HWK & CTMP Gravure Printability

Uncoated paper for gravure printing can be modified at four key control points during papermaking: fiber selection, stock refining, wet-end additions and supercalendering. The relative magnitude of each of these variables on the quality of the paper has been assessed by a series of laboratory and pilot plant experiments. The most dramatic effects are governed by a series of laboratory and pilot plant experiments. The most dramatic effects are governed by fiber selection and supercalendering conditions. For the first time, it is shown that a furnish consisting entirely of hardwood Kraft (HWK) pulp can be used to produce paper for the gravure press. The quality of the paper is approximately the same for either imported eucalyptus or native aspen pulp. An even more economical but poorer performing paper can be achieved by substituting chemithermomechanical (CTMP) hardwood pulp for up to 50% of the HWK pulp. The printer's final specifications for paper are considered for the four control areas in terms of cost, press constraints and image quality. experiments. The most dramatic effects are governed by fiber selection and supercalendering conditions. For the first time, it is shown that a furnish consisting entirely of hardwood Kraft (HWK) pulp can be used to produce paper for the gravure press. The quality of the paper is approximately the same for either imported eucalyptus or native aspen pulp. An even more economical but poorer performing paper can be achieved by substituting chemithermomechanical (CTMP) hardwood pulp for up to 50% of the HWK pulp. The printer's final specifications for paper are considered for the four control areas in terms of cost, press constraints and image quality.