The basis weight of the material is among the most fundamental properties of both paper and board. It works as the backbone of the printing industry. In professional printing, GSM or grammage or square meter is an essential factor in determining the quality and performance of printing materials. Comprehending the GSM of the material using a competent grammage tester or a quadrant paper scale, results in exceptional printing and meeting the industry standards.
What is GSM?
GSM refers to the paper’s weight per unit area. The higher the paper weight, the heavier the paper is. In fact, when the thickness of the paper increases, the weight itself increases and vice versa.
Paper manufacturers, printers, and research organisations make use of a GSM tester or quadrant paper scale to determine the GSM. First, a specimen of the required size is cut and prepared using a dedicated sample cutter. The cutter is a crucial part of the GSM kit, which ensures the cutting of the right measurement of the sample.
Once the sample is cut using a sample cutter, it is transferred to the weighing equipment to measure the weight. Then, the grammage of the paper is calculated using the following formula.
Weight of the sample in grams x 1000/ Sample’s area in cm square.
The weighing and measuring of the GSM of the sample is a standard procedure that every paper manufacturer follows. This offers them valuable insights into the properties of a paper and helps them make appropriate application decisions.
Crucial Factors That Affect The Choice of GSM
When it comes to choosing the right GSM, printers consider the following crucial factors.
Printed Material
The material to be printed plays a crucial role in deciding on the GSM. This is because not all kinds of printed materials require the same GSM. They may have varying requirements of quality and durability, which can be achieved using different levels of GSM.
The End User
The choice of GSM also depends on the target user and his preferences. For instance, if the end-user perceives an intensely luxurious and professional paper, then only one with a higher GSM can serve that. On the other hand, if the user needs a use and throw paper, for instance, a lightweight and thin tissue, then the GSM would be less.
Technique of Printing
The printing technique is crucial here as not all kinds of printing are appropriate for all GSMs. Some may look good only on the GSM above 200, while others can look superb on 60 or 80 GSM. Hence, the choice depends on what technique are we using. It is ideal to consult printing experts at the unit for optimal results.
Cost-Effectiveness
It is a vital factor that determines the choice of GSM, however, is not chosen at the cost of quality. The cost of the paper’s GSM should fall within the budget of the printer and at the same time meet the desired quality standards. If the paper GSM is cost-effective, but the quality degrades, then it won’t satisfy the requirements of the end user and also deteriorate the reputation of many organisations involved.
Wrapping Up
So, these are the factors that form the foundation of the printer’s choice for GSM.
GSMs are crucial factors that only an advanced grammage tester or quadrant paper scale can determine. To invest in the best GSM testers, connect with the leading manufacturers and suppliers, UEC. Visit their website to learn more.
Comments
Post a Comment