| Copy
Paper
Usually a lightweight paper that is used in
copy machines also known as reprographic paper, copier paper,
dual-purpose, or xerographic paper. It's generally thin with
a small amount of transparency. The grade of the paper is
determined by brightness levels which is how light is reflected
from the paper.
It is the largest category in the uncoated
commodity printing paper grade and many governments use it
for all of their laser printing, fax, and copier needs. U.S.
copiers most frequently use 8-1/2" x 11" paper,
but other sizes are available such as 8-1/2" x 14"
and 11" x 17".
Paper weight is specified by basis weight
in pounds (# or lb.). The most frequently used copier paper
has a basis weight of 20 lbs. Thickness (caliper) is measured
in ten thousandths of an inch. Most printing equipment is
calibrated with a certain thickness.
Recycled Copier Paper
About 9 percent of the copy paper used in
the U.S. is made with recycled fibers. Recycled copier paper
is virtually indistinguishable from non-recycled, with similar
performance, color and cost.
Printer Paper
Can be any kind of paper that is used in computer
printers. Some common examples include laser paper, inkjet
paper, and photo paper. Printer paper is available in matte
and glossy finishes.
Matte paper has a bright white coating that
dries quickly and is recommended for everyday printing.
Glossy paper has a shiny coating that absorbs
ink for spontaneous drying. Glossy paper is commonly used
for printing photographs, posters, and other images.
Inkjet Paper
Inkjet printers can print on a variety of
paper types. It is best to choose a paper based on what you
are printing. For example, plain copier paper is usually best
for printing emails or other common documents. It provides
good results and is relatively inexpensive. If you will be
printing in color, a coater paper is usually recommended because
it allows for sharper colors and a higher resolution image.
Specialty inkjet papers are available. Common
examples include photo paper, glossy paper, business cards,
and greeting cards.
Laser Paper
Although similar to inkjet paper, laser paper
is specially designed for the toner used in laser printers.
Specialty types of laser paper such as checks and labels are
also available.
Photo Paper
Printing photos from a computer has become
popular due to the increased use of digital cameras and the
low cost of high-quality inkjet printers. Photo paper offers
the best results for this type of printing and produces sharp,
clear images.
Photo paper has a glossy finish that allows
the ink to dry quickly and produces sharp images. Many companies
sell photo paper in several sizes and weights, with the 4"
x 6" size being one of the most common. This size is
great for printing photos from your home printer.
Computer Paper
Frequently used to describe any type of paper
that is used with computer printers. Aside from the types
listed above, it also refers to the continuous sheets of paper
that are used in dot matrix printers. This type of computer
paper may be completely white or have green stripes to ease
the reading of data. Both single-part and multi-part computer
paper formats are available.
Copy paper and printer paper have many different
properties that affect the quality of the output. Choosing
the right paper will ensure that you get the results that
you are looking for. Listed below are the four main paper
qualities.
Paper Properties
Weight
Paper weight refers to the weight of a 500-sheet
ream of 17" x 22" paper. Each of these sheets is
equivalent to four letter size sheets. Therefore, 500 sheets
of standard 20# paper weighs 5 pounds. The higher the paper
weight, the thicker the sheet of paper. Higher weight paper
is more durable and has a more substantial feel.
It also allows less light to pass through.
Standard 20# paper is used for everyday printing and copying,
and for high-volume needs. Heavier paper is used for presentations
and other applications where quality is important.
Brightness
Contrast is a key element between the toner
or ink and the paper. The whiter the paper the better your
copies will look. Most paper will have a brightness rating
between 80 and 100. Higher numbers represent brighter paper.
Opacity
Opacity is a measure of how well a material
prevents light from passing through it. Standard 20# copier
paper is somewhat translucent, while heavier papers are more
opaque.
Smoothness
Paper textures vary by application. Laser
printers and copiers use heat and toner to produce text and
images. They require a smoother paper for crisp results. Inkjet
printers, on the other hand, use water-based ink. They benefit
from textured paper which allows the ink to dry faster, reduces
bleeding, and produces sharper output.
The above factors are the most important to
consider when choosing paper for your projects. Be sure to
use the right paper for your machine. When choosing copier
paper, weight and brightness are most important. For inkjet
and laser printers look at opacity and smoothness. If you
will be printing images or creating publications, choose a
heavier weight paper with extra brightness. Special photo,
greeting card, and other specialty papers are also available.
Copy
Paper - Printer Paper | Why
Buy Recycled Paper? | Recycled
Copy Paper | Give
A Gift To The Environment |
Pre-Printing:
Best Results and Precautions |
Carbonless
Paper | Paper:
Quality Tested | Choosing
the Right Paper |
The
Creation of the Copier
| Disadvantages
of a Laser Printer
| Are
You Ready for a Paperless Office? |
