Uncoated paper is made from wood pulp and is often used for printing and writing. Unlike coated paper, which has a glossy or matte surface finish, uncoated paper has a more natural, textured feel and absorbs ink better. It is available in both rolls and sheets, making it suitable for different printing and publishing needs.
Specifications of Uncoated Paper Roll & Sheet
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Material Composition:
- Made from wood pulp (either recycled or virgin fiber).
- The paper may also contain small amounts of fillers like calcium carbonate or clay to enhance opacity and smoothness.
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Grammage (Weight):
- The weight is typically measured in grams per square meter (gsm).
- Common weight ranges: 70 gsm to 200 gsm.
- For example: 80 gsm for office paper, 120 gsm for brochures, 150 gsm for posters.
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Finish:
- Texture: The paper can have a rough, smooth, or vellum texture. The texture of uncoated paper is often noticeable, offering a more natural feel than coated papers.
- Opacity: Uncoated papers typically have moderate opacity, which means there might be some see-through when printed on both sides, depending on the weight of the paper.
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Brightness:
- Brightness is usually between 80 to 90 on the TAPPI scale (the standard for measuring paper brightness).
- It offers a natural, soft white color but not the intense whiteness of coated papers.
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Surface Quality:
- Uncoated smooth: Ideal for high-quality text printing and publications.
- Uncoated rough: Suitable for artistic applications like high-end invitations, or fine art prints.
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Durability and Strength:
- Tensile strength: The paper tends to be durable, with good tensile strength.
- Resistant to tearing but can be more prone to wrinkles compared to coated paper.
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Printability:
- Ink absorption is higher, which means prints may appear softer than on coated papers.
- It is ideal for offset printing, digital printing, letterpress, and some forms of flexography.
- Absorbs ink easily and is compatible with most standard ink types.
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Sizes:
- Sheets: Typically available in standard sizes such as:
- A4 (210 x 297 mm)
- A3 (297 x 420 mm)
- Letter (8.5 x 11 inches)
- Legal (8.5 x 14 inches)
- Custom sizes as per the customer requirement.
- Rolls: Available in various widths and lengths, depending on the printer’s needs.
- Common widths: 24, 36, 42, 48 inches.
- Length: Can range from 100 meters to several kilometers, depending on the manufacturer and application.
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Environmental Impact:
- Uncoated paper is often seen as more environmentally friendly because it can be produced with a higher percentage of recycled content and is biodegradable.
- Many uncoated papers are FSC certified, meaning they are sourced from sustainably managed forests.
Applications:
- Office Use: For letterheads, presentations, memos, and reports.
- Printing & Publishing: Books, magazines, brochures, and business cards.
- Packaging: Shopping bags, gift packaging, and labels.
- Stationery: Invitations, notepads, and envelopes.
- Marketing Materials: Flyers, posters, and catalogs.
Advantages of Uncoated Paper:
- Natural look and feel: It provides a tactile, natural appearance that some businesses and designers prefer.
- Better ink absorption: Ideal for high-quality text prints.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications, including art, text, and general printing.
Disadvantages of Uncoated Paper:
- Ink Smudging: Because of the higher ink absorption rate, there's a risk of ink smudging, particularly in fast-drying methods.
- Less Vibrancy: Colors printed on uncoated paper tend to be less vibrant than on coated paper.