OCC paper, short for Old Corrugated Containers paper, is a commonly used material in the paper industry. Understanding OCC paper properties is crucial to ensuring the quality and performance of paper products.
The purpose of this guide is to provide a comprehensive overview of OCC paper properties and their impact on paper product quality and performance. By the end of this guide, you will have a better understanding of the different OCC paper properties and their applications in various industries.
What is OCC Paper?
OCC paper is a type of recycled paper that is made from old corrugated containers or cardboard boxes. These containers are collected from households, offices, and industries and then transported to recycling facilities.
The manufacturing process of OCC paper begins with the sorting and cleaning of the collected containers. The containers are then pulped in a large tank of water to break down the fibers. Once the fibers are separated, they are screened to remove any contaminants, such as plastic or metal.
The pulp is then mixed with additives, such as starch and bonding agents, to improve its strength and other properties. This mixture is then poured onto a flat screen and dried to form a sheet of paper. Finally, the paper is wound onto a roll and cut into the desired size and shape for its intended application.
OCC Paper Properties
OCC paper possesses several properties that determine its quality and suitability for various applications. Here are some of the most important OCC paper properties:
Strength – OCC paper’s strength is measured in terms of its bursting, tearing, and folding resistance. Burst strength measures the maximum pressure the paper can withstand before it bursts. Tear strength measures the force required to tear the paper, while folding resistance measures the ability of the paper to withstand repeated folding.
Thickness – OCC paper thickness is measured in microns or millimeters. It determines the bulk and stiffness of the paper and affects its appearance and printing quality.
Smoothness – Smoothness refers to the evenness of the paper surface. Smoothness affects the printability of the paper and is important for high-quality printing.
Brightness – Brightness refers to the level of whiteness or reflectance of the paper surface. Brightness is measured on a scale of 0 to 100, with higher numbers indicating greater whiteness.
Opacity – Opacity is the ability of the paper to prevent light from passing through it. It affects the readability of the text printed on the paper and is especially important for double-sided printing.
Color – OCC paper is available in a range of colors, from white to brown, depending on the source of the recycled fiber.
These OCC paper properties play a critical role in determining the quality and suitability of the paper for specific applications. Different industries require specific OCC paper properties to meet their unique needs.
The Importance of OCC Paper Properties
OCC paper properties have a significant impact on the quality and performance of paper products. For instance, a paper with high bursting strength is suitable for packaging heavy products, while a paper with high tear strength is ideal for products that need to withstand frequent handling. Here are some ways that OCC paper properties affect paper product quality and performance:
- Strength – OCC paper strength is critical for paper products that need to withstand various stresses during their lifecycle, such as packaging and shipping boxes.
- Thickness – OCC paper thickness is essential for achieving the desired stiffness and bulk of the paper product. It affects the product’s appearance, feel, and printing quality.
- Smoothness – OCC paper smoothness impacts the printability of the paper product. A smooth surface results in sharper and more vibrant prints.
- Brightness – OCC paper brightness affects the perceived quality of the paper product. A higher brightness level results in a more professional-looking product.
- Opacity – OCC paper opacity is important for double-sided printing products such as magazines or books. High opacity ensures the text does not show through to the other side, making the text more readable.
Some examples of products that require specific OCC paper properties include:
- Corrugated boxes and packaging material require high strength and tear resistance to ensure that the contents are protected during shipping and handling.
- Stationery and office supplies such as notebooks and notepads require smooth paper to ensure writing is easy and legible.
- Printing and publishing products such as books, brochures, and magazines require high brightness and opacity to ensure sharp and clear prin
Testing OCC Paper Properties
There are several testing methods used to determine OCC paper properties. These tests are designed to measure different properties such as strength, thickness, smoothness, brightness, opacity, and color. Here are some of the most common testing methods used for OCC paper properties:
- Bursting strength test – Measures the maximum pressure that the paper can withstand before it bursts. This test is conducted by applying pressure to a small area of the paper with a hydraulic press until it ruptures.
- Tearing strength test – Measures the force required to tear the paper. This test is conducted by applying a load perpendicular to the paper plane and measuring the force required to tear the paper.
- Folding endurance test – Measures the number of times the paper can be folded before it breaks. This test is conducted by folding the paper back and forth along the same line until it breaks.
- Thickness measurement – Measures the thickness of the paper. This test is conducted using a micrometer that measures the distance between two circular platens.
- Smoothness test – Measures the surface roughness of the paper. This test is conducted by rubbing a stylus across the paper surface and measuring the deviation from a straight line.
- Brightness test – Measures the amount of light reflected by the paper surface. This test is conducted using a photometer that measures the amount of light reflected by the paper at a specific wavelength.
- Opacity test – Measures the ability of the paper to prevent light from passing through it. This test is conducted by measuring the amount of light that passes through the paper using a densitometer.
These tests are conducted under standardized conditions to ensure consistency and accuracy of the results. The testing methods used may vary depending on the specific OCC paper property being measured. The results of these tests help paper manufacturers select the right OCC paper properties for specific applications and ensure consistent quality and performance of their products.
Conclusion
OCC paper properties play a crucial role in the quality and performance of paper products. Understanding the different properties and their significance helps manufacturers select the right OCC paper for specific applications. By conducting various testing methods, manufacturers can ensure consistent quality and performance of their paper products.
In conclusion, this guide has provided an overview of OCC paper properties, their manufacturing process, and their significance in paper product quality and performance. By taking these factors into consideration, manufacturers can produce high-quality paper products that meet the demands of their customers.