How To Evaluate the Paper’s Thickness & Choose The Right Paper

A paper’s thickness significantly matters when it comes to determining its strength and durability. Not just it helps manufacturers find out the durability of paper, but also creates a fine impression of the paper's quality and appearance to the customers.

Now, when it comes to measuring the thickness of paper, there are two common ways of doing it. One way suggests using a tape measure to gauge the height of the paper stack and then dividing it by the number of sheets. But this method may result in less accuracy. This is because the paper may go through compression or expansion due to environmental conditions.

It is due to this reason, most manufacturers make use of UEC’s thickness gauge to measure this parameter. This instrument not only measures the thickness of paper, fiberboard, and corrugated board but also tissue paper. The result shows high accuracy and manufacturers are completely satisfied. Manufacturers can even use a thickness chart or paper gauge to make a comparative study of the thickness of varied papers. 

The next query after evaluating the thickness of the paper is choosing the right kind of paper for a particular print design project. While some say paper weight and thickness have no impact on the print quality, it does make sense while deciding what is the use of the final print and the required finish.

So, when you choose a paper for the printing project, consider the following factors:

• Paper thickness 
• GSM or weight (Check out how manufacturers weigh paper using a Digital GSM testing machine)
• Caliper
• Printing objective
• Design
• Printing method
• Budget
• Audience 

Also, keep the following things in mind while choosing the paper:

• With the thickness of paper, the cost of the paper also increases. The GSM or weight may not necessarily increase. 
• If the weight of the paper increases and it gets heavier, both the cost and the difficulty in printing increase too.
• A high-caliper paper will be bulkier and stiffer than a low-caliper paper. However, it is highly prone to crack due to high stiffness.  
• The choice also depends on the need for folding, cutting, binding, and mailing the paper. 
• The printing method to be used and the desired paper quality and type also help you pick the right one.

So, these were the two most asked queries answered about the thickness of the paper. Both the thickness and weight of the paper play a vital role in the making, using, and printing of the paper. To determine these parameters, manufacturers need to invest in high-quality instruments. Visit UEC to find out more about these instruments and make inquiries.