Offset Printing Quality Characteristics of Rich Mineral Paper

Abstract

Rich mineral paper (RMP) has the advantage of being energy efficient, clean and creating no pollution during its production processes, with low production costs, and enjoying naturally complete biodegradability, fully compatible with the emerging demands for energy efficient carbon reducing features and the trend for environmentally green solutions, so if this media can replace traditional paper uses to become a new print media, tremendous environmental efficacy can be expected. So this study aims to discuss the print quality performance characteristics of RMP applications in large print run offset printing operations. The study deploys True Experimental Study methodology, with use of the digital printing test target of Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF), with flat offset printing on traditional coated paper and eco-friendly RMP, printing 800 sheets of each, with systematic random sampling of 35 samples for the study. Quality determinations rely on X-rite i1 Pro for elucidation of the printing quality characteristics for solid ink density, TVI, contrast, gray balance, and color gamut measurement. The results of this study indicate the KCMY solid ink density and contrast of the eco-friendly RMP were less than traditional coated paper; TVI value was higher than traditional coated paper; color gamut performance was less than the traditional coated paper. Optimal gray balance combination for RMP was determined as follows: 7% tone with C7M3Y4, 30% tone with C30M28Y26, 60% tone with C60M58Y5, and 80% tone with C80M76Y66. The study suggests that ink particularly suitable for RMP uses remains in need of development. Additionally, the study found that use of RMP in the paper machinery indicated transverse and longitudinal tensile strength is slightly inferior to the traditional coated paper, resulting in unsmooth surfaces post-printing, for which it is recommended that RMP makers should consider paper machinery structural aspects when pursuing future research on modifying solutions for greater printing efficacy with RMP.