Introduction to Papers and Boards

Welcome to the world of Papers and Boards! You might think of paper as just something you write on, but in Design and Technology, it is a versatile material used for everything from high-end perfume packaging to architectural models. This chapter explores where these materials come from, their different types, and how we can shape them into useful products.

Don't worry if the different names of card and paper seem confusing at first—by the end of these notes, you’ll be able to spot the difference between a duplex board and a solid white board just by looking at them!

1. Where do they come from? (Sources and Origins)

All papers and boards start their life as plants. The primary source is cellulose fibres, which are usually harvested from wood (trees) and various grasses. These fibres are processed into a pulp, which is then pressed and dried to create the sheets we use.

Key Takeaway: If it's paper or board, it almost certainly started as a tree or a plant!

2. Paper Types

Paper is usually categorised by its weight. We measure this in grams per square metre or gsm. Generally, if it is under \(200\) gsm, it is called paper; if it is over \(200\) gsm, it is considered a board.

  • Bleed proof paper: This has a special coating that prevents ink (especially from markers) from spreading or "bleeding." It is perfect for designers using spirit-based pens.
  • Cartridge paper: This is a high-quality, textured paper. It is thick and slightly "toothy," making it great for sketching with pencils, crayons, or ink.
  • Grid and layout paper: Grid paper has pre-printed squares or isometric dots to help with technical drawing. Layout paper is thin and slightly transparent, used for initial sketches and "laying out" ideas.
  • Tracing paper: This is very transparent. It allows you to see through it to copy or "trace" a drawing underneath.

Memory Tip: Think of Cartridge paper for Creative sketching and Grid paper for Geometry/Technical work.

3. Board Types

Boards are thicker and more rigid than paper, making them better for packaging and structures.

  • Corrugated card: Made of a "fluted" (wiggly) layer sandwiched between two flat layers. It is very strong but lightweight, used for shipping boxes.
  • Duplex board: This board has two layers. Often, the top layer is white and smooth for printing, while the inside is grey or manilla. You’ll find this used for cereal boxes.
  • Foil lined board: This is board with a thin layer of aluminium foil on one side. It is excellent for takeaway food packaging because it reflects heat and provides a moisture barrier.
  • Foam core board: A layer of foam sandwiched between two layers of card. It is very stiff and light, making it the "go-to" material for architectural models.
  • Ink jet card: Specially treated to hold the ink from a computer printer without it smudging, allowing for high-quality images.
  • Solid white board: This is high-quality, bleached board. It is white all the way through and very smooth, used for luxury packaging and high-end book covers.

Did you know? Corrugated card is strong because of the "arches" in the middle layer. It's the same principle used in stone bridges!

4. How Papers and Boards are Sold (Stock Forms)

When you buy papers and boards, they come in standard "stock forms":

  • Sheet: Individual flat pieces (like the A4 paper in your printer).
  • Roll: Large continuous lengths (like wrapping paper or industrial newsprint).
  • Ply: This refers to layers. Some boards are "multi-ply," meaning they are made of several layers glued together for strength.

Standard Sizes: Most paper uses the A-series (A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, etc.). Remember: A3 is twice the size of A4, and A4 is twice the size of A5!

5. Shaping, Forming, and Finishing

To turn a flat sheet of board into a 3D product (like a box), we use several techniques:

Wastage and Shaping

  • Cutting: Using blades or scissors to remove material.
  • Scoring: Making a shallow cut that doesn't go all the way through, which helps the board fold neatly.
  • Creasing: Pressing a line into the board to make it easier to fold without snapping the fibres.
  • Perforating: Creating a line of tiny holes so a piece can be easily torn off (like a concert ticket).
  • Die cutting: A commercial process using a "stamp" (like a giant cookie cutter) to cut out complex shapes and creases very quickly.

Surface Treatments (Finishes)

These make the product look better or last longer:

  • Printing: Adding text and images (commercial products often use offset lithography).
  • Embossing: Pressing a shape into the paper so it stands up in 3D (you might see this on expensive chocolate boxes).
  • UV Varnishing: Applying a liquid coating that is cured with UV light to create a very shiny, high-gloss finish.

Quick Review - Quality Control: Look for registration marks (little crosshairs) on the edge of printed packaging. These help printers ensure that all the different colours are lined up perfectly!

6. Real-World Applications

How do we choose which one to use? It depends on the functionality:

  • Flyers and leaflets: Use high-quality paper or thin card that is easy to print on and cheap to produce in bulk.
  • Food packaging: Requires "additives" to the board to prevent moisture or grease from soaking through. Foil lined board is used if the food needs to stay warm.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't confuse scoring with cutting. If you score too deeply on a cereal box design, the corner will simply rip off instead of folding!

Summary Checklist

[ ] Do I know that papers come from cellulose fibres (wood/grass)?
[ ] Can I explain the difference between cartridge, tracing, and bleed-proof paper?
[ ] Do I know that corrugated card is for strength and duplex board is for cereal boxes?
[ ] Do I understand that gsm measures weight and microns measures thickness?
[ ] Can I name three finishes (Printing, Embossing, UV Varnishing)?