Papers and Boards
A cereal box, a delivery carton and a pencil sketch each need a different material. Meet the papers and boards a designer chooses from, and the properties that decide which one fits the job.
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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 🔗
- Cartridge paper
- Tracing paper
- Corrugated board
- Folding boxboard
- A heavier paper with a good surface for drawing and painting
- A thin, see-through paper for copying an outline
- A strong, light board with a fluted middle, for protective packaging
- A light board that folds easily, for cartons and cereal boxes
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.
Complete the summary 🧩
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 🪜
An interactive activity.
Pick the right material 🎁
An interactive activity.
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
Spot the true statements 🖍️
An interactive activity.
Recommend a board ✍️
An interactive activity.