Filter
Top Products
– Glossary 59
paper weight Paper weight is measured on a metric scale (called
basis weight or grammage) as the weight in grams of one square
meter of paper. Basis weight is an important characteristic of paper.
Paper that is too light or too heavy can cause misfeeds, misstacking,
jams, poor print quality, or excessive mechanical wear to the printer.
perforations A hole or series of holes punched through the paper
to aid in the separation of one piece of paper from another.
pH Refers to the acidity/alkalinity of paper as determined by the
TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry)
cold-extraction method.
photocopy paper A grade of paper suitable for printing by the
electrophotographic process. This paper is characterized by a
smooth finish, heat stability, non-curling qualities, and good aesthetic
properties (such as color, brightness, and cleanliness).
pre-consumer waste Paper that never reaches the customer after it
has been manufactured. Pre-consumer waste can be unused paper
stock, bindery trimmings, envelope cuttings, business forms, or
unsold books or magazines.
print media Paper, envelopes, overhead transparencies, and labels
used with printers. Print media used in HP LaserJet printers must
meet the guidelines and specifications listed in this guide.
post-consumer waste Paper that the customer has used.
Post-consumer waste can be office paper, mail, used boxes, old
newspapers, or magazines.
simplex Printing one side of a sheet of paper.
smoothness Surface smoothness is determined by measuring the
rate of air flow between the sheet surface and a flat reference
surface. Smoothness usually is expressed in Sheffield or Bekk units.
stiffness How resistant print media is to bending or flexing.
watermark An impression made in a wet sheet of paper as it is
being manufactured. Watermarks are visible when the sheet is held
up to light. They appear as a word, symbol, or other impression.
waste paper A generic term used for post-consumer waste and
some pre-consumer waste.
wax pick Characterizes the resistance of the surface layer of a sheet
to the breakaway of surface fragments. Expressed in Dennison units.