Papers & Boards — Types & Categories (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note
Exam code: 8552
Papers
What are papers?
Papers are made from wood pulp or fibres which are pressed and dried
Thickness is measured in GSM (grams per square metre)
Uses include: printing, drawing, model-making and packaging
Papers are categorised by: strength, surface finish, absorbency and accuracy
Paper Type | Key Properties | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
Bleed-proof paper | Prevents ink spreading, smooth surface, low absorbency | Marker pens, technical drawings, rendering |
Cartridge paper | Strong, thick, slight surface texture | Sketching, drawing, printer paper |
Grid paper | Printed with squares/grid pattern, accurate spacing | Technical drawing, planning, scaled drawings |
Layout paper | Thin, lightweight, semi-transparent | Tracing, copying, overlays, quick sketching |
Tracing paper | Highly translucent, smooth surface | Copying, design modification, technical/CAD drawings |
Boards
What are boards?
Boards are made from wood pulp or fibres which are pressed and dried to a greater thickness than paper
Uses include: packaging, model-making and prototypes
Boards are categorised by: strength, weight, surface finish, print quality and protection
Board Type | Key Properties | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
Corrugated card | Two brown card layers with fluted layer between, lightweight, strong, shock-absorbing, recyclable | Transport packaging, shipping boxes |
Duplex board | White printable side, brown/grey unfinished side | Food packaging (cereal boxes, food containers) |
Foil-lined board | Metal foil layer on one side, white printable side on other, preserves freshness | Drinks containers, perishable food packaging |
Foam core board | White card with foam centre, smooth, lightweight, rigid, knife-cuttable | Architectural models, display boards, prototypes |
Inkjet card | Printer-designed thickness, smooth surface, high-quality colour | Presentation boards, posters, commercial printing |
Solid white board | Bleached paper pulp, strong, smooth white both sides, excellent print quality | Luxury packaging (cosmetics, gifts) |
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