The influence of paper whiteness, roughness and gloss on the optical density of colour digital printing

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the effect of paper properties (whiteness, gloss and roughness) on colour laser printing quality. Paper characteristics have a significant influence on print quality and are crucial variables for predicting and reproducing colour. Design/methodology/approach – Six kinds of paper with different properties were selected and the effects of the paper characteristics on the printed paper were studied. Samples were printed with cyan, magenta and yellow toner with a laser printer under identical conditions. The papers and printed papers were evaluated with atomic force microscope, scanning electron microscope, gloss-meter, spectrophotometer and densitometer. Findings – Results showed that print quality is statistically dependent on paper type, and the average optical density of printed paper varied for different papers. Furthermore, the increase in the roughness and gloss of the papers in comparison to whiteness more significantly affected the optical density of paper by reducing it. Practical implications – To achieve high-quality print, laser printing paper and toner require controlled characteristics. Originality/value – For the first time, the present study evaluated the influence of paper properties on the quality of colour laser printing.