Have you noticed why the images of exquisite magazines, color brochures, packaging box covers, and supermarket product labels are colorful and delicate? What decisive role does copperplate paper play behind these visual effects? As the main material in the printing industry, copperplate paper is not only widely used in various high-quality printed products, but also plays an important role in different industrial and commercial scenarios. This article will delve into the material characteristics, production process, classification purposes, performance advantages, selection techniques, and future development of copperplate paper, and analyze this seemingly ordinary but actually exquisite paper material in depth.

1、 What is copperplate paper?

Copperplate paper, also known as coated printing paper, is a high gloss and high smoothness paper formed by applying a layer of white coating on the surface of the base paper and then subjecting it to high-pressure light treatment. Its biggest feature is that it has a smooth and delicate surface, high whiteness, and strong printing adaptability, making it suitable for the production of products with color printing, exquisite graphics and text, and high pattern accuracy.

2、 The basic structure and production process of copperplate paper

2.1 Raw paper layer

The substrate of copperplate paper is high-quality base paper, usually using a multi-layer composite structure to enhance stiffness and bending resistance. The base paper must have high uniformity, low grayscale, and good ink absorption.

2.2 Coating layer

This is the core factor determining the performance of copperplate paper. The coating is composed of high whiteness pigments (such as kaolin, calcium carbonate) and adhesives (such as latex, starch, etc.), evenly applied to the surface of the base paper, giving the paper better printing adaptability and color reproduction ability.

2.3 Overpressure polishing and smoothing treatment

By using a calender machine for high-temperature and high-pressure treatment, the coating layer is compacted and the surface is smooth, thereby obtaining the unique glossy texture and printing smoothness of copperplate paper.

3、 The main classification of copperplate paper

Copperplate paper can be divided into the following categories based on different coating methods, gloss levels, and uses:

3.1 Single copper paper and double copper paper

Single copper paper: only coated on one side, suitable for scenarios that only require front printing, such as label paper and packaging boxes.

Double copper paper: coated on both sides, suitable for brochures, magazines, flyers, etc. that require double-sided printing.

3.2 Matte powder paper (matte copperplate paper)

The surface gloss is low, the visual effect is soft, and it is suitable for reading materials with a large amount of text, such as book pages, manuals, etc., providing a more comfortable reading experience.

3.3 High gloss copperplate paper

After special processing, it has higher glossiness and stronger reflection effect, and is widely used in high-end picture books, exquisite advertisements and other printed materials that need to highlight visual impact.

3.4 Special Copperplate Paper

Such as water-resistant copperplate paper, oil resistant copperplate paper, UV resistant copperplate paper, etc., are mainly used in fields with special functional requirements such as food packaging and outdoor advertising.

4、 Performance characteristics of copperplate paper

4.1 Excellent printing adaptability

Due to its uniform coating and delicate structure, copperplate paper can firmly lock in printing ink, resulting in clear image edges, rich color layers, and printing effects similar to photographic works.

4.2 High smoothness and stiffness

Smooth surface and delicate touch enhance the high-end texture of the finished product, while possessing good rigidity and strength, making it easy to fold, cut, and bind.

4.3 Excellent ink absorption and drying properties

The coating layer has precise control over ink absorption, avoiding blurry graphics or ink penetration, while drying quickly, improving printing efficiency.

4.4 Environmental protection and recyclability

Most copperplate paper meets environmental standards, uses water-based adhesives, and can be recycled, making it an important carrier for green printing.

5、 Typical application scenarios of copperplate paper

5.1 Commercial Printing Field

Advertising brochures, corporate brochures, DM sheets, desk calendars, and other materials use copperplate paper to showcase rich color layers and brand images.

5.2 Publishing and Book Printing

Magazines, illustrated books, teaching aids, and other materials are printed on double-sided copperplate paper to ensure clear images and smooth reading.

5.3 High end packaging and labeling

Cosmetics, electronic products, food packaging, etc. use high weight copperplate paper for deep processing such as lamination, hot stamping, and embossing to enhance product quality.

5.4 Industrial and Office Scenarios

Barcode labels, manuals, drawings, sample books, etc. often use single copper paper or matte powder paper to meet the requirements of clear identification and information readability.

6、 Key points for selecting copperplate paper

6.1 Whiteness and glossiness

High quality copperplate paper has high whiteness without dazzling, natural luster, and should not be too bright to prevent "mirror" reflection from affecting the printing effect.

6.2 Uniformity and flatness of calendering

Observing whether the paper surface is flat and free of ripples, and whether the pressure is uniform without bumps and depressions, will directly affect the clarity and color uniformity of graphic and text printing.

6.3 Coating fastness and powder shedding situation

Good copperplate paper has a strong coating, is not prone to powder or paste loss, and can withstand the friction and tension of high-speed printing machines.

6.4 gram weight selection matched with purpose

The common weight ranges from 80g to 250g. Promotional flyers typically weigh between 128g and 157g, album covers should weigh over 200g, and inner pages typically weigh between 105g and 157g.

6.5 Adapt to post-processing performance

Whether it is convenient for subsequent processes such as film application, folding, hot stamping, UV treatment, etc. should also be used as a reference for purchasing.

7、 Environmental challenges and development trends of copperplate paper

7.1 Popularization of environmentally friendly coating materials

Replacing traditional solvent based materials with water-based coatings and bio based adhesives is an important direction for the green upgrade of copperplate paper.

7.2 Application of Degradable Substrate

Some high-end copperplate paper has adopted new materials such as PLA and biodegradable fibers, which helps to achieve sustainable development in the packaging field.

7.3 Enhanced adaptability of digital printing

In order to match digital printing machines, copperplate paper is improving its surface charge and ink absorption performance, making it more suitable for personalized, small batch, and high-speed printing needs.

7.4 Rise of Low Weight High Performance Products

On the premise of ensuring strength and printing quality, reducing paper weight to reduce raw material consumption is in line with the global trend of energy conservation and carbon reduction.