Papers and Boards

Choosing paper and board

Designers pick from many kinds of paper and board, each suited to a different job. A cereal box, a delivery carton and a quick sketch each need a different material. This module covers the main papers and boards, and the properties that decide which one to use.

The language of materials

Four ideas run through the topic:

Which paper is see-through?

Which paper is thin and translucent, used for copying an outline?

• Tracing paper
• Cartridge paper
• Copier paper
• Corrugated board

Match each material to its use

Paper or board?

Paper and board are made in a similar way, but differ in thickness and in what they are used for.

Which are boards?

Select the TWO materials that are BOARDS, not papers.

• Corrugated board, used for delivery boxes
• Solid white board, used for high-quality printing
• Copier paper, used in a printer
• Tracing paper, used for copying outlines

Choose by the properties

Pick a material by its properties: flexibility (how easily it bends or folds), printability (how well ink sits on it), and biodegradability (paper and board break down naturally and recycle well). Paper is measured in gsm and board in microns. For full marks, do not just name a material: pair it with a use and the property that makes it suitable, such as corrugated board being strong yet light for protective packaging.

Paper, board and gsm

A thin material made from wood pulp is _____, measured in gsm, while a thicker, stiffer version is _____, measured in microns. _____ paper is translucent and used for copying outlines. _____ board has a fluted middle layer and is used for protective packaging. Because they come from wood, papers and boards are _____ and can be recycled.

Thinnest to thickest

Put these materials in order from the thinnest and lightest to the thickest and stiffest.

• Tracing paper, thin and translucent
• Copier paper, a standard printing paper
• Cartridge paper, a heavier drawing paper
• Folding boxboard, a light packaging board
• Corrugated board, a thick protective board

Pick the right material

Choose the best paper or board for each product, thinking about its properties.

• You need to protect a fragile item posted in a box. Which board is best?
• You want a bright, smooth surface for a high-quality printed book cover. Which is best?
• A student wants to copy the outline of a drawing placed underneath. Which paper suits?

Best for a delivery box

Which board is best for a strong, protective delivery box?

• Corrugated board, because its fluted layer is strong yet light
• Tracing paper, because it is easy to see through
• Copier paper, because it is thin and cheap
• Folding boxboard, because it tears very easily

Papers and boards

Tap the TWO statements that are correct about papers and boards.

• Corrugated board has a fluted middle layer that makes it strong and light.
• Tracing paper is a thick, opaque board.
• Papers and boards are biodegradable and can be recycled.
• Board is always thinner than paper.
• Copier paper is the best choice for protective packaging.

Recommend a board

A company is designing packaging for a new cereal. The box must print well and fold neatly, and the outer delivery boxes must protect the cereal. Recommend suitable boards and justify your choices.

• Recommend a board for the cereal box and give its key property
• Explain why it prints and folds well
• Explain why corrugated board is used for the outer delivery boxes
• Refer to a property such as strength, printability or flexibility