Paper is used all over the world, it is one of the most important and useful items at any point invented by mankind – it is also one that a ton of us take for granted.  This article celebrates all things paper! And includes information on how it is made, the various types and some lesser known facts.

A4 Paper

How it is made

Before diving directly in, it is important to know some background information about trees. Trees are made up of layers. These layers are the bark, phloem, cambium, xylem and heartwood. All of these layers are made up of tiny cellulose strands called fibers; these fibers are stuck together by a natural adhesive called lignin. It is just by harvesting and separating these that we are able to make paper.

In its most basic structure, the manufacture of paper can be separated into 3 stages. Initially, wood is placed into a sprightly and ground down into small pieces. The wood chips are then placed in water where they are heated up; this creates wood mash. Finally, chemicals such as starch and bonding agents are added and the mash is poured over a thin mesh grate. This allows the water to escape leaving the cellulose fibers behind; the fibers abandoned are what structure paper.

Not all materials are the same however; trees can be categorized into either hardwood or softwood; which category the wood falls into effects the properties of the item created

The Types, Sizes and Weights

a4 paper singapore have a variety of consumer needs to satisfy as there is demand for countless various styles for an enormous number of purposes.

It comes in all various sizes and weights designed for various purposes. The thickness of paper is measured in grams per square meter or gsm; this is the heaviness of the paper when measured at 1 square meter.

Paper originates from various sources although these days most paper is made from reused materials. That being said, in some instances paper is still made from unadulterated wood mash – this is called virgin paper.

The most notable paper sizing is A4; the ‘A’ sizing chart is based upon the A0 paper size – A0 is 1 meter squared. Each ‘A’ sized bit of paper is half the size of the measurement above it for example a1 is half of A0, A2 is half of A1, and A3 is half of A2 and so on. The smallest A sized paper normally used is A6.

Onto the various types

Layout paper – This is a thin, white paper frequently used by designers for initial ideas. Layout paper generally takes shading media well and is of minimal effort.  Tracing paper is a translucent paper that allows individuals to take copies of drawings. Because of the extra processes required during manufacture tracing paper usually has a relatively significant expense.