Stock forms, types and sizes (AQA GCSE Design and Technology): Revision Notes

Stock forms, types and sizes

Available formats

Paper and card materials are supplied to designers and manufacturers in several standard formats, each designed for different purposes and production methods. Understanding these formats is essential for selecting the right material for your specific application.

Sheet format

A sheet refers to a single piece of paper cut to standard dimensions. This is the most common format for everyday use and small-scale projects. Sheets allow for precise control and are easy to handle for individual items like letters, artwork, or single-page documents.

Roll format

Paper supplied in roll format is primarily used for large-scale industrial applications. The continuous length makes rolls perfect for high-speed printing operations like newspapers, magazines, and books where the paper feeds directly into machinery.

Ply format

Ply describes paper made from two or more layers bonded together using embossing techniques or adhesive. Common examples include napkins and receipts that self-copy to create duplicates. This multi-layer construction provides additional strength and functionality for specialised applications.

Standard measurements

The paper and board industry uses specific criteria to classify and measure materials consistently across manufacturers. These standardised measurements ensure compatibility and quality control across the entire supply chain.

Physical dimensions

Length and width are measured in millimetres, providing precise specifications for cutting and fitting applications. These dimensions follow international standards to ensure compatibility between different suppliers and equipment.

Weight measurement

Weight is expressed in grammes per square metre (GSM), which indicates the density and thickness of the material. Most standard printing paper ranges from 60-120 GSM, while anything above 160 GSM is classified as card, and materials over 220 GSM are considered board.

Thickness specification

Thickness is measured in microns, where one micron equals 1/1000th of a millimetre ($1 \text{ mm} = 1000 \text{ microns}$). For reference, a typical greeting card measures approximately 300 microns (0.3mm) thick. This precise measurement helps determine durability and suitability for different applications.

Colour grading

White paper receives numerical grades based on brightness and whiteness levels. Most copier paper grades between 130-170, with higher numbers indicating whiter, brighter paper. Coloured papers are also available for specialised design needs.

Types of paper and board

Different paper types serve specific purposes based on their properties and construction. Selecting the right type is fundamental to achieving the desired outcome in any printing or design project.

Mounting board

This thick, rigid material typically measures 1000-2000 microns and features colour on one side. It's specifically designed for picture framing applications where strength and presentation quality are essential.

Newsprint paper

Weighing 45-55 GSM, newsprint is thin, lightweight, and cost-effective. Its rough surface and off-white colour make it ideal for high-volume printing applications like newspapers where print quality is less critical than cost efficiency.

Tissue paper

At just 10-35 GSM, tissue paper is extremely lightweight and often coloured. Its high absorbency makes it perfect for craft projects, gift wrapping, and protective packaging applications.

Copier paper

Standard copier paper weighs around 80 GSM and provides an excellent balance of cost, availability, and quality. Its smooth surface and good whiteness level make it suitable for most office printing needs.

A series paper sizes

The A series represents an international sizing standard established by the International Standards Organisation (ISO). This system creates a logical progression where each size is exactly half the area of the previous size.

The system starts with A0 as the largest standard size, measuring 841mm × 1189mm. Each subsequent size (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) is created by folding the previous size in half along its longest edge. This relationship ensures consistent proportions across all sizes and efficient use of materials during production.

A4 (210mm × 297mm) is the most commonly used size for letters, documents, and general printing. A3 serves as a popular choice for posters and technical drawings, while A5 works well for notebooks and small booklets.

The ISO B Series provides larger sizes for posters and industrial applications, while the ISO C Series creates envelope dimensions that accommodate the corresponding A series paper sizes perfectly.

Fastening methods

Various fasteners allow papers to be joined either temporarily or permanently, depending on the application requirements. The choice of fastening method significantly impacts both functionality and presentation quality.

Temporary fasteners

Treasury tags use string loops to connect varying numbers of sheets through punched holes, allowing easy removal and reorganisation. Paper fasteners (brass brads) create secure connections through punched holes but can be unfastened when needed.

Binder clips provide strong temporary holding power using spring-loaded mechanisms, while slide binders hold multiple sheets together using coloured plastic strips. Paperclips offer the simplest method for temporarily joining small numbers of sheets.

Permanent fasteners

Staples create permanent connections using metal wire applied with a stapling tool. This method works well for documents that won't need separation and provides a clean, professional appearance.

Sealing techniques

Paper and board products can be closed securely using various sealing methods, each suited to different applications and security requirements. The choice of sealing method affects both security and user convenience.

Gummed envelopes

These traditional envelopes use water-soluble gum along the closure flap. When moistened, the gum creates a secure seal that clearly shows if the envelope has been opened.

Self-adhesive envelopes

Modern envelopes often feature protective strips covering adhesive areas. Users peel off the strip to reveal the glue, then press the flap down to create an instant seal without needing moisture.

Wax seals

For decorative or security purposes, melted wax can be dripped over closure areas and impressed with a seal to create a traditional, tamper-evident closure method.

String and button closure

This method uses string wrapped around two buttons to create a reusable closure system, commonly found on document wallets and legal folders.

Binding methods

When multiple sheets need combining into a single document, various binding techniques provide different levels of durability and presentation quality. The binding method selection directly impacts both the document's functionality and professional appearance.

Perfect binding

This professional method gathers pages in groups, applies adhesive to the spine edge, and attaches a cover. Perfect binding creates the familiar appearance of paperback books and provides excellent durability for frequently handled documents.

Comb binding

Plastic combs with teeth fit through punched holes along the page edge, allowing sheets to lie completely flat when opened. This popular low-cost method works well for manuals and reports that need frequent reference.

Coil or spiral binding

Metal wire or plastic coil threads through holes punched along the page edge, creating a flexible binding that allows 360-degree page rotation. This method suits notebooks and reference materials requiring frequent page turning.

Saddle stitching

Wire staples fed through the centre pages create a simple binding method suitable for magazines and booklets. The page count is limited by the stapling mechanism, but this method provides good results for shorter publications.