C Glossary 39
C
Glossary
A-series of paper sizes The ISO A-series of paper sizes is based on the Lichtenberg
Ratio, which is an aspect ratio of 1 to the square root of 2. A0 size paper is
841 by 1,189 mm in size, which is 1 square meter in area and has a 1.414:1 aspect
ratio. Each subsequent size is half the area (determined by halving the long
dimension). If the value is an odd number (for example, 1,189 mm), then the
subsequent value after halving is truncated (for example, 594 mm). The aspect ratio
of 1:1.414 is maintained throughout the A-series of paper sizes.
basis weight Basis weight is the weight of a ream of paper (500 sheets) that has been
cut to the basic size. 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.
basic size Basic size is a specified size for a grade of paper. Basic sizes have evolved
from custom and usage.
brightness Brightness refers to the reflectance and whiteness of a sheet of paper.
Higher brightness papers are more expensive to produce and are usually associated
with higher quality.
caliper Caliper is the thickness of a sheet of paper or other print media. It is typically
specified in mils (one-thousandth of an inch) or millimeters. It is closely associated
with paper weight but not directly associated, because some papers have more bulk
(more density) than others.
carrier sheet The carrier sheet is the sheet to which labels are temporarily attached.
Usually this sheet has a “slick” feeling or appears shiny.
composition Composition (furnish) is the mixture of various materials, such as fiber,
filler, sizing materials, and other additives, that are used to make the paper stock.
Fillers such as calcium carbonate, clay, or talc are added to paper to fill in the spaces
between fibers.
For optimum performance of your HP LaserJet printer, use paper that is made from
100 percent chemical wood pulp or cotton fiber. Recycled paper, made with no more
than 5 percent groundwood, is also acceptable. To ensure that paper of a special fiber
composition will work correctly in your printer, test it before purchasing large
quantities.
copier paper A grade of paper that is suitable for printing in the electrophotographic
process. This paper is characterized by having a smooth finish, heat stability,
non-curling qualities, and good aesthetic properties (such as color, brightness, and
cleanliness).
