Paper Weight Caution!

Ever ordered some expensive brochure only to find that on delivery the cover or the text pages feel a bit thin? Don't be fooled by the weight of the paper. Paper is generally measured and sold in weight ie 350gsm or for say letterheads 115gsm. Although weight is an indication of 'thickness' it's not an accurate measure of it.

The same weight paper can vary in perceived thickness. In addition, different finishes also have a different thickness:

For example: a 200gsm range of papers: a gloss coated feels thinnest , then feeling heavier as you go on from silk to matt to an uncoated board.

Top tip: if you want your brochure cover to feel substantial either avoid a gloss coated board or better go up to higher weight board. Finally, as a fail safe, always ask for a sample of the board before giving the go ahead to print!

Paper Sizes - a quick reference!

The most common system of paper sizes in Europe is the ISO standard All sizes are given in millimetres

The aspect ratio of ISO paper sheets is 1 to 1.414 (the square root of 2). This creates a useful property; if you cut an A sheet in half the resulting parts will be the same proportion as the original. This also creates two sheets of the next A size down, for example an A4 cut in half = two sheets of A5.

You may hear about two other paper sizes, the RA and SRA, which are used in print manufacturing. These are larger than the A sizes to allow for trim marks and bleed. Some print jobs will also require to go on B sizes if they are non standard.

(The ISO system is much rarer in the USA)
Please bookmark this post to keep as a handy guide!

Reduce Costs Without Cracking

A heavy crease, about 3mm wide, is pressed into the board before folding to assist with the prevention of cracking along the fold in papers & boards over the weight of 160gsm. Creasing is especially important if the job is printed over the folded area.

There are various methods in producing the crease, but the two most popular are detailed below.
The most reliable is using a Heidelberg cylinder, which presses the crease into the board.  Although you achieve a quality crease and it would be recommended for anything over 250gsm in weight, it is expensive. A die needs to be produced, the sheets run slowly through the machine and there is the separate process of folding.

A Tri-crease can be used as an alternative.
This is an attachment which fits onto the folding machine, allowing a crease and fold to be produced in line and will run as fast as the folding machine. Although a more cost effective process, there are limitations in the weight of material that’s suitable, usually up to 200-250gsm.

So next time you think a job needs creasing... ask yourself,
"Can I get by with a Tri ?"

3 Quick Tips For Getting Print Delivered On Time

1). It sounds simple but check you have the full delivery address (including postcode, telephone number and contact name if possible). Most of the overnight couriers use postcodes these days, so if your shipment is important and time crucial, it’s worth spending the time double checking it’s correct. These can be can be verified for free online at www.royalmail.com/postcodes4free Make sure the address label is securely fixed to the package/s and include a return address, just in case!

2). Use suitable packaging. If you want your shipment to arrive in one piece use sturdy corrugated boxes (minimum of double walled) of the correct size and weight for the content and use bubble wrap. Cramming something into the wrong sized box will end in tears as the box will either split from being overfilled or damage the goods if they are rattling around in a part filled box. Ensure these are securely fixed and sealed with packaging tape.

3). Use the correct courier for the size of the job. We use several different overnight carriers depending on the size of the shipment, we wouldn’t necessarily send an envelope containing a printing proof out with the same company that we would use to send 6 boxes or a pallet. It’s a competitive market use it to your advantage.

p.s. Much to my colleagues disapproval I always try and re-use packaging, it’s good for the environment and saves on costs. It may not look smart, but what does that matter as long as the content is received in perfect condition!