard documents. Not recommended unless required.
Note: Always select standardized dimensions. Substandard sizes labeled as "near-A4" may cause misfeeds and jams.
2. Choose the Appropriate Basis Weight to Balance Thickness, Durability, and Cost
Basis weight (g/m²) determines thickness, stiffness, and durability.
- 70 g/m² (~0.085 mm): Moderate stiffness, cost-effective. Suitable for internal drafts and high-volume printing. Avoid for external or archival use.
- 80 g/m² (~0.095 mm): Greater thickness and rigidity. Prevents show-through on double-sided printing. Recommended for contracts, proposals, resumes, and long-term archiving. Slightly more expensive.
Caution: Some low-cost papers may understate their actual weight (e.g., labeled 70 g but closer to 65 g), leading to transparency and feeding issues. Opt for reputable brands to ensure compliance.
3. Prioritize Virgin Wood Pulp for Office Use
Material affects smoothness, ink adhesion, and environmental impact.
- Virgin Wood Pulp Paper: Made from natural wood fibers. Offers a smooth surface, even toner adhesion, sharp text, minimal linting, and reduced wear on printer components. Complies with environmental standards and has no strong odor. Recommended for over 90% of office printing needs.
- Recycled Paper: Cost-effective and environmentally friendly but has drawbacks-rough texture, potential for ink smudging, lint accumulation, and possible discoloration or odor. Best reserved for internal drafts and temporary documents. Not ideal as primary office stock.
Identification Tip: Virgin pulp paper appears soft off-white (not stark white, which may indicate fluorescent brighteners) and feels smooth. Recycled paper tends to be yellowish and rough, with loose fibers.
4. Ensure High Surface Smoothness for Print Clarity
Smoothness affects toner or ink transfer. Higher smoothness ensures sharper text and image edges, reducing defects like blurring or broken lines. Low-smoothness paper may result in uneven coverage and poor readability.
For documents containing fine details-such as tables, charts, or small fonts-prioritize papers labeled "high smoothness." Some manufacturers specify smoothness values; higher values indicate better performance.
Common Cardstock Materials
Cardstock materials vary by application and structural properties:
1. Kraft Paper: Durable and leather-like, made from cotton and chemical fibers. Used in planners and gift boxes. Thickness ranges from 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm.
2. Grey Board Paper: Rigid and thick (0.5–4 mm), made from recycled paper and wood pulp. Used in boxes and packaging. Offers high compressive strength and supports various surface treatments.
3. Corrugated Paper: Composed of flat linerboards and fluted inner layers. Provides cushioning and is used in packaging, displays, and models. Thickness varies from 1 mm to 10 mm based on flute height.
4. Metal Wire Paper: Woven from metal and fiber threads. Flexible and decorative, used in crafts, luggage accents, and specialty packaging.
Conclusion
The selection of appropriate printing materials-whether for office use or artistic purposes-depends on functional requirements, durability, cost, and aesthetic goals. Understanding paper types, weights, and printing methods enables informed decision-making and enhances the quality and effectiveness of printed outputs.
