Printing on thin paper can present a range of challenges, including wrinkles, shrinkage, curling, static electricity, and paper breakage. In this article, we will discuss the causes of these problems and suggest solutions to help overcome them.

 

1. Wrinkles:


The most common issue when printing on thin paper is the formation of wrinkles along the paper's direction of travel. This problem is more likely to occur with wider machines and thinner paper.

Causes:

  • Excessive tension in certain areas of the machine
  • Misaligned guiding rollers
  • Foreign objects on the surface of guiding rollers

Solutions:

  • Reduce tension in all parts of the machine
  • Purchase rollers that are suitable for printing on thin paper


2. Shrinkage:


Shrinkage is caused by the opposing effects of dampening and drying processes during printing.

Causes:

  • Insufficient drying time
  • Excessive humidity during printing

Solutions:

  • Increase the lifting speed of the paper
  • Reduce unnecessary heating or infrared drying during production


3. Curling:


Curling occurs when the paper warps perpendicular to the direction of travel.

Causes:

  • Inappropriate humidity levels
  • Incorrect temperature or humidity settings on the printing machine

Solutions:

  • Adjust the humidity or add moisture to the air
  • Adjust temperature and humidity settings on the printing machine


4. Static Electricity:


Static electricity can cause paper to stick together or attract foreign objects.

Causes:

  • Dry air conditions
  • Insufficient grounding of the machine

Solutions:

  • Increase humidity levels in the air
  • Ensure proper grounding of the machine


5. Paper Breakage:


Paper breakage can occur during printing, causing downtime and wasted materials.

Causes:

  • Excessive tension in certain areas of the machine
  • Misaligned guiding rollers
  • Foreign objects on the surface of guiding rollers

Solutions:

  • Reduce tension in all parts of the machine
  • Purchase rollers that are suitable for printing on thin paper


Printing on thin paper presents a unique set of challenges, but with proper attention to tension, alignment, humidity, and temperature, these issues can be minimized or eliminated. By following the solutions outlined above, you can improve your thin paper printing quality and efficiency.