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The History and Key Facts about the Inventor of the Paper Clip

See page for author , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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1. johan was born in a little-known village to a local farmer.

2. Vaaler Attended the Christiania Technical School

3. he worked as a patent clerk gaining more exposure, 4. vaaler secured a german patent for his paper clip design.

Emilio J. Rodríguez Posada , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

5. He Received Major Doubt and Suspicion over the Paper Clip Invention

6. vaaler faced financial challenges despite his invention, 7. johan moved to berlin for better opportunities but faced the same challenges, 8. his invention didn’t achieve significant success during his lifetime, 9. johan moved various jobs over his career, 10. vaaler’s design laid the foundation for subsequent variations of the paper clip.

Dietmar Rabich  / Wikimedia Commons  / “Büroklammern — 2021 — 6481”  / CC BY-SA 4.0

11. Johan has National Recognition in Norway for his Invention

12. vaaler’s paper clip design remains widely used.

Agraphe , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

13. His Invention is a Symbol of Efficiency and Ingenuity

14. johan has a posthumous recognition due to his invention, 15. he left a lengthy legacy that gains world recognition after his death.

Øyvind Holmstad , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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The paper clip is a nearly ubiquitous device, used worldwide to temporally hold papers together. The technology for manufacturing paper clips evolved in the early years of the twentieth century, and has remained virtually unchanged since the 1930s. Paper clips come in several forms, but the one most often seen in common use is called the Gem clip. The origin of the term "Gem" is supposed to have originated from a British firm that began exporting them at least as early as 1907. The term has come to stand for the iconic shape of the oval-within-oval design. Any clip of this shape is called a Gem clip, regardless of the manufacturer. Another type of paper clip sometimes used by archivists and librarians is called the Gothic clip. It has a rectangular shape, with a triangular inner loop. Other distinguishing marks of paper clips are the overall size, the thickness, and quality of the wire, and whether the clip is corrugated or smooth. Most paper clips in the United States are made domestically by a few firms that specialize in their manufacture. These manufacturers put out roughly 20 million lb (9 kg) a year of paper clips.

The paper clip evolved to fill a specific need. A large amount of paper could be bound into a book in order to hold the leaves together. Binding was not a viable solution to keep together a few sheets, such as a short set of records or receipts. Though paper was invented in China sometime in the first century A.D. , and was widespread in Europe by the thirteenth century, people made do without anything like the modern paper clip until the end of the nineteenth century. People used two general methods to fasten together a few sheets of paper. They could slit the pages in the corner, making two short parallel cuts. Then ribbon or string could be threaded through the slits, the ends tied and often sealed with wax. The second method was to take a common straight pin and pin the sheets together. Machinery to make cheap and uniform quality pins developed early in the nineteenth century. Business people bought boxes of loose pins, sold by the pound and called "bank pins," to use in offices. Both the slit method and the pin method had the same drawback: the paper had to be pierced. Pin holes caused less wear on the paper than slits, yet if pages needed to be unpinned and repinned many times, the pinned corner was subject to a lot of wear, leading to the drooping "dog ear." Pins also had the disadvantage of being sharp enough to prick fingers and tended to rust if left in place for any length of time.

Designs or patents for early paper clips date to the middle of the nineteenth century, but none of these early devices seem to have worked well enough to have made a lasting impression. Some of these were closer in form to what is known today as a binder clip or bulldog clip, and others enfolded the entire corner of the paper within teethed overlays of thin metal. This type of paper fastener was made from stamped sheet metal. Wire forming technology advanced in the mid-nineteenth century, and from about 1870 on, paper clips of various designs competed in Europe and the United States.

The earliest recorded patent for a paper clip was granted by the United States Patent Office to a Pennsylvanian, Matthew Schooley, in 1898. Schooley's patent application mentions other devices already on the market of a similar design, so it would not be accurate to name him or any other individual as the father of the paper clip. A Norwegian, John Vaaler, is often credited with inventing the paper clip in 1899. His patent application included several possible paper clip shapes, including one that is similar to the modern Gem clip. Because of Vaaler, the paper clip became a symbol of Norwegian nationalism during World War II. There is even a 23 ft (7 m) high statue of a paper clip in Norway. It was set up to commemorate the solidarity the Norwegians represented against the Nazis by pinning paper clips on their lapels.

A Massachusetts inventor, Cornelius Brosnan, received a patent for a paper clip design in 1900. Again, his application spoke of the product as an improvement over other paper clips already in existence. His clip was marketed as the Konaclip. The Konaclip was an oval loop of wire with an inner arm terminating in a rounded eye. At least these three clips, the Schooley, the Vaaler, and the Brosnan designs, existed by the turn of the century. In 1899 a Connecticut inventor, William Middlebrook, applied for a patent for a machine to make paper clips. Middlebrook's patent application was not for making any particular type of clip, but the one pictured on the application's illustration looked like the archetypal Gem. Gem clips were imported to the United States from England by at least 1907. The Gem was advertised as a fine English product, superior to all others. Though paper clips of differing designs continued to be made for several years, by about the mid-1930s, the Gem had become the most commonly used.

Raw Materials

Paper clips are generally made from galvanized steel wire. The wire diameter depends on what size and quality clips are being made from it. Paper clips can be made from light, cheap steel, or from better quality steel, depending on the manufacturer. The material used, however, has to fall within certain physical parameters to make satisfactory paper clips.

The Gem clip is often held up as a paragon of modern design. It is simple, elegant, and surpassingly functional. Yet leaving the iconic shape aside, a paper clip designer must consider a host of mechanical and engineering questions. The material used to make a paper clip must possess certain properties. The wire needs to be stiff enough to hold its shape in use, but not so stiff that it is difficult to open. Engineers also consider a quality called yield stress when designing a paper clip. Yield stress is the amount of stress needed to permanently reshape the wire. If the wire has too low yield stress, it will stay bent open and not hold the papers tightly. Engineers also must consider the cost effectiveness of the material used. Using a cheaper, thinner wire may save the manufacturer money. Yet the material must also perform well in the manufacturing process, not leaving sharp burrs at the cut ends and resisting cracking or breaking. The material used also should be non-corrosive. The finished appearance of the clip is also a design consideration. The clip can have various finishes, smooth or slightly serrated, shiny or dull, and it can be made in many different sizes. So even though the basic Gem design has survived primarily unchanged for about a hundred years, manufacturers still confront design and materials options when making new paper clips.

The Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process for paper clips is fairly simple, using a specialized wire forming machine. Moreover, the process has not changed much since the 1930s.

• The process begins with a huge spool of galvanized steel wire. A worker feeds the end of the wire into the paper clip machine. A finished paper clip has three bends. The machine forms the wire into these three bends by cutting it and passing it by three small wheels. The wheels are slightly roughened, and catch the length of wire as it passes.
• The first wheel turns the wire 180 degrees, making the first bend, the second makes the next bend, and the third wheel makes the final turn. The entire process is so quick, the machine can churn out hundreds of clips a minute.

Quality Control

Quality control is not a particularly important issue in paper clip manufacturing. Visual inspection of the product is enough to identify a problem with the process. No special tests are needed. The manufacturing equipment must be maintained in order to work properly. Some machines still in use today in the United States were built in the 1930s or even earlier. Trained workers check the equipment for wear and defects that might affect the quality of the finished clips.

By products/Waste

Though paper clips are re-usable, many are thrown away. Some office paper recyclers ask that paper clips be removed before paper is put in recycling bins. Some recyclers use metal detecting equipment that can separate out staples and paper clips, so this material can be recycled separately. One paper clip industry study estimated that the vast percentage of paper clips were never used as intended—to hold paper—but were bent and destroyed by people, used as cleaning or prying instruments, etc. Since paper clips are inexpensive, both to manufacture and to buy as a retail item, most are not re-used or recycled but simply thrown away.

The Gem clip has held sway against other contenders in paper clip design for a very long time. All-plastic paper clips came on the market in the 1950s, to some success, followed by plastic-coated clips. In the 1990s a Pennsylvania company began marketing what looks like essentially a giant Gem clip, which can hold more than one hundred sheets of paper at one time. None of these developments differs markedly from the turn-of-the-century design consumers are so familiar with. This leads to the question of whether the Gem clip is already a perfect design, thus leaving no room for improvement.

Where to Learn More

Kalpakjian, Serope. Manufacturing Engineering and Technology. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley, 1992.

Petrovsky, Henry. The Evolution of Useful Things. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1992.

Periodicals

Allen, Frederick. "How Do You Make Paper Clips?" American Heritage Invention & Technology (Summer 98).

"Now This Is a Paper Clip!" Managing Office Technology (April 1997): 16.

Angela Woodward

User Contributions:

Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic:.

The History and Invention of the Paperclip

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Historical references describe fastening papers together as early as the 13th century. During this time, people put ribbon through parallel incisions in the upper left-hand corner of pages. Later, people started to wax the ribbons to make them stronger and easier to undo and redo. This was the way people clipped papers together for the next six hundred years.

In 1835, a New York physician named John Ireland Howe invented the machine for mass-producing straight pins, which then became a popular way to fasten papers together (although they were not originally designed for that purpose). Straight pins were designed to be used in sewing and tailoring, to temporally fasten cloth together.

Johan Vaaler

Johan Vaaler, a Norwegian inventor with degrees in electronics, science, and mathematics, invented the paperclip in 1899. He received a patent for his design from Germany in 1899, as Norway had no patent laws at that time.

Vaaler was an employee at a local invention office when he created the paperclip. He received an American patent in 1901. The patent abstract says, "It consists of forming same of a spring material, such as a piece of wire, that is bent to a rectangular, triangular, or otherwise shaped hoop, the end parts of which wire piece form members or tongues lying side by side in contrary directions." Vaaler was the first person to patent a paperclip design, although other unpatented designs might have existed first.

American inventor Cornelius J. Brosnan filed for an American patent for a paperclip in 1900. He called his invention the "Konaclip."

A History of Paperclips

It was a company called the Gem Manufacturing Ltd. of England that first designed the double oval-shaped, standard paperclip. This familiar and famous paperclip was and still is referred to as the "Gem" clip. William Middlebrook of Waterbury, Connecticut, patented a machine for making paperclips of the Gem design in 1899. The Gem paperclip was never patented.

People have been re-inventing the paperclip over and over again. The designs that have been the most successful are the Gem with its double oval shape, the "non-skid" which held in place well, the "ideal" used for thick wads of paper , and the "owl" paperclip that does not get tangled up with other paperclips.

World War II Protest

During World War II, Norwegians were prohibited from wearing any buttons with the likeness or initials of their king on them. In protest, they started wearing paperclips, because paperclips were a Norwegian invention whose original function was to bind together. This was a protest against the Nazi occupation and wearing a paperclip could have gotten them arrested.

A paperclip's metal wire can be easily unfolded. Several devices call for a very thin rod to push a recessed button which the user might only rarely need. This is seen on most CD-ROM drives as an "emergency eject" should the power fail. Various smartphones require the use of a long, thin object such as a paperclip to eject the SIM card. Paperclips can also be bent into a sometimes effective lock-picking device. Some types of handcuffs can be unfastened using paper clips. 

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The History of Paper Clips

The first bent wire paper clip was patented by Samuel B. Fay in 1867. The Gem paper clip (named for the Gem Office Products Company) is what most of us think of as a paper clip today; it first appeared around 1892. Both the Gem paper clip and the machine that makes it can trace their origins to pin-making. In the early 19th century, office workers pinned their papers together with T-pins. Victorian-era pin-making machines had already made mass-producing wire pins possible. To make paper clips, the machines simply had to be reconfigured to make wire bending possible. Today, paper clips are available in a variety of materials, including molded plastic, wire clips coated with colored plastic, and even semicircular sheets of aluminum that can carry a logo or design. And of course, many other methods of paper binding are still available, including classic T-pins, owl clips, and binder clips. Still, Gem-style paper clips remain one of the most ubiquitous and popular paper-binding methods on the market today.

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The Discreet Charm of the Paperie

A quirky history of pens, notebooks, tape, paper clips, and highlighters..

Illustration by Fumio Obata

It takes a confident writer to begin a book with a long discussion of the evolution of paper clips, push pins, and binder fasteners before even touching on sexier subjects like glue, sticky tape, and pencil erasers. Fortunately, James Ward, the author of the quirky history of stationery The Perfection of the Paper Clip , has a gift for isolating the kind of odd detail that counteracts the human eye’s tendency to glaze over.

Did you know, for instance, that while Carter Hi-Liters are available in a wide range of colors, yellows and pinks account for around 85 percent of their sales? That highlighter pens owe their existence to the Day-Glo paints and dyes that allowed U.S. planes to fly night missions from aircraft carriers during World War II? That during the Nazi occupation Norwegians wore paper clips as a symbol of resistance, or that the British tape manufacturer Sellotape makes half its annual sales during the three-month run-up to Christmas?

The history of stationery is the story of human ingenuity, of oddball geniuses who looked at a product that served its purpose perfectly adequately and saw ways to improve upon it. Ward writes with great affection of the entrepreneurs who risked their fortunes on dreams that might seem prosaic: files stored laterally rather than vertically, or a pen that could write upside down. He clearly admires, and perhaps finds kinship with, these obsessive tinkerers.

Unfortunately, the book is terribly parochial, stuffed with references to brands and concepts that Americans are unlikely to recognize: Silvine Memo Books , the Oxford Set of Mathematical Instruments , Jack Duckworth’s spectacles , “ GCSE maths classrooms.” That would be fine—exotic even—if Ward, an Englishman, would provide some context to orient American readers. Since he occasionally notes some transatlantic differences, such as his repeated observation that unlike their British counterparts American schoolchildren don’t hold much truck with pencil cases, I can only conclude that he doesn’t realize his references aren’t universal. When he writes, “Like the Pritt Stick or Sellotape, the Post-it has become not only the generic term but the definitive term for its type,” you wonder if he has really thought about what the phrase “definitive term” means.

To be fair, stationery is shockingly parochial. It’s no surprise that different brands should dominate in different markets, but everything from paper sizes to the pencil grading system to the number of holes in a ring binder varies around the world. We can blame some of this on American exceptionalism when it comes to weights and measures: Ward notes that Burma, Liberia, and the United States are the only nations that still refuse to embrace the metric system. But the English-speaking world can’t even agree on stationery nomenclature: Brits call thumb tacks drawing pins and refer to erasers as rubbers . (I still remember the look of consternation on the face of the American friend visiting my childhood home in England when the little girl next door offered to show off her collection of rubbers.)

Still, if you’re a reader who can’t resist the charms of British patter, this book is like accompanying Ward on a relaxed ramble through an independent stationery store, one of those old family businesses where they can’t bear to take even the most outmoded items off the shelf. He’s prone to go off on tangents, as in his random disquisition on saucy seaside postcards, which will surely be quite mystifying to readers who have never seen these very un-PC PCs. And his interests are wildly idiosyncratic: He’s got more to say about erasers than pencils, can discuss fastening devices at extraordinary length, and doesn’t seem all that interested in pens. Odd enthusiasms can be delightful, if occasionally frustrating, but some sections—like his flabby, heart-not-in-it paragraphs on novelty souvenir stationery—read like filler designed to pump up the word count.

Photo courtesy Richard John

Even Ward’s cheeky chappy interjections can’t rescue some parts of the book from tedium. (Since his first writing success came from the blog I Like Boring Things , perhaps this is intentional.) During an excruciatingly detailed history of the company that popularized highlighters in the United States, I was tempted to Sellotape the pages together so that I would never again expose myself to paragraph after paragraph listing all the names the business traded under through the years. Ward relies rather too heavily on patent applications (rarely a source of bons mots ) and promotional materials put out by the companies he’s profiling. He occasionally mocks the claims made in these press releases, but he seldom questions them, at least not seriously: He enters into an extended correspondence with Blu-Tack (a replaceable adhesive popular in Britain) about the “thousands of uses” promised on its packaging, but he never questions claims like Uni-Ball’s assertion that its specially formulated ink makes the Uni-Ball 207 “the only pen in the world that cannot be altered by chemicals or solvents.”

My biggest frustration with The Perfection of the Paper Clip is that Ward treats office supplies like obsolete museum pieces rather than practical objects. He boasts about peculiar eBay scores (historical staplers!) and talks about the elation of finding ancient products on the dusty shelves of small-town stationers, but he rarely describes the tactile pleasure of actually using these items. Pens, notebooks, and paper clips are made for scribbling, writing in, and clipping—not collecting. If Ward and I found ourselves together in that old, dusty stationery store, we’d head in different directions—he to hunt for ancient boxes of binder clips whose history he could investigate, while I’d search for a brand new notebook containing paper so smooth it would draw the words right out of me. It’s good to learn about these familiar products’ storied pasts, but analog tools aren’t dead yet.

The Perfection of the Paper Clip: Curious Tales of Invention, Accidental Genius, and Stationery Obsession by James Ward. Touchstone.

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How Paper clips evolved throughout time!

The paper clip is a simple yet essential office supply that has been in use for over a century. The evolution of paper clip has been marked by various designs and materials, each with its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.

The first paper clip was patented in 1867 by Samuel B. Fay, a U.S. inventor. Fay’s design was a simple “Gem” paperclip, which was a thin wire bent into a looped shape. However, this design had a major drawback: it was not very effective at holding papers together and often required frequent replacement.

In 1899, a Norwegian inventor named Johan Vaaler patented a new design for a paperclip. His design was a bent wire that had two opposing loops, which held papers together more securely. This design, known as the “Common-Clip,” quickly became popular in Europe and eventually made its way to the United States.

During World War II, the demand for paper clips  increased as the government used them to bind together classified documents. As a result, manufacturers began to experiment with different materials, such as plastic and steel, to make paperclips that were stronger and more durable.

In the 1950s, the “Gem” paperclip design was reintroduced with a new, more efficient manufacturing process. This design, known as the “Gem Paperclip,” became the most popular paperclip in the United States.

Today, paperclips come in a variety of designs and materials, including plastic-coated wire, steel wire, and even colorful plastic paperclips. They are used in a wide range of settings, from homes and offices to schools and libraries.

In conclusion, the evolution of paper clip has been a constant process to improve its design and materials to make it more efficient and user friendly, it started with a simple bent wire to now colorful plastic paperclips. The paper clip may seem like a small and insignificant item, but its history is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of inventors to constantly improve upon everyday objects.

The evolution of paper clip has come a long way since its invention in 1867. From the early “Gem” paperclip design, to the more secure “Common-Clip,” to the modern plastic-coated and steel wire designs, the paper clip has undergone many changes to become the versatile and reliable office supply that it is today.

One of the major advancements in the evolution of paper clip was the introduction of plastic coating. This added a layer of durability and corrosion resistance to the wire, making it more suitable for long-term use. It also allowed for the creation of colorful paperclips, which not only made them more visually appealing but also made it easy for people to color code and categorize their documents.

Another important development was the introduction of steel wire. Steel wire paperclips are known for their strength and durability, making them perfect for holding large stacks of papers together. They are also resistant to rust and corrosion, making them suitable for use in humid and damp environments.

In addition to the advancements in design and materials, the manufacturing process of paperclips has also improved over time. With the use of new technologies, paperclips can now be produced in large quantities at a faster rate, making them more accessible and affordable for everyone.

The paper clip has also been used in various creative ways, such as jewellery and art, which is a testament to its versatility and design.

In conclusion, the evolution of the paper clip has been driven by the need for a more efficient and user-friendly office supply. With new materials and manufacturing processes, the paper clip has become more durable, reliable, and visually appealing. Its history serves as a reminder of how small, everyday objects can evolve and improve over time.

The evolution of the paper clip also includes advancements in the way it is packaged and sold. In the past, paperclips were typically sold in bulk, with buyers having to purchase large quantities in order to get a good price. However, with the advent of new packaging technologies, paperclips can now be packaged in smaller, more convenient quantities. This has made them more accessible to a wider range of consumers, including individuals and small businesses.

Another important aspect of the evolution of paper clip is its eco-friendliness. With the growing awareness of environmental issues, many manufacturers have started to produce paperclips made from recycled materials. This not only reduces the environmental impact of paperclip production but also helps to conserve resources.

The evolution of paper clip also oversees it being utilized in various industries beyond the office setting, such as in the medical field. They can be used to hold together X-rays or MRI scans, or even as a temporary device in certain surgical procedures.

In recent years, the paper clip has also seen a resurgence in popularity as a symbol of resistance and unity. This can be traced back to the Norwegian resistance movement during World War II, where paperclips were worn as a symbol of resistance against the Nazi occupation. Today, the paperclip is often used as a symbol of hope and resilience, reminding us that even the smallest and simplest of things can make a big impact.

In conclusion, the evolution of the paper clip is not just about the design and materials, but also about the way it is packaged, sold and the impact it has on the environment. The paper clip has evolved to be more eco-friendly, versatile and also has a cultural significance. The evolution of the paper clip is an ongoing process and it will continue to adapt and improve to meet the changing needs of its users.

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WHAT ARE PAPER CLIPS MADE OF? INTRODUCING 6 COMMON TYPES

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The paper clip, a simple yet indispensable tool, has been a staple in our offices and homes for decades. Beyond its primary function of holding papers together, its history, design variations, and materials reveal a deeper story of innovation and practicality. This guide explores the multifaceted world of paper clips, from their origins to their modern-day applications.

Quick Links

● Who invented a paper clip?    

● What are paper clips made of?     

● What are the thick paper clips called?     

● How long is a paper clip?     

● How much does a paper clip weigh?     

● How to use paper clips?     

● Are Paper Clips Magnetic?

● Where to buy paper clips?     

● Explore the Intricacies of Paper Clips!

Who invented a paper clip?

The first U.S. patent for a paper clip was awarded to Samuel B. Fay in 1867, designed for attaching tickets to fabric. While several designs emerged, the modern paper clip we recognize today is the Gem paper clip. It likely started production in Britain in the early 1870s by "The Gem Manufacturing Company". By 1899, the Gem-type design was well-established, as evidenced by William Middlebrook's patent for a machine to produce such clips. Despite many variations over the years, the Gem remains the most iconic and widely-used design, even becoming a symbol for inventive design.

What are paper clips made of?

Paper clips, integral to our daily tasks, come in a diverse range of materials and finishes. Here's an overview of the common types based on their material and surface treatment:

1. Galvanized Paper Clips : Made by coating steel with zinc, this process ensures the clip is protected from rust, enhancing its durability.

2. Nickel-Plated Paper Clips : These clips, plated with nickel, boast a shiny finish. They're not only elegant but also resistant to corrosion.

3. Gold-Toned Paper Clips : While not genuine gold, these clips emulate the rich appearance of gold, often chosen for decorative or special occasions.

4. Plastic-Coated Paper Clips : Coated with plastic in various colors, these clips offer protection against rust while adding a vibrant touch to documents.

5. Zebra Paper Clips : Recognized for their striped design, these clips come in a myriad of color combinations, not just the traditional black and white, making them a playful choice for organizing papers.

6. Rose Gold Paper Clips : With their pinkish-gold hue, these clips are both modern and elegant, often preferred for their aesthetic appeal in contemporary office settings.

Each type of paper clip, while serving a primary functional role, also caters to aesthetic preferences, allowing users to select based on utility and style.

What are the thick paper clips called?

Thicker paper clips, designed to hold a larger number of sheets together, are commonly referred to as " jumbo " or " giant " paper clips. Their increased size and sturdiness make them ideal for heavy-duty tasks where standard paper clips might not suffice. These jumbo clips are often used in professional settings, such as legal or architectural firms, where large stacks of documents need to be securely fastened. While they serve a primarily functional role, their larger size also allows for more decorative and creative designs, making them both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

How long is a paper clip?

The length of a paper clip can vary based on its design and intended use. Typically, standard-sized paper clips, often used in everyday office tasks, measure about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. However, there are also larger sizes available:

1. Jumbo Paper Clips : These are usually around 2 inches (5 cm) in length, designed to hold together thicker stacks of paper.

2. Giant Paper Clips : Even larger than the jumbo size, these can measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) or more, ideal for heavy-duty tasks or for use as bookmarks.

It's essential to choose the right size based on the number of sheets you intend to fasten together. Using a clip that's too small for a thick stack can cause it to lose its shape, while using an overly large clip for a few sheets might not hold them securely.

How much does a paper clip weigh?

The weight of a paper clip varies based on its size, design, and the material from which it's made. Generally:

1. Standard Paper Clips : These are the most commonly used clips in everyday tasks. Their weight is minimal, making them easy to handle and distribute.

2. Jumbo Paper Clips : Given their larger size, they have a slightly more substantial feel compared to the standard clips.

3. Giant Paper Clips : These are the heaviest of the common types due to their increased size and thickness.    

For a clearer understanding, the table below provides a detailed breakdown of the weights and wire diameters corresponding to common paper clip sizes.

How to use paper clips?

Paper clips, with their simple yet ingenious design, are primarily used to fasten together sheets of paper. Here's a basic guide on using them:

1. Holding Papers : Take your stack of papers and align them. Slide one end of the paper clip over the edge of the papers, ensuring it clasps multiple sheets. The double-loop design ensures the papers stay together.

2. Bookmarks : Due to their slim profile, paper clips can be used as temporary bookmarks. Simply slide them onto the edge of the page you wish to mark.

3. Organizing : For larger documents or projects, you can use colored or differently designed paper clips to categorize sections or topics.

4. Alternative Uses : Beyond paper, they can be used to reset electronic devices, mark tape ends, or even as makeshift hooks in some scenarios.

While these are the most common uses, the versatility of paper clips means they can be employed in numerous creative ways, limited only by one's imagination.

Are Paper Clips Magnetic?

A common query, especially relevant in office and academic settings, is whether paper clips are magnetic. Most traditional paper clips are made from metals like galvanized or nickel-plated steel, which are inherently magnetic. This means they can be attracted to magnets, a feature that can be quite useful in certain scenarios. For instance, using magnetic holders or magnets on whiteboards can conveniently secure papers clipped together. However, not all paper clips exhibit magnetic properties. Those coated in plastic or made from non-magnetic metals, like aluminum, will not be attracted to magnets. Considering whether paper clips are magnetic when choosing the right type can help ensure they meet your specific requirements.

Where to buy paper clips?

Paper clips, indispensable in both office and academic environments, can be sourced from various outlets:

1. Stationery Stores : Traditional outlets offering a diverse range of sizes and designs.

2. Supermarkets : Many feature an office supplies section stocked with basic paper clip options.

3. Online Retailers : Platforms like Amazon and eBay provide a vast selection, often complemented by user reviews.

4. Specialty Stores : For those in search of unique designs, specialty or craft stores might have exclusive collections.

5. Wholesale Suppliers : Ideal for businesses or institutions needing bulk quantities. Among them is SYLOON, a stationery manufacturer that, in 2006, distinguished itself with a focus on pin-type products , emphasizing creative and fashionable designs. While SYLOON has since broadened its product range, its dedication to innovation and style remains evident.

When shopping, it's essential to consider factors like material, design, and quantity to ensure you select the right paper clips for your needs.

Explore the Intricacies of Paper Clips!

The humble paper clip, with its rich history and diverse designs, is a testament to the beauty of functional innovation. As you delve deeper into understanding this everyday essential, consider SYLOON, a leader in fashionable stationery design. With a commitment to both form and function, SYLOON ensures that your paper clip needs are met with style and precision. Trust in a brand that understands the blend of history, design, and utility. Choose SYLOON for your next stationery adventure.

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Paper Clip Strategy: Boosting Productivity and Organization

This guide will walk you through the essential elements of using paper clip strategy - the productivity method to keep your team productive and engaged.

The paper clip strategy is an innovative approach to enhancing productivity and organization by employing simple yet effective methods. In today's fast-paced work environment, where digital clutter and distractions abound, the paper clip strategy offers a refreshing solution to streamline tasks and optimize workflow.

What is the Paper Clip Strategy in the Context of Productivity?

The paper clip strategy is a methodology centered around the concept of visual and tactile organization. It involves using physical paper clips or digital equivalents to represent and manage tasks, projects, or information. By employing this strategy, individuals can visually categorize, prioritize, and track their activities, thereby boosting productivity and reducing mental clutter.

Understanding the Origin of the Paper Clip Strategy

The paper clip strategy originated from the idea of using a physical paper clip as a visual cue to remind individuals of specific tasks or projects. This simple yet effective approach gained traction as a practical organizational method that resonated with individuals seeking to simplify their workflow and improve their productivity.

Who Can Benefit from the Paper Clip Strategy?

The paper clip strategy is beneficial for a wide range of individuals across various professions and industries. It is particularly advantageous for:

Entrepreneurs : Entrepreneurs juggling multiple responsibilities can leverage the paper clip strategy to efficiently manage their ventures and prioritize tasks.

Students : Students can utilize this strategy to categorize and prioritize study materials, assignments, and projects, leading to better organization and enhanced academic performance.

Professionals : Professionals in diverse fields, such as project management, consulting, and creative arts, can employ the paper clip strategy to optimize their workflows and improve time management.

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Exploring the Pros and Cons of the Paper Clip Strategy

Simplicity : The paper clip strategy's uncomplicated nature makes it accessible and easy to implement for individuals at any organizational skill level.

Visual Organization : By representing tasks or projects with paper clips, individuals benefit from a visual and tactile approach to organization, aiding in task prioritization and completion tracking.

Flexibility : Whether physical paper clips, kanban boards, or digital tools, the strategy allows for flexibility in adapting to various preferences and work environments.

Reduced Cognitive Load : The visual representation of tasks with paper clips can alleviate mental burden and decision fatigue, enabling individuals to focus on critical activities.

Physical Limitations : In digital work environments, the physicality of the paper clip strategy may pose challenges, necessitating the use of digital organizational tools.

Over-reliance on Visual Cues : Dependency on visual cues alone may lead to neglect of other essential organizational and productivity methods.

Maintenance Effort : Regular upkeep of the paper clip organization may require consistent effort and attention to ensure its effectiveness.

Getting Started with the Paper Clip Strategy

To embark on the paper clip strategy journey and unlock its productivity potential, consider the following steps:

Identify Areas for Application : Determine the tasks or projects within your workflow that would benefit from the visual and tactile organization provided by the paper clip strategy.

Select Your Medium : Choose between physical paper clips, digital tools, or software solutions to best implement the paper clip strategy based on your work environment and preferences.

Create a Categorization System : Establish a system for utilizing different colored paper clips or digital labels to represent categories, priorities, or status of tasks or projects.

Designate a Workspace : Dedicate a physical area or digital platform where you will arrange and display your paper clips to serve as a visual organizational framework.

Regular Review and Adjustments : Schedule routine reviews to reorganize, update, and reprioritize the representation of tasks or projects using the paper clip strategy.

Step-by-Step Guide for Implementing the Paper Clip Strategy

Organizing tasks with physical paper clips.

Gather Necessary Supplies : Collect an assortment of paper clips in various colors and sizes to differentiate between tasks or projects.

Define Categories : Designate specific categories or priorities to correspond with different colors of paper clips, such as urgent tasks, pending projects, or completed assignments.

Assign and Display : Attach the paper clips to a designated board or surface, arranging them according to the established categories and priorities.

Tracking Progress : Regularly update and move paper clips based on task status, providing a visual representation of progress and pending actions.

Implementing the Paper Clip Strategy Digitally

Select Digital Tools : Choose from an array of productivity and organizational software or applications that offer digital alternatives to the paper clip strategy.

Digital Representation : Utilize the software to visually represent tasks or projects with labels, colors, or status indicators, simulating the paper clip approach in a digital environment.

Dynamic Adaptation : Leverage the flexibility of digital solutions to easily modify and update task representations as priorities shift or projects evolve.

Integration with Workflows : Integrate the digital paper clip strategy seamlessly into your existing digital workflows, ensuring continuity and synergy with other productivity tools.

Actionable Tips for Embracing the Paper Clip Strategy

Leverage Color Coding : Assign specific meanings to different colors of paper clips or digital labels to convey priorities, deadlines, or task categories at a glance.

Regular Maintenance : Dedicate time for periodic reviews and adjustments to keep the paper clip organization system aligned with your evolving workload and objectives.

Visual Display : Ensure your paper clip display, whether physical or digital, is positioned in a prominent and accessible location to serve as a constant visual reminder and organizational aid.

3 Pro Tips to Uplift Employee Engagement & Productivity | Lark Blog

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Do's and Dont's

The paper clip strategy offers a practical and tangible approach to optimizing productivity and organization in today's dynamic work landscape. By leveraging the visual and tactile representation of tasks or projects, individuals can effectively streamline their workflows, minimize mental clutter, and prioritize critical activities. Whether through the traditional use of physical paper clips or digital alternatives, the paper clip strategy presents a versatile and accessible solution for individuals striving to enhance their productivity and efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How frequently should i update the representation of tasks with paper clips.

It is advisable to schedule regular reviews, ideally on a weekly basis, to ensure that the representation of tasks accurately reflects their current status and priority levels.

Can the paper clip strategy be applied in collaborative work environments?

Yes, the paper clip strategy is adaptable to collaborative settings. By establishing shared visual cues and categorization systems, teams can benefit from improved organization and task visibility.

What if I prefer digital tools over physical paper clips for organization?

Digital alternatives to the paper clip strategy offer the same principles of visual representation and categorization, allowing individuals to seamlessly adapt the strategy to their preferred digital platforms.

Is the paper clip strategy suitable for long-term project management?

The paper clip strategy can be effectively applied to long-term projects by providing a visual roadmap and progress tracker, enabling individuals to manage complex tasks with enhanced clarity and organization.

Can I combine the paper clip strategy with other productivity methodologies?

Absolutely, the paper clip strategy can complement and enhance existing productivity methodologies, providing an additional layer of visual organization and task management.

In conclusion, the paper clip strategy exudes simplicity and effectiveness as a productivity and organizational tool, offering individuals a tangible and practical approach to managing tasks and projects. Whether through the tactile use of physical paper clips or digital adaptations, this strategy empowers individuals to declutter their workflows, prioritize effectively, and achieve heightened productivity.

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How to Use a Paper Clip in Many Ways

Last Updated: June 19, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Robert Vallelunga . Robert Vallelunga is a Locksmith and the Owner of ACME Locksmith in the Phoenix Metro Area. Robert has over 15 years of experience in the industry and specializes in working with automotive ignitions, locks, keys, and master key systems. Robert and the team at ACME are the #1 Rated Phoenix Locksmith Service and the Winner of the Better Business Bureau Ethics Award. Robert has his Residential & Commercial Contractor’s License and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Arizona State University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 127,309 times.

Paper clips are traditionally used to, well, clip together paper. But, there are plenty more creative and practical ways to make use of this common (and wonderfully inexpensive) office supply. When you take advantage of its small size, strong metal wire, and convenient bending ability, a simple paper clip can become anything from a handy tool to a work of art.

Using Paper Clips as Tools

• If you’re feeling adventurous, reshape your paper clip into a heart-shaped holder. It’ll lend a little love and excitement to your bundles. [1] X Research source

• This is also a useful way to prepare a hem to resew it. Using paper clips around the edge will help ensure that your hem is even all the way around.

• This is an easy and cheap way to hang everything from ornaments to strings of lights to wall decor. Just be sure that whatever you’re hanging is light enough that it won’t break the paper clip with its weight.
• You can even reshape the paper clip into a miniature clothes hanger.

• You can either fold the open edge of a bag over and clip it closed or unbend your paper clip to use it like a twisty tie.

• To open a padlock, you’ll need two paper clips, one unbent to be completely straight and the other bent into an “L” shape.
• Insert the straight clip into the very top of the keyhole (where the jagged edge of your key would normally go), and the L-shaped clip into the bottom. Then, you need to swiftly and firmly pull the top clip out while firmly twisting the bottom clip in the same direction as you would your key. It’s tricky to get the action exactly right, so it may take a few tries.

Crafting with Paper Clips

• Be sure that you're using a paper clip made from a substantial wire that it can hold the weight of your key(s).
• You should also be sure that the two loops of wire are as tight or close together as possible so that your key will not slip off. If you are worried about losing your key, twist the two ends of your paper clip around the loops a few times to prevent them from opening up.

• You can also add colorful flare and help mark your spot by tying a tassel to the end made from knotting together a bundle of ribbon, string, or sewing floss.

• The easiest style is a chain necklace or bracelet made from linking together multiple clips to achieve the length you want. Either attach the open ends together or twist together your clips into interlocking spirals.
• Experiment by making long necklaces and bracelets with multiple loops of different colors.
• Try decorating your jewelry with beads, ribbons, colorful paper wrapped around each clip with glue, or whatever else strikes your fancy!

• Try using multicolored paper clips to introduce multiple hues into your sculpture. Doing so can make it more vibrant or help you better represent the object you’re portraying, like a flower with red petals and green leaves.

• Try out designs that take advantage of the typical shape of a paper clip. For instance, the shape of the paper clip works really well to form the body and wings of an angel with a bead for a head. It also lends itself perfectly to being the blades on a pair of ice skates cut out from paper or felt. [12] X Research source
• Paper clips are likewise ideal for attaching ornaments to ribbons so that they can be easily hung up for display.

Expert Q&A

• Be creative! Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Keep paper clips of many different sizes and colors on hand to maximize your possibilities. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

• Since they’re made of metal and sometimes have sharp edges, paper clips can be dangerous for kids to use. If you’re doing any of these activities with young children, be sure to supervise them closely. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about unlocking a safe, check out our in-depth interview with Robert Vallelunga .

• ↑ http://wonderfuldiy.com/paper-clips-crafts/
• ↑ http://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g2928/paper-clip-tricks/
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxUI5WKDr7s
• ↑ http://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/a1883/how-to-pick-a-lock/
• ↑ http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/paper-clip-bookmarks/
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRQYkiV6mZ4
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsNb7awWnTY

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Quill And Fox

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Amber Robertson

Amber Robertson is the founder of Quill and Fox. A creative writing studio that helps people find their voice and share their stories. Amber is also a published author, with her first book slated for release in 2020. She loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, writing, and traveling. When Amber was younger, she loved to write short stories and plays. But somewhere along the way, she lost touch with her creativity. It wasn’t until she became a mom that she realized how important it was to share her stories—both the good and the bad—with the people she loves most. That’s when Quill and Fox was born. Amber is passionate about helping others find their voice and share their stories. She believes that every person has a story worth telling, and it’s her mission to help them tell it in a way that is authentic and true to themselves

What Are Paper Clips Made Of?

Table of Contents

Introduction

Paper clips are an essential part of our daily lives, used to hold papers together and keep them organised. However, have you ever wondered what paper clips are made of? In this article, we will explore the materials used to make paper clips and their properties.

Paper clips come in various shapes and sizes, but their primary function remains the same. They are used to keep papers together, preventing them from getting lost or mixed up. The invention of the paper clip dates back to the 19th century, where it was patented by Samuel B. Fay. Since then, paper clips have undergone various changes, but their importance remains unchanged.

Materials Used to Make Paper Clips

Paper clips are made from a variety of materials, depending on the intended use, durability, and cost. The most common materials used to make paper clips are steel, plastic, and wire.

Steel is the most common material used in making paper clips. It is strong, durable, and can be easily shaped into various shapes and sizes. Steel paper clips are available in many different grades, ranging from low-grade steel to high-grade stainless steel.

Low-grade steel is cheaper and may rust over time. High-grade stainless steel, on the other hand, is more expensive but is rust-resistant and lasts longer. Steel paper clips are also coated with different materials, such as nickel, to improve their appearance and durability.

Plastic paper clips are also available and are made from different types of plastic, such as PVC, nylon, and polypropylene. They are cheaper than steel paper clips and come in a variety of colours, making them ideal for colour-coding documents. However, plastic paper clips are not as strong as steel paper clips and can break easily. They are also not suitable for holding large stacks of paper.

Steel Paper Clips

Steel paper clips are the most commonly used type of paper clip. They come in various sizes, from small to large, and are available in different grades of steel.

Composition of Steel Paper Clips

Steel paper clips are made from a combination of iron and carbon. The amount of carbon added to the steel determines the steel’s strength and durability. Low-grade steel paper clips contain less carbon and are less durable than high-grade steel paper clips, which have a higher carbon content.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Steel Paper Clips

One of the advantages of steel paper clips is their strength and durability. They can hold large stacks of paper without bending or breaking. Steel paper clips are also rust-resistant, making them ideal for long-term use.

However, steel paper clips are more expensive than plastic paper clips and can be heavier, making them unsuitable for some applications. Steel paper clips can also leave marks on paper if left on for an extended period, leading to damage.

Plastic Paper Clips

Plastic paper clips are an alternative to steel paper clips and are becoming increasingly popular. They are made from different types of plastic, such as PVC, nylon, and polypropylene.

Types of Plastic Used in Making Paper Clips

PVC is the most commonly used plastic in making paper clips. It is a cheap and flexible material that can be easily moulded into various shapes and sizes. Nylon is another type of plastic used in making paper clips. It is stronger and more durable than PVC, making it ideal for holding large stacks of paper. Polypropylene is a more environmentally friendly option, as it is recyclable and does not contain harmful chemicals.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic Paper Clips

One of the advantages of plastic paper clips is their cost. They are much cheaper than steel paper clips, making them ideal for bulk purchases. Plastic paper clips are also available in a variety of colours, making them ideal for colour-coding documents.

However, plastic paper clips are not as strong as steel paper clips and can break easily. They are also not suitable for holding large stacks of paper, as they do not have the same grip strength as steel paper clips. Plastic paper clips can also leave marks on paper if left on for an extended period, leading to damage.

Alternative Materials

Innovations in paper clip materials have led to the development of new materials that are more sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. One of these materials is bamboo. Bamboo paper clips are made from bamboo fibres, making them biodegradable and eco-friendly.

Another alternative material used in making paper clips is recycled materials. These paper clips are made from recycled plastic or metal, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

In conclusion, paper clips are an essential part of our daily lives, and their importance cannot be overstated. The materials used to make paper clips determine their strength, durability, and cost. Steel paper clips are the most common type of paper clip and are available in different grades of steel. Plastic paper clips are also available but are not as strong as steel paper clips.

Innovations in paper clip materials have led to the development of new materials that are more sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. Bamboo paper clips and recycled paper clips are examples of these alternative materials.

When selecting paper clips, it is crucial to consider the intended use, durability, and cost of the materials used. With this knowledge, you can choose the best paper clips for your needs and promote sustainability in your daily life.

Early Office Museum History of the Paper Clip Advertisement for the Common-Sense Paper Clip

What counts as a paper clip? For purposes of the discussion and timeline presented here, a paper clip is a flat or nearly flat piece of metal that slides over an edge of a set of papers and holds the papers together without being bent or pinched by the user and without piercing the papers. A large majority of different paper clip models were made by bending single pieces of resilient spring steel wire. Three others were stamped from sheet metal (Eureka, Sheet Brass Gothic, Proco) and another four (Angell, Utility, Vise, Acme Correspondence) were made by folding small pieces of resilient sheet steel. One (Nifty) was made by bending a wire into a spiral and then flattening it. Recently some paper clips have been made of plastic, but these are not covered here.

When were paper clips introduced? The first paper clip was patented by Samuel B. Fay in 1867. This clip was originally intended primarily for attaching tickets to fabric, but the patent recognized that it could be used to attach papers together. We have found no advertisement for, or other mention of, the Fay design until 1896. In 1896, the American Stationer announced that D. S. Gorman was the New York, NY, distributor for a "new paperclip," named "Clinch;" this clip used the Fay design. Also in 1896, the Cinch Clip Co., Buffalo, NY, was identified as the manufacturer of a paper clip named "Cinch," which also used the Fay design. It therefore appears unlikely that paper clips with the Fay design had significant, if any, sales prior to 1896.  However, beginning in the late 1890s and for decades thereafter, the Fay design was widely advertised under many brand names for use in fastening papers. In 1918, the brand name "Fay" was used by the American Clip. Co. for a paper clip with the Fay patent design. A second paper clip design was patented by Erlman J. Wright in 1877. This clip was advertised at that time for use in fastening newspapers. A third paper clip was patented by Frank Angell in 1889.

When did paper clips come into widespread use in offices? A patent application filed at the end of 1896 indicated that a number of different paper clips were in use. A flood of paper clip patents were issued beginning in 1897. A 1900 trade publication stated that "The wire clip for holding office papers together has entirely superseded the use of the pin in all up-to-date offices." ( Business , March 1900, p. 173) This evidence indicates that paper clips came into widespread use in U.S. offices in the late 1890s.

With what products did paper clips compete most closely? The two earliest patents indicate that bent-wire paper clips could be used in lieu of pins, sewing, "pointed bent-over paper fasteners," and eyelets. In 1904, Clinch Clips were advertised as "Cheaper than Pins." Around 1910 advertisements compare paper clips to straight pins for temporary attachment of papers. By contrast, early paper clip advertisements do not refer to staples.

What is included in the paper clip time-line below? The Early Paper Clip Gallery below identifies every paper clip that we are aware of that has a patent date before the end of 1902 plus every one for which we have found an advertisement, box, or example (but excluding modern plastic and decorative paper clips, e.g., ones in the shape of a bone or star). Many additional designs that are not shown here were patented. Presumably most of these were not advertised widely or for long, if at all. In the case of paper clips patented before the end of 1902, if we do not have an advertisement or box that tells us the brand name of the clip, we have identified the clip using the patent holder's last name in italics .

We did not include paper clips that were patented after 1902 unless we could find evidence that they were produced.  We used that cutoff date because 13 paper clip patents were awarded in 1903, 10 of them to one inventor, George W. McGill.  Of the latter 10, only three appear to have been produced (Banjo, Ring, Improved Gem).

Would you like to swap, sell, donate, or purchase early paper clips? If the Early Office Museum has an example of a particular paper clip, we put an "X" at the end of the text in the box in the right-hand column in the pertinent row of the table below. We have duplicates of most of those, but not all. We would be happy to swap our duplicate early paper clips for ones we do not have. We will also sell duplicates, and we will purchase or accept donations of ones we do not have. We are also interested in photos/scans of paper clips, boxes, and advertisements (if possible dated) that we do not have to post on the Museum web site with a credit to you. Please email the Curator: eomcurator, followed by @, followed by hotmail.com with the subject line "paper clips".

Early Paper Clip Gallery

Additional paper clips are listed by name but not illustrated in Who Makes It and Where: The Stationers' Book of Knowledge, 1918-19 , Andrew Geyer, Inc., New York, copyright 1916. Also, "You are Cordially Invited to a Preview of the Emanuel Fritz Paper Clip Collection at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.," American Collector , July 1973, contains photographs of portions of several paper clips that are not included above. Because the complete clips are not visible, we are unable to match them to patent diagrams.

© 2000-2016.  All material on the Early Office Museum web site is copyrighted.  All rights are reserved. First, you must not plagiarize our material.  Plagiarism is the act of passing off as your own the words, photographs, or other work of someone else.  That is, not giving appropriate credit.  Second, you must not violate our copyright, which means you may not use any images or text from the Early Office Museum web site in publications, in direct mailing material, on web sites, in auction listings, or anywhere else without written permission from the Curator .  In some cases, images belong to someone else, and we cannot give permission.  If you make a non-infringing use of information from this web site, please cite the Early Office Museum and provide a link or our web address ( www.officemuseum.com or www.earlyofficemuseum.com ).  If you believe that we have not given appropriate credit for your work or have violated your copyright, please email the curator so we can resolve the matter.

Paper Clip Sizes

Paper clips are everyday items that many of us use without giving much thought. These small, twisted pieces of metal come in a variety of sizes, designed to hold together sheets of paper. Despite their simplicity, the size of a paper clip can impact its functionality and the task at hand.

Standard paper clip sizes are categorized as No. 1 (Standard) measuring 1 inch, No. 2 (Jumbo) measuring 1.3 inches, and No. 3 (Giant) measuring 2 inches in length. Specialty paper clips, on the other hand, come in designs such as Circular, Owl, and Ideal Clips.

This article will offer more insight into paper clip sizes and their practical uses based on size.

Basics of Paper Clip Size Terminology

When discussing paper clips, terms like “gauge” and “length vs. width” frequently appear.

Gauge refers to the thickness of the wire used to make the paper clip. A lower gauge number indicates a thicker wire, which means a sturdier paper clip. For example, a 10-gauge paper clip is thicker and stronger than a 16-gauge one.

Length vs. Width

The length of a paper clip is the measurement from one end to the other when it’s laid flat. This determines how many sheets of paper the clip can securely hold. Width, on the other hand, refers to the size of the looped portion. While length impacts the clip’s holding capacity, width plays a role in its ease of use and aesthetic appeal.

Standard Paper Clip Sizes

When you reach for a paper clip, chances are you’re grabbing one of the standard sizes. These sizes are the most common and have been optimized for various settings.

No. 1 Size (Standard)

The No. 1 size, often just called the Standard, measures approximately 1 inch in length. Made with a wire gauge typically ranging between 16 to 18, it’s a versatile choice. Ideal for holding a few sheets of paper together, it’s a staple in most office and home stationery kits. You can easily find plenty of paper clips of this size on Amazon.

No. 2 Size (Jumbo)

The No. 2 size, known as the Jumbo, stretches to about 1.3 inches. With a slightly lower wire gauge, usually between 14 to 16, it offers more strength. This size is perfect when you have a larger stack of papers, possibly reaching up to 20 sheets or more, that need to stay together. Find the jumbo paper clip size here .

No. 3 Size (Giant)

Towering over the other two, the No. 3 size, aptly named Giant, spans 2 inches in length. Crafted using a wire gauge hovering around 12 to 14, it boasts significant holding power. Suited for hefty document stacks, this robust clip ensures your papers remain neatly aligned, whether on your desk or in a folder.

Pros and Cons of Standard Sizes

Specialty paper clip sizes.

Beyond the standard clips that many are familiar with, there’s a realm of specialty paper clips designed for distinct purposes. These clips often bring a touch of flair or added functionality to the mundane task of holding papers together.

Circular Paper Clips

These aren’t your typical straight-lined clips. Circular paper clips, as the name suggests, sport a round design. Their shape provides an even distribution of pressure, making them less likely to cause creases or damage to your documents. They can hold roughly 10-15 sheets, and due to their unique look, they’re also a popular choice for crafting projects or as bookmarks.

Owl clips stand out with their distinct “owl eyes” design. This isn’t just for show; the double-loop design grants them superior holding strength without increased wire thickness. They’re adept at gripping larger stacks of paper firmly, making them a favorite in environments where document security is a priority.

Ideal Clips

Ideal clips are known for their triangular shape and a tight grip. Their design allows users to easily add or remove papers without disturbing the rest of the stack. With their strong grip, they’re perfect for keeping together documents that undergo frequent handling, such as reports or presentations.

Pros and Cons of Specialty Sizes

How to choose one paper clip size over another.

While paper clips are straightforward devices, the choice of size can impact their efficiency.

1. Your Document Thickness

The primary function of a paper clip is to bind sheets together. Naturally, the thickness of your documents is a decisive factor.

• Few Sheets (1-10) : A No. 1 size (Standard) is usually sufficient for daily tasks like grouping bills or a few printouts.
• Moderate Stack (10-20) : For slightly thicker stacks, a No. 2 (Jumbo) size is more appropriate, offering a secure grip without being overbearing.
• Hefty Bundles (20+) : For extensive reports or manuscript drafts, a No. 3 (Giant) or a robust specialty clip, like the Owl clip, might be the best fit.

2. Frequency of Access

How often you access the papers can also guide your choice.

• Infrequent Access : If you’re archiving documents or storing them for extended periods, a sturdy clip that offers long-term grip, like the Giant or Ideal clip, can be advantageous.
• Regular Handling : For documents accessed regularly, like ongoing project files, clips that allow easy addition or removal of sheets, such as the Ideal clip, are more suitable.

3. Aesthetic Preferences

Sometimes, the choice of a paper clip is less about function and more about form.

• Professional Settings : In business environments, a clean, understated look might be preferred. Standard sizes, especially in silver or muted colors, are often the go-to.
• Creative or Informal Settings : For those looking to add a bit of flair or personality, specialty clips like the Circular ones or ones with decorative designs can serve both practical and decorative purposes.

4. Material of Documents

If you’re clipping together specialty papers, such as glossy brochures or cardstock, you might need a clip with a more delicate grip.

• Thick or Glossy Sheets : Using a clip with a softer grip, like a Circular clip, can prevent damage or creasing.
• Standard Paper : The typical No. 1 and No. 2 sizes usually suffice for everyday printer paper.

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Glossary of Paper Terms

Abrasion resistance.

The level at which paper can withstand continuous scuffing or rubbing.

The properties within paper that cause it to absorb liquids (inks, water, etc.) which come in contact with it.

Accordion Fold

A binding term describing a method of folding paper. When unfolded it looks like the folds of an accordion.

Acetate Proof

A transparent, acetate printing proof used to reproduce anticipated print colors on a transparent acetate sheet. Also called color overleaf proof.

Paper made in a neutral pH system, usually buffered with calcium carbonate. This increases the longevity of the paper.

Degree of acid found in a given paper substance measured by pH level. From 0 to 7 is classified acid as opposed to 7 to 14, which is classified alkaline.

Against the Grain

A right angle to which the fiber direction of a piece of paper lies. Folding with, not against, the grain is recommended.

Airdried Paper

Paper that is dried by circulating hot air around it with little or no tension or restraint on the paper. This gives the paper a hard cockle finish typical of bond papers.

Alcohol/Alcohol Substitutes

Liquids added to the fountain solution of a printing press to reduce the surface tension of water.

Aluminum Plate

A metal press plate used for moderate to long runs in offset lithography to carry the image.

Announcement Cards

Cards of paper with matching envelopes generally used for social stationery, announcements, weddings, greetings, etc.

Antique Finish

A paper finish, usually used in book and cover papers, that has a tactile surface. Usually used in natural white or creamwhite colors.

Extra space at the binding edge of a foldout, usually on a French fold, which allows folding and tipping without interfering with the copy

Acid free or neutral paper that includes a minimum of 2% calcium carbonate to increase the longevity of the paper.

Artificial Parchment

Paper produced with poorly formed formation.

A general term used to describe materials prepared and readied for print.

The tops of lower case letters such as: b, d, h and t.

Back Cylinder Pressure

Additional pressure applied through the impression cylinder assisting the image transfer to the press sheet.

The back of a bound book; also called the spine.

Printing the reverse side of a sheet already printed on one side.

(1) A strip of paper, printed or unprinted, that wraps around loose sheets (in lieu of binding with a cover) or assembled pieces. (2) The operation of putting a paper band around loose sheets or assembled pieces. (3) Metal straps wrapped around skids of cartons or materials wrapped in waterproof paper, to secure the contents to the skid for shipment.

Barium Sulfate

Substance used as a standard for white, in lieu of the availability of a practical 100 percent reflecting diffuser.

Baronial Envelope

An envelope generally used with announcements.

A first color used as a background on which other colors are printed.

Manufactured paper that will be further processed as laminated, Duplex Cover, Bristol Cover, or off machine embossed papers.

In typesetting, the invisible line on which letters and numbers set.

The standard sheet size of a given grade.

Basis Weight

The weight in pounds per ream of paper cut to its basic size in inches. A metric system is used outside of North America.

Blender type machine used to pulverize pulp and for mixing additives and color to the stock.

Beater Sized

Process of adding sizing material to the pulp in the beater.

A process of perforating, folding, trimming and eventually binding a printed piece.

(1) Attaching sheets into a single unit by adhesives, sewing, stitching, metal prongs, snaps, etc. The operations that comprise collating, perforating, and folding the elements of a form into the finished product. (2) That portion or edge of a book of forms which is bound.

Binding Edge

The edge where the binding will be done.

Black Printer

In fourcolor process printing, the black plate made to give definition to neutral tones and detail.

In offset lithography, the rubbercoated fabric clamped around the blanket cylinder, which transfers the image from plate to paper.

Blanket Contamination

Unwanted matter that becomes attached to the offset blanket and interferes with print quality.

Blanket Creep

Movement of the blanket surface that comes in contact with the printing plate or paper.

Blanket Cylinder

The printing press cylinder on which the blanket is mounted.

Blanket Pull

The tack between blanket and paper.

Chemical, usually chlorine, used to whiten pulp.

Chemical treatment to brighten, whiten, purify, refine, and balance pulp fiber.

(1) In printing, printed image that runs off the edges of a page. (2) The migration of ink into unwanted areas.

Blind Embossing

A printing technique in which a design is pushed forward without foil or ink.

The sticking of piled printed sheets caused by wet ink.

Blocking Out

Eliminating portions of negatives by opaquing the image.

Enlargement from the original size.

In printing, a type of photoprint used as a proof. It can be folded to show how the finished printed product will look.

Thicker, visually heavier type vs. thin visually light type. Darker type.

Strong, durable writing paper, consisting of wood, cotton, or both, most commonly used for letterheads, stationery, business forms, etc…

Bonding Strength

The strength of the paper fibers to resistance of picking or tearing during offset printing.

A general term used to define papers that are most suitable for book manufacture.

A printed piece bound together, containing a few pages.

A technical measurement of the light reflected back from a paper.

Bristol Board

A high quality heavy weight paper, sometimes made with cotton fiber prepared or glued together, usually with a caliper thickness of 0.006" and up.

Machine trim or undesirable paper that is returned to the beaters.

Broken Carton

An open carton of paper with some of its contents removed.

Sheet thickness. High bulk sheets have fewer sheets per inch than low bulk.

Bulking Dummy

Unprinted sheets of actual paper folded in the signature size and signature number of a given job, to determine bulk.

Bursting Strength

The point to which paper can withstand pressure without rupturing.

Butted Joint

Joining two webs of paper, placing them end-to-end and pasting a strip over and under to make a continuous sheet without overlapping.

When printing, the spots of ink pigments on printing plates or press rollers, due to the vehicle carrying the ink not being able to hold the pigment in suspension.

Calcium Carbonate, CaCO 3

Chemical used as a filler.

Calender Stacks

A vertical series of steel rolls at the end of the paper machine to increase the smoothness of the paper.

Calendering

To impart a smooth finish on paper by passing the web of paper between polished metal rolls to increase gloss and smoothness.

The thickness of a sheet paper, in thousandths of an inch (points or mils).

A book bound with a hard, cover.

For paper manufacturing, the primary component of the cell walls of wood fibers.

Cellulose fiber

The fiber remaining after bleaching and pulping of wood used in making paper.

Center spread

The facing pages in the center of a bound signature.

Chain lines

The lines on laid paper parallel with the grain; also referred to as "chain marks".

Improper drying of ink. Ink vehicle has been absorbed too rapidly into the paper leaving a dry, weak pigment layer which dusts easily.

A type fonts letter, number, symbol or a blank space in typesetting.

Character count

The number of characters in a line of text, page or group of text.

Chemical Ghosting

A light duplication of a printed image on the other side of the same sheet, created by chemical reaction by the ink during the drying stages; also referred to as "Gas ghosting".

Chemical Pulp

Wood fiber cooked using chemicals producing a pulp used to manufacture numerous printing papers and paperboard products. Papers manufactured with chemical pulp are called "free-sheet" papers.

An inexpensive thick one-ply cardboard, typically made from recycled paper stock.

Chlorine and its compounds were commonly used to bleach fibers. This has been mostly eliminated. Virgin fibers are generally ECF, meaning no elemental chlorine or TCF meaning the bleaching is done with hydrogen peroxide, oxygen or ozone. Recycled fibers are generally PCF, meaning they were put back into the paper without the use of any chlorine or its compounds.

Clear Formation

Describes paper fibers that are uniformly dispersed within a sheet of paper -a characteristic of quality paper.

Close Formation

Uniform density in a sheet of paper.

Cloudy Formation

Same as cloud effect; cloudy. Opposite of close formation. Indicates unevenness and lack of uniformity of fiber structure.

Cockle Finish

A rough, uneven, hard paper finish. Most frequently manufactured in bond papers.

A color on the bluish side.

In binding, gathering sections (signatures) in sequence for binding.

Printed bars of ink colors used to monitor a print image. These bars show the amount of ink to be applied by the press, the registration, and the densities across the press sheet.

A mockup of a proposed layout used for presentations.

Color Correction

Any method to improve color rendition.

Color Fastness

The ability of dyed paper to maintain in the presence of exposure to light, heat etc.

Color Guide

Instructions attached to artwork or disc with the location, percentage, and type of color required.

Color Process Printing

Printing done using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks, each requiring its own negative and plate. Also called process color or four-color process.

Color Proofs

Initial printed pieces pulled off the press for final approval.

Color Scanner (electronic scanner)

A scanner that makes the color separation required in full color processing printing.

Color Separation

The method used in breaking down the primary colors needed to prepare plates for printing color work.

Commercial Match

Paper manufactured to within acceptable tolerances of a sample provided to the mill.

Commodity Papers

A classification of low-quality bond and offset papers.

Composite Image

Multiple pictures images placed together to form a single, combined picture.

Comprehensive Layout

A simulation of a layout by a designer to show how the finished art work would appear.

Comprehensive Proof

Final proof presented in the format the printed piece will take.

Condensed Face or Condensed Type

A particular typeface that allows more print per line, as though the letters were squashed at their sides.

Conditioning

Allowing paper to adjust itself to the temperature and humidity of the printing plant prior to use.

Conservation

The preservation and responsible use of our natural resources to ensure they endure.

Continuous Tone

Tonal gradation without use of halftone dots.

Company that converts paper from its original form to usable products such as envelopes, label stock, announcements etc.

Correspondence Papers

Writing papers in attractive finishes, weights or colors.

Cotton Content Paper

Papers utilizing cotton linters. Today most cotton content papers are made for letterhead applications. Papers made with cotton range from 25% to 100% cotton content.

Cotton Linters

The cotton fibers that adhere to the cottonseed used to produce pulp for cotton fiber papers. As a byproduct of the cotton industry, EPA recognizes it as recovered fiber.

On a paper making machine the equipment that helps remove excess water from the moving web of paper prior to the wet press section of a paper machine.

Cover Paper

Durable, heavier weight papers, available in a variety of finishes and colors, used for the cover of pamphlets, annual reports, business cards, etc…

Specifically placed marks attached to artwork that show the area to be printed.

Resizing original photographs or illustrations to a different size.

Cross Direction

The opposite direction of the grain of the paper.

Cross Grain Fold

A fold at a right angle to the direction of the grain in the paper.

Cross Machine Direction

A line perpendicular to the direction the paper travels through the papermaking machine. Also referred to as Cross direction or Cross grain.

Undesirable distortion or waviness occurring to the paper due to the presence of excess moisture or humidity.

Papers cut 8 ½ x 11, 8 ½ x 14, or any other size 11 x 17 or smaller.

Cut to Register

Term used for watermarked letterhead papers to indicate the watermark will be cut to appear in a predetermined position on the finished sheet. Also referred to as a localized watermark.

Cutter Dust

Paper dust resulting from cutting or trimming the paper which can transfer to printing blankets causing problems during a press run.

Cyan (process blue)

One of the four-process colors.

Double-thick" describes a sheet of paper made by bonding two thicknesses of paper together resulting in an extra-stiff sheet.

Damp Streaks

Streaks caused by uneven pressing of drying during paper manufacturing.

In lithography, cloth covered, parchment paper or rubber rollers that distribute the dampening to the press plate.

Water, gum buffered acid, and various types of etches used to keep the non-image areas of the plate moist, and preventing them from accepting ink, in the lithographic printing process; also called fountain solution.

(1) A plain roll situated above the wet web of the paper to provide a smoothing action to the top surface of the paper as it passes under the roll. (2) A watermarking dandy roll is a roll of skeletal structure, sheathed in a wire cloth that has designs, letters or figures affixed to it. As the wet paper web passes under the turning watermark dandy the designs are impressed into the paper and a permanent watermark is left in the sheet.

Trade name for inks and papers containing fluorescent pigments.

The process in which the image is recessed into the paper.

On the wet end of the paper machine the straps or deckle rulers that prevent the fiber from overflowing the sides of the machine. The deckle determines how wide the paper on a particular machine will be.

Deckle Edge

Refers to the feathered edge on paper produced when fibers flow against the deckle or edge of the web. Deliberately produced for aesthetic purposes, a deckle edge is found especially on formal stationery and announcements. A deckle edge can be created by an air jet, or also by a stream of water.

A device on a web press or sheeter used to remove paper curl.

A paper decurling station on a sheeter or web press, used to remove paper curl.

A process which removes ink, toner, coatings and most fillers from recovered paper. The environmental priority is to make this process TCF, totally chlorine free.

The average amount of dirt in a specific size of paper area. Both virgin and recycled sheets have "dirt," although recycled paper has significantly higher dirt counts. The dirt should always be small enough not to interfere with the quality of the finished printed piece.

Delamination

A separation of the paper's surface.

Area of the originating press where the freshly printed sheets are piled as they leave the impression section.

Densitometer

Reflection instrument measuring the density of colored ink to determine its consistency throughout a press run.

Identifies the weight of paper compared to the volume; it is directly related to the paper's absorbency, stiffness, and opacity.

The parts of lower case letters that extend below the baseline.

A design, letters, or pattern cut in metal for stamping, embossing or for diecutting.

Die-Cutting

Male and female dies are used to cut out paper or board in desired shapes.

Pressure vessel in which wood chips are cooked to separate fibers from each other and to remove detrimental particles.

Dimensional Stability

Characteristic of paper to retain its dimensions in all directions under the stress of production and adverse changes in humidity.

Dirt in paper consists of any imbedded foreign matter or specks, which contrast in color to the remainder of the sheet.

Concave rather than flat pile of paper. Also refers to roll ends of paper that are not flat.

Distributor

Company which purchases paper from mill for resale to printers and end-users. Usually a distributor has protected or franchised product lines and territories. Inventory, warehousing, distribution and transportation of product are among the many services offered to paper buyers. Also called a merchant.

Tabbed sheets of index or other heavy stock, used to identify and separate specific sections of a book; used in loose-leaf and bound books.

Individual element of a halftone printing plate.

Dot Etching

Handwork on engravings and lithographic screened (halftone) negatives for correcting tonal values in either black-and-white or color work.

Dot Slurring

Smearing or elongation at the trailing edges of halftone dots.

When halftone dots print larger than they were supposed to print.

Dots, Halftone

The individual subdivisions of a printed surface created with a halftone screen.

Double Burning

Combining the images on two or more films onto a single film to create a single image.

Double Varnish

Two applications of press varnish.

Double-Black Halftone Printing

A means of extending the range of density available with printing ink by printing twice with black ink, using two specially prepared halftone negatives. Also called double-black duotone.

Double-Deckle Paper

A paper having parallel deckle edges.

Double-Dot Halftone

Two halftone negatives combined onto one printing plate, having greater tonal range than a conventional halftone negatives. One negative reproduces highlight and shadows, the other middle tones. This is not to be confused with duotone or double-black printing.

Double-Thick Cover Stock

A cover stock composed of two sheets of cover stock laminated together.

(1) In printing, a press problem that generally occurs when sheets make contact with the blanket twice, once just before the impression point and the second time at the impression point, resulting in a double image. At times, with certain papers, the feeder will feed two sheets instead of one, and when pressures are extreme or out of balance, the blanket may slip at the pressure point, resulting in a slur or double image. (2) In stamping, a double impression in which the second impression or "hit" does not register perfectly over the first one.

Doughnut Hickey

A printing defect consisting of a solid printed area surrounded by an unprinted area.

Duration of an unscheduled stoppage of machines or equipment (printing presses, papermaking machines, typesetting equipment, etc.), usually caused by malfunction.

Register trouble when the dot is enlarged toward the back (nongripper edge) of the sheet. See Slur.

A term used to describe an ink chemist's method of roughly determining coating or ink. The application (by a blade or a bar) of a thin film of coating or ink to a piece of paper.

Any substance used to hasten drying of ink on paper.

Wet paper passes through these large cylindrical steam heated rolls that dry paper webs. The dry-end of the paper machine.

Piercing of stacks of papers in a precision manner with round hollow drills at high speeds. Loose-leaf notebook paper is an example of drilled paper.

In printing, halftone with no screen dots in the highlights or background. Also, color not sensed by optical reading devices. Also, ink colors which will not image a photographic plate.

The color change which occurs when ink dries.

On the paper machine, it is the section where the dryers, cutters, slitters and reels are located.

Dryer (drying oven)

Oven on web offset press through which the web of printed paper passes after it leaves the final printing unit. The drying process, standard when heat-set inks are used, heats the web to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Either gas or electricity dries the vehicles and air blasts drive off the volatile gases.

Drying Time

The time it takes for an ink to become rub- or tack-free.

Page or set of pages assembled in the exact position, form and style desired for the finished piece of printed work. Used as a model or sample for the printer.

Two-color halftone reproduction from black-and-white original.

Laminated paper having a different color or finish on each side.

The accumulation of loose particles from the paper on the nonimage areas of the blanket. Particles are of very small size.

An ink colorant that is soluble in vehicle or solvent.

Dye Transfer

Similar in appearance to a color photograph but different in the important respect that it is produced from a transparency by printing continuous tones of color dyes.

A stable print specially sensitized on two-sided papers for proofing.

ECF Elemental Chlorine Free

Pulp bleached without the use of elemental chlorine. Generally this is virgin fiber bleached with chlorine dioxide.

E.C.H. Will Sheeter

Continuous automatic cut-size sheeter, ream wrapper, ream labeler, ream accumulator, case packer, lidder, bander and palletizer.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which publishes guidelines for minimum recycled product content for use by federal agencies for purchasing standards. Many state and local governments and businesses have voluntarily adopted these. The EPA is charged with most of the environmental responsibility for guidance, direction, monitoring and enforcement in the United States.

Electronic Color Scanner

High speed computer, which instantly calculates the necessary color correction by measuring the original copy.

Electronic Printing

In digital printing, any technology that reproduces pages without the use of traditional ink, water or chemistry.

Electrostatic Copying

Process using an intermediary plate or drum (like Xerography) or coated take-off sheet (like Electrofax ™ ) which is electrically charged to attract powder or liquid developer only to the image area.

Elliptical Dot

In halftone photography, elongated dots, which give improved gradation of tones particularly in middle tomes and vignettes - also called chain dots.

In composition, a unit of measurement exactly as wide and high as the point sizes being set. So named because the letter "M" in early fonts was usually cast on a square body.

Embossed Finish

A finish imparted to a web of paper through an embossing machine. The paper will take on a raised or depressed surface resembling wood, cloth, leather, or other pattern.

Impressing an image in relief to achieve a raised surface; either over printing or on a blank paper (called blind embossing).

In composition, one-half the width of an em.

Encapsulated PostScript (EPS)

In digital prepress, a file format used to transfer graphic images within compatible applications. A file containing structured PostScript code, comments and a screen display image.

End-Leaf Paper

Strong, fine quality papers, either plain or coated and sometimes colored or marbled used at both ends of a book. Also called sheets.

Printing by the intaglio process. Ink is applied to the paper under extreme pressure resulting in a printed surface being raised. Used for fine letterheads, wedding invitations, etc.

Fadeout Halftone

A general reduction in the overall contrast of a halftone, to allow type to be easily readable when printed over it.

Fake Duotone

A two-color reproduction, using single halftone negative, usually blank, and a halftone screen tint for the background, usually in color.

Continuous multiple ply form manufactured from a single wide web which is folded longitudinally.

In printing, distortion of paper on the press due to waviness in the paper caused by absorption of moisture at the edges of the paper, particularly across the grain.

Fast-Drying Ink

An ink that dries soon after printing.

Tendency of an ink image to spread with a fuzzy, "feather like" edge.

Feed Rollers

On a printing press, the rubber wheels that move the sheets of paper from the feed pile to the grippers.

The section of a printing press that separates the sheets and feeds them into position for printing.

Term expressing an individual’s impression of a paper’s finish and stiffness or suppleness.

Feet-Per-Minute

Abbreviated FPM, this term refers usually to the speed of a papermaking machine in terms of how many feet per minute the forming web of paper traverses the length of the machine.

Felt Finish

A finish applied to the paper at the wet end of the paper machine by using felts of a distinctive weave rather than standard or regular wove felts.

Top side of the paper, opposite from the wire side or underneath. The "right side of the paper".

Woven, endless belt made of wool, cotton or synthetic materials used to transport the paper web on the paper machine, during manufacture. Felts act as a conveyor while at the same time removing water from paper as it progresses through the paper machine.

Fiber Orientation

Refers to the alignment of the fibers in the sheet. The degree of alignment can be controlled in the paper making process.

The small strands of wood, cotton or other cellulose product that is used to make the paper. In the premium paper market all of the fiber is lignin free. Fiber before it is made into the finished product us referred to as pulp.

String-like elements that are loosened from the paper fibers during the beating process. They aid in the bonding processes when paper is being manufactured.

Fibrillation

Act of loosening the fibrillae during the mechanical process of beating the fibers in preparation for papermaking.

Minerals, such as clay and other white pigments, added to pulp to improve the opacity, smoothness, brightness, and printing capabilities of paper.

A condition in offset lithography where ink fills the area between the halftone dots or plugs up the type; also known as plugging or filling up.

Maximum width of paper that can be made on any given paper machine.

Fine Papers

Types of premium papers used for writing, printing, and cultural purposes.

The physical look and feel of the paper’s surface. These include smooth, felt, laid, linen and others.

Finishing Broke

Discarded paper resulting from any finishing operation.

First Color Down

The first color printed as the sheet passes through the press.

A strip of paper protruding from a roll or skid of paper. May be used to mark a splice in a roll of paper or used to mark off reams in a skid.

Flash Exposure

In halftone photography, the supplementary exposure given to strengthen the dots in the shadow areas of negatives.

Printing two or more colors without overlaying color dots (i.e. without color trap); individual color matching. This differs from process color, which is a blending of four colors to produce a broad range of colors.

Flatbed Press

A press on which plates are positioned along a flat metal bed against which the paper is pressed by the impression cylinder, as compared to a rotary press which prints from curved plates.

Flatbed Scanner

A device that scans images in a manner similar to a photocopy machine; the original art is positioned face down on a glass plate.

Flexography

Letterpress printing using a form of relief printing ; formally called aniline printing. Synthetic or rubber relief plates, special inks, presses procedures.

To reverse a negative or positive, to bring the underside out on top. A negative that must be flopped has emulsion on the wrong side.

The property of ink which causes it to level out when still a liquid; "short" inks have poor flow, and "long" inks have good flow.

Fluorescent Inks

Extremely brilliant inks containing fluorescent pigments.

Flush Cover

Cover of a book that has been trimmed to the same dimensions as the text papers.

Unprinted page that is part of a printed signature. It also can be a synonym for end-leaf.

An undesirable neutral density in the clear areas of a photographic film or paper, in which the image is either locally or entirely veiled by a deposit of silver. Fog may be due to flare, unsafe darkroom illumination, age, or processing conditions.

A tissue-like material in sheet or roll form covered on one side with a metallic coloring used for stamping.

Folding Endurance

A paper test which measures the number of double (back and forth) folds that can be made on a sheet of paper under tension, before it breaks.

A page that exceeds the dimensions of a single page. It is folded to page size and included in the book, sometimes bound in and sometimes tipped in (pasted).

Refers to sheet size 17x22 or larger. Also, page numbers.

The bottom of a page of printed information.

Refers to the uniformity or lack of it in the distribution of the fibers when manufacturing paper; can be observed by looking through the sheet; a good formation is uniform or "Close", while a poor formation is not.

Fountain Solution

In lithography, a solution of water, a natural or synthetic gum and other chemicals used to dampen the plate and keep non-printing areas from accepting ink.

The unit on a press that contains ink to be fed to the distributing system, and the part that feeds the fountain solution to the dampening system.

Four-Color Process

The four basic colors of ink (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black), which reproduce full-color photographs or art.

Fourdrinier

A paper machine developed by Louis Robert and financed by Henry and Sealy Fourdrinier that produces a continuous web of paper; also the term for the section of the paper machine, which is a continuous "wire" or belt screen, through which the first removal of water occurs. The point of formation.

Four-Sided Trim (trim 4)

After the job is printed and folded, a trim will be taken off all four sides to remove any reference or registration marks and give a clean edge to the pile of sheets.

For Position Only (FPO)

In digital imaging, typically a low-resolution image positioned in a document to be replaced later with a higher resolution version of the same image.

Paper made with pulp created in a kraft process that has removed the lignin. Freesheet paper has more longevity than groundwood which contains lignin.(Newspaper is made with groundwood)

French Fold

A sheet printed on one side and folded first vertically and then horizontally to produce a four-page folder.

The mixture of fiber and other materials that is blended in the water suspension, or slurry, from which paper or board is made; usually about 1% solid material with 99% or the balance being water.

FSC - Forest Stewardship Council

An independent, international, environmentally and socially oriented forest certification organization. It trains, accredits and monitors third-party certifiers around the world and works to establish international forest management standards.

Fuzz (fluff)

Loose fibers projecting from a paper's surface.

Gang Printing

Grouping related jobs using same paper and inks. Grouping more than one job on a single plate.

A four-page insert, having foldouts on either side of the center spread.

Graphic Arts Technical Foundation

Collating folded signatures in consecutive order.

Gray Component Replacement

Gear Streaks

In printing, parallel streaks appearing across the printed sheet at same interval as gear teeth on the cylinder.

Each succeeding stage in reproduction from original copy.

Genuine Watermark

Watermark made with a dandy roll.

Ghost Halftone

A light halftone that may be overprinted with solid copy.

Ghost images are unwanted images that reduce print value. Mechanical ghosting develops during the delivery of the printed sheet and is traceable to on-press conditions, ink starvation, form layout, and even to the blanket itself. Chemical ghosting, which occurs during the drying process of ink on paper, is especially bothersome because the condition cannot be detected until the job has been completed.

To cover the trimmed edges of a book with gold or other metallic leaf.

Brief or magnifying glass.

An ink containing an extra quantity of varnish, which gives a glossy appearance when dry.

Glued-On Cover

A cover fastened to the text with glue.

The process of applying glue to the spine of a book to be casebound, after sewing and smashing, and before trimming.

The classification given to paper due to its unique characteristics, which includes brightness, opacity, cotton content, etc…

Grain Direction

The direction of the fibers in paper.

Term used to designate that the grain of the paper is parallel to the longest measurement of a sheet of paper. The fibers are aligned parallel to the length of the sheet.

Grain Short

Opposite of grain long. Grain of the paper runs at the right angles to the longest dimension of the sheet. Fiber alignment in grain short paper parallels the sheet’s shortest dimension.

Grainy Printing

Printing characterized by unevenness, particularly of halftones.

The basis weight of paper stated in metric terms of grams per square meter and expressed as g/m 2 . Thus a sheet of paper 17 x 22 with a basis weight of 20 lbs. For 500 sheets would be expressed metrically as 75 g/m 2 . To convert from basis weight to grams per square meter (g/m 2 ), multiply basis weight by 1406.5 (a constant factor) and divide by the number of square inches in base sheet.

Graphic Designer

A person in the graphic arts who puts together art, text, and other visuals to produce professional printed results.

An intaglio printing process in which the image area is etched below the surface of the printing plate and is transferred directly to the paper by means of pressure.

Gray Balance

The dot values or densities of cyan, magenta, and yellow that produce a neutral gray.

The number of gray values that can be distinguished by a color separation filter-usually 2 8 or 256.

A strip of standard gray tones, ranging from white to black, placed at the side of original copy during photography to measure tonal range and contrast (gamma) obtained.

A row of clips that holds a sheet of paper as it speeds through the press.

Gripper Edge

Leading edge of a sheet of paper as it passes through the printing press.

Gripper Margin

Unprintable back edge of a sheet of paper on which grippers bear, usually ½ inch or less.

Paper made from pulp created in one of several processes that use virtually the whole tree. Sometimes chemical and heating process are used in the pulping. Groundwood paper retains the lignin from the trees, which causes the paper to yellow and deteriorate relatively quickly.

Gross Weight

The total weight of merchandise and shipping container.

The edge of a printed sheet at right angles to the gripper edge, which travels along a guide on the press or folder. This edge, like the gripper edge, should never be altered or mutilated between the printing and folding operations. It is the shorter edge of the sheet.

Guide Marks

A method of using crossline marks on the offset press plate to indicate trim, centering of the sheet, centering of the plate, etc.; these are sometimes called register marks .

Guide Roller

Sometimes called a cocking roller. Located on the roll stand between the roll of paper and the dancer roll . Can be cocked to compensate for certain paper roll conditions.

The side the press uses to guide the sheet to the exact side toward the operator; also known as operator or control side.

Device that is used to cut or trim stacks of paper to the desired size.

Gum Streaks

Streaks, particularly in halftones, produced by uneven gumming of plates which partially desensitizes the image.

In platemaking, the process of applying a thin coating of gum to the non-printing areas of a lithographic plate.

The blank space or inner margin on a press sheet from printing area to binding.

Hairline Register

Register within ± ½ row of dots.

In photography, a blurred effect, resembling a halo, usually occurring in the highlight areas or around bright objects.

Half Binding

A style of binding wherein the shelf-back and the corners are bound in a different material from that used on the sides.

Halftone Negative Artwork (screened negative)

The negative film produced when continuous-tone artwork is shot through a halftone screen.

Halftone Positive Artwork (screened positive)

A photographic positive containing a halftone image.

Halftone Screen

An engraved glass through which continuous tone copy is photographed and reduced to a series of dots for halftone printing.

The reprographic technique that simulates continuous tone imagery through the use of dots, varying either in size or in spacing, thus generating a gradient-like effect. "Halftone" can also be used to refer specifically to the image that is produced by this process.

Handmade Finish

Paper with a rough finish resembling handmade paper.

A halftone dot characterized by a sharp, clean cut edge.

Another term for casebound.

Hardcover (casebound, edition binding)

Nonflexible book binding made of thick, glazed board.

Paper that has been treated with a large amount of size to increase its resistance to moisture. Slack-sized is the opposite.

Wood from deciduous trees having short fibers.

The amount allowed for the top trim.

A small strip of silk or cotton used for decoration at the top of a book between the sheets and the cover. In hand binding, a real tape to which the signatures are sewn.

On a paper machine, the box that dispenses the appropriate amount of furnish (pulp) into the papermaking process.

The top of a page of text which can be a chapter heading, title line, etc…

Head-to-Head Imposition

An imposition which requires that pages be laid out with the top of a page (head) positioned across the top of the page (head) opposite it on the form.

Head-to-Tail Imposition

An imposition which requires that pages be laid out with the top of a page (head) positioned across the from the bottom (tail) of the page opposite on the form.

Heat-Set Inks

Inks used in high-speed web offset. They set rapidly under heat and are quickly chilled.

In offset, spots or imperfections in the printed image traceable to such things as dirt on the press, dried ink skin, paper particles, dust, etc…

A paper (normally book paper) specifically manufactured to retain a thickness not found in papers of the same basis weight. Frequently used to give thickness to a book with minimal amount of pages.

High Contrast

In photography, describes a reproduction in which the difference in darkness between neighboring areas is greater than in the original.

High Finish

A term referring to a paper that has a smooth, hard finish applied through calendering or other processes.

High Key Picture

A continuous tone photo made up of predominantly highlight (white) areas.

Highlight Halftone

The lightest or whitest parts in a photograph represented in a halftone reproduction by the smallest dots or the absence of all dots.

High-Speed Printer

Computer which prints in excess of 300 lines per minute.

The flexible joint where the covers of a hardbound book meet the spine, permitting the covers to open without breaking the spine of the book or breaking the signatures apart.

An impression from a stamping die.

A term referring to papers that retain much of the resinous ink components on the surface of the sheet rather than absorbing them into a fiber network. Papers with too much holdout cause problems with setoff.

In color, the main attribute of a color which distinguishes it from other colors. See Chroma.

Moisture condition of the air. Relative humidity is the percent of moisture relative to the actual amount which air at any given temperature can retain without precipitation.

Hydra Pulper

Vat with a special type of agitator used to hydrate and prepare pulp for papermaking.

A papermaking process that involves beating the pulp so as to increase its ability to hold water and produce a paper with the proper moisture content.

Hydrophilic

Describes paper with an affinity for water.

Hydrophobic

Describes paper that tends to be water repellent.

Hygroscopic

Describes paper that readily absorbs moisture.

Imitation Parchment

Paper made with irregular distribution of fibers.

In digital imaging, an imagesetter capable of outputting a film flat with 4, 8 or more pages in imposed position.

Impression Cylinder

In printing, the cylinder on a printing press against which the paper picks up the impression from the inked plate in direct printing, or the blanket in offset printing.

Pressure of type of blanket as it comes in contact with paper.

To print other information on a previously printed piece by running it through a press again.

An auxiliary printing unit, usually employing rubber letterpress plates; imprints copy on top side of web and permits imprint copy to be changed while press is running at full speed.

Mailing permit imprints that are preprinted on envelopes, mailing cartons, etc.

Ink Absorption

Extent of ink penetration into paper.

The degree with which paper will absorb ink.

Ink Dot Scum

On aluminum plates, a type of oxidation scum characterized by scattered pits that print sharp, dense dots.

A metal drum, either solid or cored; a part of an inking mechanism; used to break down the ink and transfer it to the form rollers.

Ink Fountain

In printing presses, the device which stores and supplies ink to the inking rollers.

Ink Holdout

An important printing paper quality - the ability to keep ink on top of the paper's surface. An inked image printed on paper with a high degree of ink holdout will dry by oxidation rather than absorption.

Ink Jet Printing

In digital printing, a plateless printing system that produces images directly on paper from digital data using streams of very fine drops of dyes which are controlled by digital signals to produce images on paper.

Ink Receptive

Having the property of being wet by greasy ink, in preference to water.

Ink Resistance

Resistance to the penetration of the ink vehicle; also called ink hold-out.

Inking Mechanism

On a printing press, the ink fountain and all the parts used to meter, transfer, break down, distribute, cool or heat, and supply the ink to the printing members. Also called inking system.

Denotes a production line of machinery, as required for the more or less complete manufacturing of a given product.

A printed piece prepared for insertion into a publication or another printed piece.

Type or design etched into a metal plate as opposed to raised letters as in letterpress.

The extreme strength, degree or amount of ink.

Interleaves (slip sheets)

Paper inserted between sheets as they come off the printing press to prevent transfer of wet ink from one to the other. Also, accessory sheets between parts in a form.

To align sheets of paper into a compact pile.

The flexible hinge where the cover of a casebound book meets the spine, permitting the cover to open without breaking the spine of the book or breaking apart the signatures; also called a hinge.

Proper name for the beater on the paper machine. In the Jordan, the pulp is pulverized, causing the pulp and water to mix in a uniform manner.

Junior Carton

A package of reamed sealed, cut size paper packed 8 to 10 reams per carton.

Fitting a line of type to both margins.

A method in composition of changing the spacing between type; brings the type closer together.

In color printing, the plate used as a guide for the register of other colors. It normally contains the most detail.

In artwork, an outline drawing of finished art to indicate the exact shape, position and size for such elements as halftones, line sketches, etc…

Kiss Impression

Printing performed with only slight pressure. The normal procedure for quality printing.

Kiss Pressure

The minimum pressure at which proper ink transfer is possible.

Partial cut through.

Kraft Process

A chemical pulping process that cooks down the tree to remove lignin, retaining the fibers for paper making. Free sheet papers are made in the kraft process.

Label Paper

Paper used for labeling applications. It may or may not have pressure sensitive adhesive backing added to the sheet.

Laid Dandy Roll

A dandy roll made for the purpose of imparting a laid finish to paper. It is composed of wires running parallel to the roll’s axis and attached to the frame by evenly spaced chain wires that encircle the circumference of the roll. The laid wires are affixed on top of the transverse chain wires, rather than being wove over and under them.

Term describes the finish imparted by a dandy roll which features wires parallel to its axis that impress the paper during manufacture to produce a permanent watermark. The wires which produce the laid effect are situated parallel on the dandy roll and are not interwoven with the traverse chain wires which encircle the dandy roll’s circumference, meaning the cross direction.

Paper that is developed by fusing one or more layers of paper together to the desired thickness and quality.

The slightly extended areas of printing surfaces in color plates, which make for easier registration of color.

Lap Register

A register achieved by overlaying a narrow strip of the second color over the first color, at the points of joining.

Last Color Down

The last color printed.

The drawing or sketch of a proposed printed piece. In platemaking, a sheet indicating the settings for a step-and-repeat machine.

Layout Sheet

The imposition form; it indicates the sequence and positioning of negatives on the flat, which corresponds to printed pages on the press sheet. Once the sheet is folded, pages will be in consecutive order.

In composition, rows of dashes or dots to guide the eye across the page. Used in tabular work, programs, tables of contents, etc…

The ability of an ink to flow.

Letterpress Printing

Also known as relief typographic printing, letterpress printing employs the use of type or designs cast or engraved in relief (raised) on a variety of surfaces which can include metal, rubber, and wood. Opposite of intaglio printing, in letterpress printing the ink is applied to the raised printing surface. Non-printing areas or spaces are recessed. Impressions are made in various ways. On a platen press the impressions are made by pressure against a flat area of type or plate. Flat-bed cylinder press printing uses the pressure of a cylinder rolling across a flat area of type or plate to create the impression. A rotary web press uses a plate that has been stereotyped (molded into a curved form) which presses against another cylinder carrying the paper.

The evenness of a paper determined by the fiber distribution.

Library Binding

A book bound in accordance with the standards of the American Library Association, having strong endpapers , muslin-reinforced end signatures, sewing with four-cord thread, cotton flannel backlining, and covers of Caxton buckram cloth, with round corners.

Maximum number of sheets handled by operator of guillotine cutting machine or by paper handler loading paper for printing.

Lightfastness

The degree to which a paper or printed piece will resist a change in color when exposed to light.

The "glue" that binds the cells of the tree and creates its structure. This product is removed in the kraft process. Approximately one third of the tree is lignin.

Likesidedness

Noticeably similar side-to-side color and finish of a sheet of paper.

Any copy suitable for reproduction without using a halftone screen.

Line Drawing

A drawing containing no grays or middle tones. In general, any drawing that can be reproduced without the use of halftone techniques.

Line Negative

A negative made from line copy.

Linear Paper

A watermarked sheet with lines to guide the user.

Linen Finish Paper

A paper embossed to have a surface resembling linen cloth.

The material which is pasted down on the backbone (spine) of a book to be casebound, after it has been sewn, glued off, and then rounded. It reinforces the glue and helps hold signatures together.

Small fuzzy particles in paper.

The allowance for overlap of one-half of the open side edge of a folded section, needed for sewn and saddlestitch binding, for feeding the sections; also called lap.

Lithographic Image

An ink-receptive image on the lithographic press plate; the design or drawing on stone or a metal plate.

Lithographic Papers

See offset papers

Lithography

A generic term for any printing process in which the image area and the nonimage area exist on the same plane (plate) and are separated by chemical repulsion.

Localized Watermark

Achieved by arranging the design on the dandy roll to leave a watermark at a predetermined place on the sheet.

A mark or symbol created for an individual, company, or product that translates the impression of the body it is representing into a graphic image.

Paper made with the machine direction in the longest sheet dimension.

An ink that has good flow on ink rollers of a press. If the ink is too long, it breaks up into filaments on the press, and causes flying as on a newspaper press.

Degree of permanence.

To fold a sheet lengthwise in the direction of the grain.

A popular style of binding, in which the spine binding material is not glued to the binding edge of the sheets.

Loose Register

Color that fits "loosely"; positioning (register) is not critical.

Refers to papers somewhat thinner than the usual papers of the same weight, having a smooth surface, and which is a "thin" sheet.

Low-Key Picture

A continuous tone photo made up of predominantly shadow areas of the same tone.

Symbol in the paper industry designating 1,000. Usually used to designate 1,000 sheets or two reams of fine paper.

Machine Direction

Establishes the grain direction, which is always parallel with the travel of the paper over the wire.

Machine Dried

Process of drying paper on the paper machine as opposed to air drying the paper after removal from the machine.

Machine Finish

Finish that is obtained while the paper is on the paper machine. Expressed as M.F. Different finishes are obtained by the number of times paper is passed through the rollers, either dry or wet.

Hue of a subtractive primary and a 4-color process ink. It reflects or transmits blue and red light and absorbs green light.

Magenta Screen

A dyed contact screen, used for making halftones.

In printing presses, all work done prior to running; adjusting the feeder, grippers, side guide, putting ink in the fountain, etc. Also, in letterpress, the building up of the press form, so that the heavy and light areas print with the correct impression.

Making Order

A paper that is not available off the supplier’s shelf, but they will produce it when ordered. Making orders for special sizes, colors and weights of paper are subject to small minimums.

The unprinted area around the edges of a page. The margins as designated in book specifications refer to the remaining margins after the book has been trimmed.

In color separation photography, an intermediate photographic negative or positive used in color correction. In offset lithography, opaque material used to protect open or selected areas of a printing plate during exposure.

Mechanical Pulp

In papermaking, groundwood pulp produced by mechanically grinding logs or wood chips. It is used mainly for newsprint and as an ingredient of base stock for lower grade publication papers.

Metallic Inks

Ink containing metal substances, used to produce special printed output.

The tonal range between highlights and shadows of a photograph or reproduction.

Paper which is brand-named by the manufacturer as opposed to the merchant house, which is known as a "private brand".

Mixed Office Waste

Wastepaper generated from offices, such as letters, memos, invoices, etc. which are collected and sorted for paper qualities. This is the major source of post consumer fiber used in recycled papers.

Geometric pattern caused when two screened images are superimposed at certain angles. Occurs when making a halftone from a halftone image.

Moisture Content

Refers to the amount of moisture found in a sheet of paper. Average amount ranges from 5 to 8%. This figure varies from sheet to sheet since paper will emit or absorb moisture according to the condition of the surrounding atmosphere. Moisture loss is realized in the form of shrinkage, which begins at the edges of the paper and moves across the grain causing the sheet to tighten and curl.

Printed in one color only.

In Artwork, several photographs combined to form a composite illustration.

Mottled Finish

Finish, which exhibits high and low spots, or glossy and dull areas on the printed sheet.

Mullen Tester

Device that measures the bursting strength of paper. Sometimes referred to as the pop test or pop tester.

In photography, film containing an image in which the values of the original are reversed so that the dark areas in the subject appear light on the film and vice versa.

Offset papers manufactured with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0 on a scale of .0 to 14.0. Neutral pH factors are built into paper as a minimum value, to increase stability and improve permanence for use in printing of archival records.

Nominal Weight

Refers to the basis weight of the paper. Unless otherwise stipulated by the mill and customer, a tolerance of plus or minus 5% is allowed when calculating the nominal weight.

Non-Impact Printers

Forms an image without impact.

In binding, a booklet bound on the short dimension.

Pertaining to equipment not under direct control of the central processing unit.

Off-Press Proofs

Proofs made by photomechanical or digital means in less time and at lower cost than press proofs.

See set-off. In printing, the process of using an intermediate blanket cylinder to transfer an image from the image carrier to the substrate. Short for offset lithography.

Offset Lithography (photolithography, offset)

The most common form of lithographic printing in which the image area and the nonimage area exist on the same plane (plate), separated by chemical repulsion. To print, the ink is "offset" (transferred) from the plate onto a rubber blanket and then to the paper.

Offset Paper

Coated or uncoated paper specifically for offset printing.

Offset Press (sheet fed)

Indirect rotary press with plate cylinder, blanket cylinder and an impression cylinder.

Offset Printing

Process of printing utilizing a lithographic plate on which the images or designs are ink receptive while the remainder of the plate is water receptive. Ink is transferred from the plate to a rubber blanket on the printing press and this rubber blanket transfers the image to paper. It is sometimes referred to as offset lithography or photo-offset.

One-Up, Two-Up, etc

Printing one (two, three, etc.) impressions of a job at a time.

A lightweight, cockle finish paper used for making copies of correspondence.

Pertaining to equipment under direct control of the central processing unit of a computer.

The amount of "show through" in a sheet from one side to the other. The higher the opacity the less likely that the printing on one side will be visible from the other side.

The more opaque a sheet of paper is, the less transparent it is. High opacity in printing papers is a good characteristic as print from the other side of a printed leaf has less "show-through".

An ink that conceals all color beneath it.

Open End Envelope

An envelope that opens on the short dimension.

Optical Brightness

Optical brighteners or fluorescent dyes are extensively used to make high, bright blue-white papers. They absorb invisible ultraviolet light and convert to visible light, falling into the blue to violet portion of the spectrum, which is then reflected back to our eyes.

Optical Whitener

A dye that is added to the fiber stock or applied to the paper surface at the size press to enhance its brightness.

Orange Peel

A granular surface on coated or printed paper that looks like orange peel.

Out-of-Register

(1) Descriptive of pages on both sides of the sheet which do not back up accurately. (2) Two or more colors are not in the proper position when printed; register does not "match."

Out-of-Round Rolls

Paper rolls that are not suitable for the web offset press because they are not perfectly round and will cause uneven feeding tension.

Out-of-Square

Refers to paper that has been trimmed improperly thus causing the corners to be less or more than 90 degrees. This leads to difficulty during the printing process and often results in misregister of the printed piece. Also called off-square.

Outline Halftone (silhouette halftone)

A halftone image which is outlined by removing the dots that surround it.

Overhang Cover

A cover larger in size than the pages it encloses.

Describes printing when too much ink has been used, resulting in heavy print that tends to blur toward the back of the press sheet.

Overpacking

Packing the plate or blanket to a level that is excessively above the level of the cylinder bearer.

Overpressure

Too much pressure, causing ink to tend to plug letters, especially halftone dots.

Overprinting

Double printing; printing over an area that already has been printed.

Quantity of paper that is manufactured beyond the quantity specified. In printing, copies printed in excess of the specified quantity.

A chemical reaction which hardens the ink vehicle and makes the film of ink reasonably rub-proof . The process of combining with oxygen.

In printing presses, the paper or other material used to underlay a press blanket or plate, to bring the surface to the desired height; the method of adjusting squeeze pressure.

Packing Gauge

a device for determining the relationship between the height of the plate or blanket, and the cylinder bearers.

Padding Glue

A flexible glue used in padding loose sheets.

The number of flexes a book page can withstand before loosening from the binding.

Page Makeup

In stripping, assembly of all elements to make up a page. In digital imaging, the electronic assembly of page elements to compose a complete page with all elements in place on a video display terminal and on film or plate.

Page Proofs

Initial impression of a page pulled for checking purposes before the entire job is run.

Pages-Per-Inch (ppi)

In book production, the number of pages contained in a one-inch stack of paper.

In computerized typesetting, the process of performing page makeup automatically.

The collection of colors or shades available to a graphic system or program.

A wooden platform with stringers wide enough to allow a fork lift to drive into it and lift; used to pack cartons for shipment, if specified by the customer. Pallets are usually not reusable.

Pantone Matching System

Paper machine.

Machine on which paper is manufactured, dried, wound on rolls and slit to appropriate lengths.

Paper Surface Efficiency

Measure of the printability of a sheet of paper which is dependent upon the amount of ink the paper absorbs, the smoothness of its surface, and the evenness of its caliper.

A paper-covered book; also called paperback or soft cover.

A paper used for greeting cards, stationery, etc…which is distinctive from regular stock in that special watermarks and embossing may be used.

Paraded Watermark

(See watermark).

Parallel Fold

Any series of folds in sequence, made in parallel fashion.

Paste Drier

In inkmaking, a type of dryer, usually a combination of drying compounds.

Pasted grades are those grades of paper or paperboard made up of layers pasted together. The process is machine operation used to combine sheets of the same or different papers into a single thickness.

PCF - Process Chlorine Free

Our 100% post consumer recycled papers are manufactured from sustainable raw materials and are processed using chlorine-free practices.

Quick-Set Inks

Those inks that set-up faster and dry faster, usually from top to bottom. These inks are used when sheets have to be sent back through the press faster than normal drying time will allow.

Printing with four half-tone images at different screen angles using four different colors. Usually the four colors would have a color slant or cast towards a selected tone or color; for example a sepia-tone or overall brown slant or cast.

Quarter Tone

In printing, a printing dot that has a percentage that is close to the 25% printing dot size.

Today it is usually referred to as cotton fiber paper. It is made from cotton cuttings and linters.

Pulp made by disintegrating new or old cotton or linen rags and cleaning and bleaching fibers.

Random Watermark

Five hundred sheets of printing paper.

Ream Marked

Pile of paper is ream marked by the insertion of small slips of paper or "ream markers" at intervals of every 500 sheets.

Ream Marker

Piece of rectangular shaped paper used to mark off the reams in a stack of paper.

Ream Weight

Weight of a given ream of paper.

Ream Wrapped

Paper which has been separated into reams and individually packaged or wrapped.

Scrap paper collected for remanufacturing into recycled paper. EPA’s definition for recovered is the most widely accepted and does not include scrap paper created in the initial papermaking process, but does include scrap created in a mill after the paper comes off the paper machine. Printing waste and envelope trip are also recovered fiber.

Recycleable

This means the product can be recycled. This applies to most paper even if it is coated, waxed or other wise treated.

Paper made at least in part from recovered fibers. There is no universally acceptable definition so requirements vary by specific circumstances. EPA requires post consumer content in recycled papers purchased by federal agencies. But the FTC does not require post-consumer content in papers labeled recycled. Most US governments and companies use the EPA standards, but there is no requirement. In Canada most companies use the terra-choice definition for recycle which does require minimum levels of post-consumer fiber.

In printing inks, varnishes, solvents, oily or greasy compounds used to reduce the consistency for printing. In photography, chemicals used to reduce the density of negative or positive images or the size of halftone dots (dot etching).

The mechanical treatment of pulp fibers to develop their papermaking properties.

Reflection Copy

In photography, illustrative copy that is viewed and must be photographed by light reflected from its surface. Examples are photographs, drawings, etc…

In printing, register is the placement of two or more images on the same paper in such a manner as to make them in perfect alignment with each other. When a printing job is in exact register succeeding forms or colors can be printed in the correct position relative to the images already printed on the sheet.

Register Mark

Mark placed on a form to assist in proper positioning of after-printing operations. Two short lines at right angles are called an angle mark. Also, bulls-eye marks placed on camera-ready copy to assist in registration of subsequent operations.

Registration

Alignment of one element of a form in relation to another. Also, alignment of printed images upon the same sheet of paper.

Relative Humidity (RH)

The amount of water vapor present in the atmosphere expressed as a percentage of the maximum that could be present at the same temperature.

Repeatability

The ability to keep photo film and the images thereon in proper register. Repeatability is usually measured in micrometers.

A term referring to printing again from standing negatives.

Chemicals that slow setting time of printing inks.

When the background is completely printed, and the design area is left unprinted.

Equipment which slits and rewinds paper webs into smaller rolls.

Right Side of Paper

The felt side of a sheet, also the side on which the watermark, if any, may be read.

Right-Angle Fold

Term used for two or more folds that are at 90 degree angles to each other.

Right-Read Image

Image similar to the original or intended final copy.

Stiffness, resistance to bending.

Web of paper. Paper wound around a core or shaft to form a continuous roll or web of paper.

Roller Stripping

In lithography, a term denoting that the ink does not adhere to the metal ink rollers on a press.

A size added to paper to make it water resistant.

Rotary Press

Printing press in which the plate is wrapped around a cylinder. There are two types, direct and indirect. Direct presses print with a plate cylinder and an impression cylinder. Indirect rotary presses (sheet-fed offset presses) combine a plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder and an impression cylinder.

Rotogravure

Intaglio process. The image is below the surface of the plate. (Letterhead image is raised the offset image is flat)

1) Ink on printed sheets, after sufficient drying, which smears or comes off on the fingers when handled. (2) Ink that comes off the cover during shipment and transfers to other covers or to the shipping carton or mailer; also called Scuffing.

In printing, an ink that has reached maximum dryness and does not mar with normal abrasion.

Rule Weight

Thickness of lines; hairline rule; medium rule (½ point); heavy rule (1 point).

Runnability

Paper’s performance on a press and its ability to withstand the stresses of a running press unaltered. Not the same as printability.

Saddle Stitch

Binding process for pamphlets or booklets, which works by stapling through the middle fold of the sheets (saddle wire).

Saddle Wire Binding

To fasten a booklet by wiring the middle fold of the printed sheets of paper.

Absence of the short cross line at the ends of the stroke of a Roman letter.

Optical scanner, also electric device used in making color separation.

Point-by-Point electronic scanning of color separations under computer control.

Schopper's Tester

An instrument for testing the folding endurance of paper.

Score/Scoring

The process and the resulting line or crease mechanically impressed in the paper to facilitate folding while guarding against cracking of paper and board. Scoring is essential when heavyweight papers are to be folded.

The ruling used to determine the dots per unit area in developing tonal values in the printed piece. Screens from which letterpress halftones of photographs are made range from 60 lines-per-inch for printing on newsprint to 300 lines for printing on coated paper and premium uncoated paper. Offset halftones for printing on most surfaces range from 133 lines to 200 lines.

Screen Angles

In color reproduction, angles at which the halftone screens are placed with relation to one another, to avoid undesirable moire patterns. A set of angles often used is: black 45°, magenta 75°, yellow 90°, cyan 105°.

Screen Process Printing

This printing process uses a screen of fine-mesh silk (thus the common name silk screen printing) taughtly stretched across a frame. A squeegee drawn across the screen forces ink through the open image areas which are cut-out by hand using lacquered tissue prior to its adherence to the silk. Special photographic negatives are adhered to the screen when faithful reproduction of intricate designs are sought.

Screen Range

The density difference between the highlight and shadow areas of copy that a halftone screen can reproduce without a flash exposure.

Screen Ruling

The number of lines or dots per inch on a halftone screen.

Screened Print

A print made from continuous-tone copy that was screened during exposure.

A halftone film having a uniform dot size over its area, and rated by its approximate printing dot size value, such as 20 percent, 50 percent, etc.; also called screen tint.

See rub-off, The disrupted appearance of an ink film as a result of abrasion to either the wet or dry ink film.

A term referring to the press plate picking up ink in the nonprinting areas for a variety of reasons, basically due to spots or areas not remaining desensitized.

Term often applied to cut size sheets which are packaged "ream sealed", 500 sheets to the package.

Process of allowing paper to adjust to atmospheric conditions of the plant in which it will be used.

Secondary Fiber

A term used for wastepaper, also referred to as paper stock.

A cover that matches the inside text pages.

Semi-Concealed Cover

A cover for mechanical binding that is a single piece scored and slotted or punched for combining with the mechanical binding device, formatting a closed backbone on bound units.

Sensitivity Guide

A narrow, calibrated continuous tone gray scale with each tone scale numbered.

Short cross line at the ends of the stroke of a Roman letter.

In platemaking, the distance from the front edge of the press plate to the image area, to allow for clamping to the cylinder and also for the gripper margin.

The undesirable transfer of ink from freshly printed sheets of paper to another. (Also called off-set).

Set-Up Sheet

A sheet drawn in Plate Prep on the Craftsman table from computer specifications; used as a master for the layout and positioning of pages on the job for which it was drawn.

A popular style of bookbinding; in which the signatures are gathered in sequence and then sewn individually in 8s, 16s, or 32s. The sewing threads are visible at the center of each signature.

Sewn-On Tapes

Strips of reinforcing cloth sewn to the spine of the book sections and extending slightly past the edge of the spine; used to strengthen the binding of a casebound book.

The darkest parts in a photograph, represented in a halftone by the largest dots.

To decrease in color strength, as when halftone dots become smaller; opposite of dot spread or dot gain.

A photographic term for perfectly defined detail in an original, negative and reproduction.

To cut a slight trim from bound books or paper, printed or blank.

Term which may be applied to a single sheet, a grade of paper, or a description of paper, i.e. coated, uncoated, offset, letterpress, etc.

Sheet Delamination

Directly related to poor surface strength in that if the sheet has poor surface strength, delamination will occur in the printing process. Sheet delamination could also create a problem of a blanket smash. If the delamination is large enough and thick enough, as the press continues to run, it will create a depression in the blanket, so that when the delamination buildup is removed from the blanket the depression will remain, rendering the blanket unusable. These defects pertain to both sheet-fed and web-fed equipment.

In paper manufacture, rotary unit over which the web of paper passes to be cut into sheets. In printing, rotary knife at the delivery end of web press that slices press lengths.

Any printing press requiring paper in a sheet form as opposed to printing in rolls.

The process of cutting a roll or web of paper into sheets.

To print one side of a sheet of paper with one plate, then turn the sheet over and print the other side with another plate using same gripper and opposite side guide.

(1) A slip case for holding bound volumes of a set. (2) The copper (or nickel) duplicate of type or engravings produced in the plating tanks on impressions in wax or other molding mediums.

Sheridan Saddle Stitcher-Trimmer

A machine used to gather, cover, stitch, and trim saddle stitch books.

Undercooked wood particles that are removed from the pulp before manufacture of paper begins. Sometimes shives will appear as imperfections in the finished sheets.

Short-Grained Paper

Paper in which the predominant fiber orientation is parallel to the shortest sheet dimension.

Show-Through

In printing, the undesirable condition in which the printing on the reverse side of a sheet can be seen through the sheet under normal lighting conditions.

Decrease in the dimensions of a sheet of paper or loss incurred in weight between the amount of pulp used and paper produced.

On sheet-fed presses, a guide on the feed board to position the sheet sideways as it feeds into the front guides before entering the impression cylinder.

A method of binding in which the folded signatures or cut sheets are stitched with wire along and through the side, close to the gutter margin. Pages cannot be fully opened to a flat position; also called side wire.

Section of book obtained by folding a single sheet of printed paper in 8, 12, 16 or 32 pages.

Halftones from which the screen around any part of the image has been removed.

Silk-Screen

Print from a stencil image maker where the ink is applied by squeegee through a silk screen.

Silk-Screen Printing

Another name for screen process printing

Size or Sizing

Additive substances applied to the paper either internally through the beater or as a coating that improves printing qualities and resistance to liquids. Commonly used sizes are starch and latex.

Part of the paper machine, near the end, where sizing agents are added.

Container holding sizing material during the tub sizing process.

(1)A reusable platform support, made of wood, on which sheets of paper are delivered, and on which printed sheets or folded sections are stacked. Also used to ship materials, usually in cartons which have been strapped (banded) to the skid. (2)A quantity of paper, usually about 3000 lbs., skid-packed.

A paper that is slightly sized and therefore will be somewhat water resistant.

Slip-Sheeting

Placing pieces of paper between folded sections prior to trimming four sides, to separate completed books.

A sharp disk which cuts a paper into pre-determined widths.

Cutting printed sheets into two or more sections by means of cutting wheels on a folder.

Slur-Gauge (The GATF Slur Gauge)

A combination dot gain and slur indicator supplied in positive or negative form. It is a quality control device that shows at a glance dot gain or dot loss. It also demonstrates whether the gain or the loss occurs in contacting, platemaking, proofing or on the press.

The smearing or elongation of halftone dots or type and line images at their trailing edges.

Watery suspension of pigments, etc…which is used in coating or papermaking.

Smashed or Weak Blanket

An area of a blanket that is no longer firm and resilient, and that gives a light impression in the center of a well printed area. Usually caused by physical damage of the blanket at impression.

Smashing (nipping, compressing)

The binding operation following sewing in which the folded and sewn sheets are compressed to tighten the fold free of air to make the front and back of the sheets the same thickness.

A press condition in which the impression is slurred and unclear, because too much ink was used or sheets were handled or rubbed before the ink was dry.

Smooth Finish

A finish on paper that has been made smooth by passing through various rollers.

Smoothing Press

Prior to reaching the driers, the paper web is smoothed, if necessary, by two rolls working together.

The flatness of a sheet of paper, which generally determines the crispness of the image printed upon it.

Smyth Sewing

A method of fastening side-by-side signatures so that each is linked with thread to its neighbor, as well as saddlesewn through its own centerfold. Smyth-sewn books open flat. The stitching is on the back of the fold.

A camera term describing halation or fringe around the edge of a dot which is excessive and almost equals the area of the dot itself.

A term that describes the consistency of lithographic inks.

Another term for paperback or paperbound books.

Wood from coniferous trees having long fibers.

An area completely covered with ink, or the use of 100% of a given color. In composition, type set without space ( leading ) between the lines.

Intervals between lines of type.

Spec'd (specified)

Spec'd copy gives details of items such as paper, bindery techniques, type, etc., which have been determined for a given job.

Specialty Papers or Boards

Paper or board that is manufactured, or subsequently converted, for a specific use. These grades usually cannot be used for anything other than their intended special purpose.

The designer or printing production worker who determines the types of paper to be used under various circumstances.

Spectrophotometer

Sophisticated instrument that measures color across a visible spectrum and produces data describing the color of a given sample in terms of the three parameters in color space.

The complete range of colors in the rainbow, from short wavelengths (blue) to long wavelengths (red).

Backbone of a book.

Spiral Binding

Wires in a spiral form inserted through specially punched holes along the binding edge.

An overlapping joint used to join the ends of webs together.

Tab or marker giving the location of a splice.

Split Fountain

A technique for simultaneously printing two colors from the same ink fountain.

Smallest visible point that can be displayed or printed. The smallest diameter of light that a scanner can detect, or an image-setter or printer can image. Dot should not be confused with spot.

Spot Varnish

Press varnish applied to a portion of the sheet, as opposed to an overall application of the varnish.

Spotting Out

Fine opaquing such as in removing pinholes or other small transparent defects in a negative; also called Opaquing.

Spray Powder

A powder used at press to prevent setoff (offset) of wet ink; also called anti-offset spray.

Square Halftone (square-finish halftone)

A halftone whose four sides are straight and perpendicular to one another.

Square Sheet

A sheet which is equally strong and tear resistant with and against the grain.

A term used to describe paper that has been seasoned so that the moisture content is the same as the air surrounding it.

Device attached to delivery conveyor to collate, compress and bundle signatures.

Pressing a design onto a book cover using metal foil, colored foil, or ink, applied with metal dies.

Standards (paper)

Terms used to indicate the manufactured specifications of a paper. Includes color, basis weight, sheet dimensions, and grain direction.

Material used as a sizing agent for paper. Usually made from corn.

Static Electricity

An electrical charge frequently found in paper which is too dry or which has been affected by local atmospheric conditions.

Static Neutralizer

In printing presses , an attachment designed to remove the static electricity from the paper to avoid ink setoff and trouble with feeding the paper.

Steel Engraving

An engraved plate used in relief printing.

Step-and-Repeat

Technique of affixing multiple images on a film or plate to extremely close tolerances.

In multiple imposition on a lithographic press plate, the procedure of repeating the exposure of a flat by stepping it along the gripper edge; side-by-side exposure.

In multiple imposition on a lithographic press plate, the procedure of repeating the exposure of a flat by stepping it back from the gripper edge of the plate; up-and-down exposure.

An ink with too much body.

Property of paper and paperboard to resist bending.

Stitched Book

A popular method of sewing the signatures of a book together by stitching all the sheets at one time, either through the center of the inserted sheets or side-stitched from front to back. A very strong style of binding but not flexible as compared with sewing.

Use of wire fastenings as a permanent fastening for continuous forms.

Stochastic Screening

A digital screening process that converts images into very small dots (14-40 microns) of equal size and variable spacing. Second order screened images have variable size dots and variable spacing. Also called Frequency Modulated (FM) screening.

General term with many meanings. (1) Paper or board that is on hand in inventory. (2) Paper or board that has been designated for a particular use and only awaits the printing or converting process. (3) Pulp which has been processed to a state where dilution is the only step necessary for it to be made into paper or board. (4) At any stage in manufacture wet pulp is referred to as stock. (5) Wastepaper.

Stock Sizes

Standard sizes of paper or board.

Stock Weights

Weights of papers stocked by mills and merchants.

Stocking Items

Papers manufactured in popular sizes, weights, colors, etc. on a regular basis to maintain adequately stocked inventories in mill warehouses.

Stocking Merchant

Paper distributor that stocks in his own warehouse facilities enough paper to immediately fill anticipated orders in the market. This eliminates the delay of ordering from the paper manufacturer, taking delivery, and delivering to the customer.

Stopping Out

An application of opaque to photographic negatives; also the application of special lacquer to protect areas in positives in dot etching; staging of halftone plates during relief etching; protecting certain areas of deep-etched plates so that no ink will be deposited on the protected areas.

Stream Feeder

A type of press feeder that keeps several sheets of paper, overlapping each other, moving toward the grippers.

Describes the "give" of a sheet of paper when it is subjected to tensile pressure.

Stretch Resistance

Stretch properties are essential for paper to fold well and to resist stress in use. Stretch resistance is measured on tensile testing instruments.

Penetration of printing ink into a sheet of paper.

Strike-Through

Penetration of printing ink through a sheet of paper.

String and Button Envelope

An envelope made with two reinforced paper buttons, one on the flap and the other on the back of the envelope. To close, a string which is locked under the flap button is wound alternately around the two buttons.

Substance Weight

Same as basis weight .

A rubber suction cup on machine feeding devices.

Suction Box

Device that removes water from the paper machine by a suction action located beneath the wire at the wet end.

Suction Feed

A term applied to suction grippers which feed paper.

Alkaline process of cooking pulp also known as the kraft process. Wood chips are cooked to a high brightness without fiber degradation in a substance of sodium sulfate and sodium sulfide.

Acid process of cooking pulp. Wood chips are cooked in a solution of bisulphite.

Super Calender

Off machine calender rolls that heat and iron paper to provide a high gloss finish.

Super Calendering

Alternating rolls of highly polished steel and compressed cotton in a stack. During the process the paper is subjected to the heated steel rolls and "ironed" by the compressed cotton rolls. It imparts a high, gloss finish to the paper. Super calender stacks are not an inherent part of the paper machine whereas the calender rolls are.

Surface Plate

One of the two basic types of lithographic press plates; a colloid image is formed on the light-sensitized metal plate by the action of actinic light passing through photographic negatives.

Surface Sized

Term applied to paper that has been sized by applying a sizing agent when the web of paper is partially dry. Purpose is to increase resistance to ink penetration.

Surface Texture

The relative roughness, smoothness or unevenness of the paper surface.

An additional printing over the design areas of previously printed matter to produce such overprints as "Sale," "$1.98" "Sample," etc. Also called overprint.

Same as sample book. A grouping of papers, usually in bound form, that displays the weights, colors, finishes and other particulars of a collection of papers to aid in the selection of grades.

Abbreviation indicating that the paper has been guillotine trimmed on all four sides. Literal translation: trimmed four sides.

During binding, the cutting or adhering of tabs on the edges of pages.

The pulling power or separation force of ink causing picking or splitting of weak papers.

Tagged Image File Format (TIFF)

A file format for graphics suited for representing scanned images and other large bitmaps. TIFF is a neutral format designed for compatibility with all applications. TIFF was created specifically for storing grayscale images, and it is the standard format for scanned images such as photographs-now called TIFF/IT.

A test to determine the tearing resistance of paper.

TCF - Totally Chlorine Free

Includes both virgin and post-consumer fibers that are bleached without any chlorine containing compounds.

Tearing Strength

The ability of a paper to resist tearing when subjected to rigorous production demands of manufacturing, printing, binding and its conversion from flat sheets into envelopes, packaging materials, etc.

Tensile Strength

Tensile strength relates to the stress and strain to which paper is subjected in its many end use applications. It is defined as the maximum force required to break a paper strip of a given width under prescribed laboratory conditions. Tensile strength is usually defined as pounds-per-inch width of the testing strip, or as kilograms per 15-millimeter width. Tensile strength is measured in both the grain and cross-grain directions, however, it is always greater in the grain direction.

A general term applied to various grades of printing paper designed for deluxe printed booklets, programs, announcements and advertising.

Thermography

Letterpress printing in which a special ink, while still wet, is dusted with a resinous powder. Then the sheets are baked fusing the powder with the ink, giving it a raised effect.

Thermomechanical Pulp

Made by steaming wood chips prior to and during refining, producing a higher yield and stronger pulp than regular groundwood.

Measurement in thousandths of an inch.

Shading of an area in a form.

Printing plate with customized surfaces to print solid colors or patterns, stipple line or dot arrangements in tints of inks. Tint blocks are also used to deepen colors in an illustration.

An all-over color tint on the press sheet in the nonimage area of the sheet, caused by ink pigment dissolving in the dampening solution.

Titanium Dioxide

Chemical substance used as loading or coating material to increase the whiteness and brightness of a sheet and contribute to its opacity.

Permissible degree of variation from a pre-set standard.

Characteristic of paper. A slightly rough paper which permits acceptance of ink readily.

Designates the felt side of a sheet of paper. The top side of a sheet is the side not against the wire during manufacture. (2) In paperboard, the top is the side that exhibits the best quality.

Tub sizing of paper which has previously been beater sized.

Translucency

Allowing light, but not detailed shapes, to pass through; semitransparent.

Translucent Papers

Papers that will allow information to be seen through them but not totally clear like acetate.

Transparency

Photographic positive mounted in a clear or transparent image.

Transparent Ink

A printing ink which does not conceal the color beneath. Process inks are transparent so that they will blend to form other colors.

The ability to print a wet ink film over previously printed ink. Dry trapping is printing wet ink on dry paper or over dry ink. Wet trapping is printing wet ink over previously printed wet ink.

Excess of the paper allowed a printed sheet for gripper and bleed.

Trim Margin

The margin of the open side, away from the bind; also called thumb, face or outside margin.

In printing, marks placed on the copy to indicate the edge of the page where to cut or trim.

The final size of a printed piece after trimming.

Trimmed Size

The final size of a printed piece after all bleeds and folds have been cut off.

Machine equipped with a guillotine blade that can cut paper to the desired size.

Tub-Sized (surface-sized)

Sizing added to the surface of paper by passing a web through a tub or bath of sizing, removing the excess, and drying.

Head to foot printing.

Twin-Wire Machine

A paper machine with two wires instead of one producing paper with less two-sidedness.

Two-Sheet Detector

In printing presses, a device for stopping or tripping the press when more than one sheet attempts to feed into the grippers.

Two-Sidedness

In paper, the property denoting difference in appearance and printability between its top (felt) and bottom (wire) sides.

Printing the same page or group of pages from two sets of plates, thereby producing two impressions of the same matter at one time.

Two-Up Binding

Printing and binding in such a way that two books are bound as one, then cut apart into separate books.

A design of letters of the alphabet intended to be used in combination.

Paper not treated to bleaching; it has a light brown hue.

Paper that has not been coated.

Undercolor Removal

To improve trapping and reduce ink costs in the process color web printing, color separation films are reduced in color in areas where all three colors overprint and the black film is increased an equivalent amount in these areas.

Term refers to an order produced or delivered that is less than the quantity specified by the customer. Allowances are permitted in trade practices for under-runs.

Undertrimmed

Trimmed to a size smaller than the specified trim size.

Being uniform in the structure of the paper, the color and finish.

Refers to the combination of inking, plate and impression operations to print each color. A 4-color press has 4 printing units each with its own inking, plate and impression functions.

Ultra Violet radiation method of drying process color inks on high-speed multicolor offset presses.

The drying of UV inks by a light reaction, rather than by heat and/or oxidation.

In printing, solventless inks that are cured by UV radiation. They are used extensively in screen printing, narrow web letterpress and flexographic printing.

Thin, protective coating applied to a printed sheet of paper for protection or improved appearance.

The liquid part of an ink that gives it flow, enabling it to be applied to a surface.

Term usually applied to a paper finish that exhibits a toothy surface which is very similar to eggshell or antique finishes. A vellum finish is relatively absorbent to provide good ink penetration.

Vellum Paper

Very strong, good quality cream colored or natural paper made to impersonate calfskin parchment. Also, the term is often applied to the finish of paper rather than a grade of paper. Stationery is often referred to as vellum. Also, translucent paper used by architects and artists are often referred to as Velum.

Halftone whose background gradually fades away to blend with the surface of the paper.

Paper made from the fibers in their first use, usually from wood pulp.

Virkotyping

Another name for thermography or raised printing.

Broad term that encompasses the properties of tack and flow as applied to inks.

Deterioration of part of image area on plate during printing.

Color of ink falling in the red-orange-yellow family.

Operation between ink/color changes. Time required between ink color changes.

Water Ball Roller

A roller which runs in the fountain solution pan.

Water Fountain

The metal trough on a lithographic press which holds the dampening solution.

Water in Ink

A press condition of too much water, which breaks down ink.

Water Resistance

Quality of a sheet of paper to resist penetration by water from one surface to the other.

Waterless Plate

In platemaking, printing on a press using special waterless plates and no dampening system.

A term referring to the impression of a design, pattern or symbol in a sheet while it is being formed on the paper machine wire. It appears in the finished sheet as either a lighter or darker area than the rest of the paper. Two types of watermarks are available. A shaded watermark is produced by a dandy roll located at or near the suction box on the Fourdrinier. The desired design is pressed into the wire covering the surface of the dandy roll similar to an intaglio engraving. As the wet pulp moves along the web the dandy roll presses down and creates an accumulation of fibers, thus the watermark is seen as being darker than the rest of the sheet.   The second type of watermark, called a wire mark, is accomplished by impressing a dandy roll with a raised surface pattern into the moving paper web in a similar manner to the shaded mark. This creates an area with less fiber making it lighter and more translucent.   Watermarks come in a variety of placement styles. Random, the least expensive to create, is a watermark that appears repetitively throughout the sheet in no particular order. A localized watermark is one that appears in a predetermined position on each sheet. Paraded watermarks appear in a line, either vertically or horizontally on each sheet. A staggered watermark pattern consists of several watermarks on each sheet in a predetermined fashion. (See dandy roll)

Characteristic of a pile of sheets when the outer edges retain more moisture from the air than the center does or when the center retains more moisture then the outer edges do. It is a form of paper curl.

A warping, "wave like" effect in paper which is the result of the edges of the sheet having picked up moisture and expanded to a larger size.

Roll of paper used in web or rotary presses and most often folded, pasted and converted in one continuous form. Also a ribbon of paper as it unwinds from a roll and threads through the press.

Break in a roll of paper while it is on the machine during manufacturing or while on the printing press during production.

Web Offset Paper

Paper that is made to be printed in a continuous manner from a roll. It can be coated or uncoated and must be strong enough to withstand the rigors of web offset printing at high speeds.

An offset press that uses web paper as opposed to sheet fed paper.

Web Tension

Amount of pull applied in direction of the travel of a web of paper by the action of a web-fed press.

Weight Tolerance

Acceptable degree of variation in a paper's shipped weight, usually within 5 percent of the paper's nominal weight.

Well-Closed Formation

Bonding of fibers in a sheet that provides an overall uniformity. Opposite of wild.

Hard sized.

Water or dampness on the edge of the roll can weld or bond the paper together, which will then break on the infeed, a problem easily determined by the press crew.

Wet Rub Test

A test of the moisture resistance of paper.

Wet Strength

The strength retained by a sheet when completely wetted with water; generally, tensile strength.

The beginning of a paper machine that involves a slurry of fibers, fillers, and other additives and is most likely the most critical process area for successful production of the high quality and consistent end product.

Wet-End Finish

Category of finishes such as antique, eggshell, vellum applied to the wet paper web by machine rolls and the presses at the wet end of the papermaking machine.

Wet-Strength

Wet strength is measured most accurately as the percentage ratio of wet-tensile strength to dry-tensile strength. Example: a paper containing 30% wet strength actually possesses 30% of its original dry-tensile strength.

Wet-Strength Papers

Once wet, ordinary papers lose most of their original dry-strength properties. Wet strength papers possess properties that resist disintegration and rupture when saturated with water. Papers are classified wet strength when they retain 15% or more of their dry-tensile strength. Superior quality wet strength papers may retain as much as 50% or more dry strength following immersing in water. Wet strength papers range in weight from tissue to paperboard.

Wetting Agent

A material capable of lowering the surface tension of water and water solutions and increasing their wetting powers.

Whiteness of pulp and paper is generally indicated by its brightness.

Water that has been used in the papermaking process that is milky in color.

(See Distributor)

Unit at the end of the paper machine that takes the paper web from the reel, trims it, winds it into rolls and slits it to make smaller rolls if desired.

At the wet end of the paper machine, a copper, bronze or synthetic screen that receives the suspension of water and fiber from the head-box. The wire moves the suspension along to the dry end of the machine. The wire terminates at the couch roll at which point the paper web is 90% water and can be transferred to the wet felt. In business forms, to stitch or fasten sheets to form a book or fastened set; may be side or saddle wired.

Wire Binding

A continuous double series of wire loops running through punched slots along the binding side of a booklet.

On the bottom or wire side of the paper, these are impressed traces of the machine wire.

Opposite of felt side, this is the side of the paper that was against the wire during manufacture. A watermark will read backward from this side of the sheet.

With the Grain

Parallel to the direction in which the paper fibers lie.

Woodfree Pulp

Chemical pulp.

Work and Turn

To print one side of a sheet of paper then turn the sheet over from left to right and print the second side. The same gripper and plate are used for both sides.

Work and Tumble

To print one side of a sheet of paper, then turn it over from gripper to back using the same side guide and plate to print the second side.

Finish characterized by the impressions of a felt dandy roll covered in woven wire and without laid lines.

A dandy roll without a watermarked design.

(1) Creases in paper occurring during printing or folding. (2) In inks, the uneven surface formed during drying.

Writing Paper

A general term applied to papers used for writing purposes.

Wrong-Read Image

A mirror image such as that appearing on the blanket in offset printing.

Copying process that uses a selenium surface and electrostatic forces to form an image.

Yankee Dryer

A device that dries paper as it comes off the wet end of the papermaking machine by pressing one side against a cylinder that steam-heats it and imparts a glazed finish at the same time.

Hue off a subtractive primary and a 4-color process ink. It reflects red and green light and absorbs blue light.

Describes a transformation inherent to all vegetable fibers which is caused by aging. Paper made of vegetable fibers will turn various degrees of yellow as its environment couples with aging to produce this phenomenon. Yellowing is very evident in groundwood papers and only a few hours in direct sunlight is enough to yellow newspaper.

Zig-Zag Folding

Folding used with continuous forms with alternating position (head and foot). Commonly used to convert roll paper to easily managed flat-back.

• ENTERTAINMENT

35+ Uses For Paperclips

In the world of DIY and repurposing everyday items, it’s hard to beat the paper clip in terms of versatility. Ubiquitous in nature, the paper clip is virtually everywhere you go, making it one of the first items to be looked at when you need a quick life-hack. Need a tiny makeshift screwdriver or a way to start a fire? No problem, the paper clip has you covered.

In fact, since paper clips can serve  so many  different purposes in our day to day lives, there is an actual term for thinking up alternative uses for the unassuming item. It’s called  Divergent Thinking , where a person can look at an item and find multiple uses for it that are unrelated to its intended purpose. Paper clips are at the heart of divergent thinking, as scientists will test your capability to come up with these various functions by having you list every possible use you can think of for a paper clip.

On average, most people can only produce between 10-15 different ideas on how a paper clip might be used. Those who fall under the category of divergent thinkers, though, can come up with 200 or more ideas on how to use this unassuming office supply. Here we have compiled a list of 35 of the most compelling uses for the paper clip. See if your ideas are already on the list!

1. DIY Mini Sculptures

If you like crafting and find yourself with a good amount of time to spare, you might try your hand at mini-sculpting. Paper clips make the perfect material for crafts like this, as they are crazy bendy, come in all sorts of colors, shapes, and sizes, and they only cost pennies on the dollar. Just use your imagination and the sky’s the limit.

2. Make-Shift Cell Phone Stand

Getting tired of holding your phone out so you can show someone that hilarious video you found? Or maybe you’re trying to follow a recipe you found on Pinterest, but you have to wash your hands every few seconds to scroll to the next step. Well, that’s no problem if you’ve got a paper clip or two lying around. With a couple of quick bends to the small wire, you can have a makeshift phone stand in a matter of seconds.

3. DIY Antenna

Another fantastic use for paper clips is to use them as antennas. If you’ve gone on a camping trip but need to make an emergency phone call, you could well be out of range to get a signal. With just one simple paper clip, you can boost your signal enough to make your call. You can also drastically cut cable costs by making a TV antenna to get some HD channels, though don’t expect HBO to be on the list.

4. DIY Bookmark

Believe it or not, unless you’re using junk mail or scrap paper, bookmarks can get pretty expensive these days, especially the cute ones. The good news is that you can make any number of adorable bookmarks on the cheap by using paper clips. With just a touch of hot glue or a few minutes wire-wrapping, you can create a bookmark that will rival the best of them.

5. Paper Clip Toe And Finger Splint

One of the absolute BEST parts of repurposing an item is when you can use it to help yourself in an emergency. That being said, a small box of paper clips should  always  be included in your survival gear, as the uses are nearly endless. One of these uses to make an emergency toe or finger splint. That way, you can keep your toes and fingers intact and prevent yourself from further injuring them until you can get some medical attention.

6. Impromptu Sewing Needle

You never know when you’re going to have to put some stitches in something…or  someone . If you find yourself in a situation meant for the sewing needle, but don’t have one, you can create one using a paper clip. Depending on the size of your paper clip, this can be especially useful for sewing canvas material, like your tent, or thicker materials like the soles of your shoes.

7. Emergency Fish Hook

If you’ve just lost your last hook but aren’t ready to give up on your fish dinner, check and see if you’ve got any paper clips to hand. If you’ve got two of them and a bit of paracord, you can fashion your own treble hook. Not only is this good for fishing, but it can also be used to grab small, hard to reach items. Ideally, pliers work best for straightening and rebending the paper clip into its desired shape, but you can also do this with your fingers in a pinch!

8. Precision Vegetable Carving Tool

With Halloween right around the corner, ’tis the season for all things pumpkin. It’s also the time to pull out all your carving gear. If you plan on keeping up with the Joneses in your wonderful yet creepy carvings, though, you better be prepared to work the details. Fortunately, for the finer lines and holes in your carving, a paper clip will work better than most knives, giving you more control and a more finished look to your squashy masterpiece. Simply sharpen one end of the clip to a fine point for small lines and holes, and use the looped end to scoop out thicker, shallow lines in your pattern.

9. Make Your Own Sling Shot

If you want to pay your sibling back for all the times they’ve messed with you over the years, help your niece or nephew make a paper clip slingshot! With just a couple of twists to some heavy duty paper clips and a bit of rubberband, you can help them hone their aim and nail their target. If their parents want to yell at you for being a bad influence, just explain that it’s an exercise in their fine motor skills and a strong assessment of their depth perception!

10. Lock-Pick

For all of the intricate workings of a lock, many of them can still be picked with the simplest and most common of tools; the paper clip. Their bendable wire allows you to shape them in almost any way that you need to get the job done. So, if you’ve locked yourself out of your home-safe, or maybe just the bathroom, you probably have the fix lying in your junk drawer. Just don’t use it to get into  someone else’s  safe, or you might have bigger problems on your hand.

11. Fashion A Safety Pin

For all the times you needed a safety pin but could only find a paper clip, this hack would have been nice to have. If you’ve got some pliers in your tool belt, you can make a couple of simple modifications to make your own safety pin that works just as well as the premanufactured ones. If you need it to be sharp, that’s no problem either. Just sharpen it with your pocket knife.

12. Clean Your Fingernails

If you’re at the office and realize you’ve accumulated more dirt under your nails than you’d like, the answer is probably lying right on your desk. The thinness of the paper clips allows you to easily slip it beneath your fingernail and scoop out that gunk. You can even straighten the clip out a bit and use the blunt end to reach those stubborn spots, like along the side of your nails.

13. DIY Egg Dipping Tool

If you want to use up last year’s egg dying supplies this Easter but somehow managed to lose the egg dipping tool, a paper clip will come to your rescue. Simply straighten out the clip, and then bend the bottom portion into a loop shape. If you’d like a longer handle, you can easily straighten another paper clip and twist it around the handle portion of the first to give you that extra bit of reach.

14. Secure Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper is arguably one of the most expensive parts of Christmas. You generally tend to need a lot of it, and most people like a multitude of colors under the tree to give it a more festive feel. Needless to say, saving your extra wrapping paper at the end of the year is a must if you want to make your money stretch, but it can often rip and slip when you go to store it. Put an end to those torn and crinkled edges by slipping a paper clip over the roll at each end, and save yourself money in the process.

15. Fashion A Racerback Bra

Is there anything more annoying than going to put on a favorite new shirt, just to realize you don’t have a bra that goes with it? Well, that won’t be an issue anymore if you’ve got a paper clip handy. By slipping a strap into each end of the clip, you can quickly turn your standard bra into a racerback bra. Now you have both the support  and  the look you wanted for only a penny!

16. DIY Motor

Bring out your inner McGyver with this nifty paper clip hack. This is definitely a more intricate use for paper clips, but SO worth it if you’re trying to teach the kiddos about electrical currents and materials. With a few paper clips, pushpins, nails, and electrical tape, you can build a functioning motor that will have your kids in awe. Depending on their age, though, just make sure your kids know not to tinker with these projects without an adult around.

17. Battery Heater

Another, more simple way to display electrical currents using a paper clip is to create a battery heater. You only need three things; a 9V battery, the battery connector, and a paper clip. By simply wrapping the exposed copper in the black wire to one end of the paper clip, then that of the red wire to the other end, the clip will rapidly begin to heat up.

18. Cord And Cable Organizer

There are a couple of ways to go about organizing your cords and cables with paper clips. Of course, you can always straighten the paper clip out and use as you would a twist-tie. However, if you’d like a tidier look, you can use a rubber band with the paper clip. Just push part of the rubber band through the paper clip width-wise, then take the other end and push through the loop created in the rubber band and pull until tightly wrapped around the clip. Use the long loop of rubber band left over to wrap around your cords, then fasten the makeshift organizer by slipping the paper clip through the loop, and the width of the clip will hold it in place.

19. DIY Paper Clip Heart Earrings

Get whimsical with these DIY heart-shaped earrings. All you need is some red thread, two paper clips, and two earring hooks (which you can also make with a paper clip if you don’t have any lying around). Then all you have to do is bend the paper clips into hearts, and wrap any way you like with the thread before attaching them to the hooks.

20. DIY Jewelry Clasp

If your bracelet or necklace clasps break, don’t worry. There’s a hack for that. A paper clip makes for a fantastic jewelry clasp in a pinch. Just slip the paper clip through a link at each end of the bracelet, and voila! You’re good to go. This also works if you just need a bit of extra length on the item, just pick out a size that best suits your needs.

21. DIY Floral Wire

Crafting bouquets of flowers can be fun for all seasons. Unfortunately though, with the onslaught of DIY videos and crafting websites, floral wire has gone up in price over the years. While it isn’t exactly  expensive , when you’re using a lot of it, or if you only need a very little and don’t want to add to your overflowing craft drawer, it can seem like a hassle to have to purchase a whole bundle of the stuff. Fortunately, paper clips work just as great as floral wire, and you probably have plenty of them lying around the house.

22. Keep Gloves Together

There is hardly anything worse than reaching for your gloves on your way out into the cold, only to find that you only have  one  glove handy. A paper clip can easily solve future problems like this. Simply slip a paper clip over both cuffs of your gloves or socks to keep them together. Now both gloves will always be right where you need them (together) and you can grab them in a hurry.

23. DIY Picture Hanger

With the invention of the digital camera, people have more photos now than ever before. Unfortunately, purchasing frames can get expensive pretty quickly, and what fun are photos when they’re just sitting, forgotten, in an old photo album? Well, with some wire or fishing line and a box of paper clips, you can put all your photos on display with this charming paper clip photo hack. It also knocks the socks off of birthday and celebratory banners, by putting favorite memories on display.

24. Reset Your Electronics

Granted, it’s indescribably annoying that the reset button on most electronics is a tiny button inset in an equally tiny hole. Look at the bright side though, if it were a large button near the surface, you’d probably be resetting your phone or tablet a lot more than you’d like, and lose important data every time. Thankfully there is a way to easily reset those electronics of yours without taking it to your local electronics geek; use a paper clip. All you have to do is straighten an end out and you’ve got the perfect size pokey for all your wired needs.

25. Clean Your Keyboard

Has your keyboard seen better days? So has most of ours. If you’re finding that dust in your keyboard to be more sticky than in other areas, you can use a paper clip to clean it. Just wrap some tissue, cloth, or even a bit of tape around the end of the clip to easily clean between those narrow cracks in your keyboard and it’ll be good as new.

26. Use A Paperclip To Put On Bracelets

Every woman who has ever tried to dawn their favorite bracelet without having someone there to fasten knows the struggle is  real . Those women will be glad to know that a simple paper clip is the answer to their wrist-ware problems. Just bend the inner loop of the paper clip upwards and hold it while using the other “hook” to keep your jewelry in place while you bring the opposite end of the bracelet around and fasten it.

27. Start A Fire

One of the most important bits of knowledge to have while out in the wilderness is that of how to start a fire. While it’s true that you technically  can start a fire by rubbing two sticks together, there are easier ways of going about it if you’ve got the right materials. Fortunately, a paper clip and a double or triple A battery are enough to do the trick and small enough to keep with your hiking gear.

28. Clean Your Headphone Jack

One of the greatest conundrums in modern tech has to be the question of the headphone jack. Why,  why , wouldn’t they put some sort of rubber plug or cover over the jack to keep it clean?! Questions aside, the good news is that you can easily clean it out right at your desk with a paper clip and a piece of tape twisted around the end, sticky side out. The blunt end of the paper clip is small enough to slip inside the jack, and the adhesive on the tape will easily pull away any dust or gunk stuck on the inside.

29. Substitute For Flathead Screwdriver

Don’t you love it when you go to change the batteries in something, only to find you need a special screwdriver to get the job done? Yeah, us either. Well, if you happen to be one of those strange folk who  doesn’t  carry around screwdrivers in their pockets, hopefully you at least have a paper clip. You can easily use one of the hoop-shaped ends to substitute as a flathead screwdriver, or the blunt end to use on screws for eye-ware.

30. DIY Wind Chime

Get crafty with all those extra paper clips lying around by making a DIY windchime. You can clip them together to make chains, and take advantage of their flexibility by bending them into different shapes or  around  baubles and gemstones that don’t have any holes in them, and they fit perfectly through most openings on bells or beads. Alternatively, you can use the same idea to make a cool rain chain.

31. Survival Compass

This one is at the top of the list because it could be a real life-saver. If you’re ever lost in the wilderness  without  all the right gear, you can find your way out again by turning that stray paper clip in your pocket into a compass. All you need is a leaf, paper clip, knife, and water and you’ll be headed north in no time flat.

32. Paper Clip Rings

Get twisty with your paper clips and make beautiful rings for you and your besties to wear. This works especially well for costume jewelry because you can get whatever look you want without breaking your wallet. All you need are some pliers and some wire-cutters to get the job done, and you can make them in a matter of minutes.

33. DIY Cherry Pitter

If you aren’t an avid baker or confectioner, chances are you don’t have a tool exclusively for pitting cherries sitting in your kitchen. Before you go out and spend a bunch of money on something you’ll rarely use, try fashioning your own cherry pit removal tool out of a paper clip. It’s easy to do and will get the job done just as well. Just bend out the inner loop and use the “hook” to scoop up the pit.

34. Mark Your Tape Edge

Save yourself the stress and wasted time you spend searching the roll of tape for the edge with this simple paper clip hack. Before you cut or tear a piece of tape, adhere a paper clip to the inside edge of the tape right next to where you plan to make your tear. This will make it easy for you to peel the next piece by preventing the end of the tape from sticking to the roll.

35. Get Organized

Last but not least, one great and simple use for paper clips is organization. There are tons of different colored paper clips on the market now, and they can make color-coding tasks or items super easy. For instance, you can use a paper clip to seal your seed packets and organize them by using one color for veggies and another for fruits. Alternatively, you can clip your coupons and use one color for healthcare products, one for cleaning, and another for groceries etc., making it easy to find what you’re looking for in a hurry.