Cardstock Property Tables and Terms - Page 4

**gypsy** · #31 10-07-2014, 01:25 PM

You also should be aware of the grain of the stock.

**herky** · #32 08-17-2015, 01:30 AM

need a simple answer.if i need a thickness of 1.5 mm what does this equate to in weight of card.gsm or pounds would do

**Don Boose** · #33 08-17-2015, 06:04 AM

An inexpensive caliper is useful to have around to answer these thickness questions. An inexpensive micrometer is even better.

Here is an example, but I am sure you can find cheaper ones. 0 to 1" Range Digital Micrometer

Don

**SCEtoAUX** · #34 08-17-2015, 06:20 AM

Yes, what Don said. Get a digital caliper or micrometer.

When something calls for a specific thickness, especially from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, it is best to work from the thickness, not gsm. Try using the cardboard from cereal boxes or the backing from pads of paper. If you can find a supply of chipboard use that. Chipboard is usually classified by thickness.

**airdave** · #35 08-17-2015, 07:01 AM

I have some 110lb "Cardstock" which is rated 199gsm
It is about .24mm thick.
So I will need about 6 layers to get to 1.5mm.
I guess you could extrapolate...199gsm x 6 = 1194gsm.
But this is not correct.
Because its still just six layers of 199gsm card...so the gsm stays the same.
Grams per square meter is the same regardless of how many layers.
This is a measure obased on the card type and weight..

...
More important: Thickness is thickness...regardless of card type, weights, colour, Bill Cosby's excuses, etc

Since there are so many variations in Card and paper types,
and their related weights and measures,
and manufacturers variations,
and availability of card and paper types in different global locations
...its impossible for the designer to demand a specific building material.

If a part must fit into a specific space, then it must be a specific measurement
(regardless of its material or makeup).
So, the designer needs only specify a thickness for the part.

Its up to you to establish the preferred card or paper type, measure its thickness,
and laminate until you get the required amount.
A measuring tool (like verniers or calipers or micrometer) is indispensible!

...
I have found many webpages explaining pape types and such...
including this page:
http://www.icancraftnow.com/paper_card.html
But you'll notice, they don't take into account the differences between types of card (eg cover vs card vs craft)
or manufacturers variances.

**Dabeer** · #36 08-17-2015, 07:11 AM

I've been using this site to get thicknesses for various weights. I'm sure they're not 100% accurate for the specific brand of paper I'm using, but they should at least be in the ballpark. So far it's been good enough for the downscaling I've been doing (~30%). There's a table that lines up cover vs index vs bond to show equivalencies, which is nice.

Paper weight comparison and more

**airdave** · #37 08-17-2015, 07:20 AM

I have a similar chart to what Dabeer has posted.

but once again, it comes down to establishing a particular preference of card.
Its weight is unimportant really.
Because, if you don't like the thickness, stiffness, surface, colour, etc...

I could instruct you to use 65lb or 176gsm cardstock.
But if you don't get exactly the right "cardstock" or type or brand as I use,
then the actual thickness could vary.
And if you are laminating sheets to get to a specified thickness, then that will vary.

Once you have established a card you like to work with, then measure that card
and work out how many layers are required to suit the part thickness.

I say forget weights
and focus on only two things:
the type and finish of card that you prefer
and knowing its exact thickness (for calculations).

**mbauer** · #38 08-17-2015, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herky

need a simple answer.if i need a thickness of 1.5 mm what does this equate to in weight of card.gsm or pounds would do

Hi Herky,

Not sure of the equivalent weight.

The added glue would modify the card used:
1) the glue will add an "uneven" thickness layer
2) Any air pockets can create a new bending area
3) The glue will add weight

One thing I'm guessing; The layers will make the cardstock stiffer than normal due to the added layers of "surface" for each sheet. A hollow tube is stiffer than an equivalent solid tube, because of the added "inside surface area". This helps with bending loads.

Notice others have replied, if you're just looking for a thickness, then the dial caliper, that Don mentions, is the way to go.

Hope this helps!

Mike

**mbauer** · #39 08-17-2015, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airdave

I have some 110lb "Cardstock" which is rated 199gsm
It is about .24mm thick.
So I will need about 6 layers to get to 1.5mm.
I guess you could extrapolate...199gsm x 6 = 1194gsm.
But this is not correct.
Because its still just six layers of 199gsm card...so the gsm stays the same.
Grams per square meter is the same regardless of how many layers.
This is a measure obased on the card type and weight.. A, Dave this is not true 6-layers are as you first mention-Index 110lb is measured in a sheet that is 22.5" wide x 35" long (basis sheet size). 500 sheets of this size will weigh 110lbs or 199 gsm, that is where it gets its weight rating. 6-sheets will be the added weight of all six sheets plus glue.

Taking the sheet "basis sheet size" out of the equation, because each weight is calculated at different sizes, the gsm is the only way to compare a weight of the different types of cardstock. They are all measured the same size = 1 square meter.

Cardstock is made by pressing paper layers together under pressure and heat during the drying process, glueing layers is a form of this process.

...
More important: Thickness is thickness...regardless of card type, weights, colour, Bill Cosby's excuses, etc

Very true!

If a part must fit into a specific space, then it must be a specific measurement

...
I have found many webpages explaining pape types and such...
including this page:
All About Paper and Cardstock
But you'll notice, they don't take into account the differences between types of card (eg cover vs card vs craft)
or manufacturers variances. gsm does! All are measured at the same "basis Sheet Size".

Hi Dave,

Just checking in. gsm is the only way to compare cardstock types to each other. The reason is: they are all weighed at the same sheet size 1m x 1m wide and long.

Mike

**looker** · #40 08-17-2015, 10:22 AM

To save anyone from confusion.

If card is 200 gsm then 1 square metre of it will weigh 200 grams.
If you stick another of the same to it you will now have a laminated sheet of 1 square metre that is twice the thickness of the first sheet and weighs 400 grams (plus glue).
Etcetera with additional laminations.

In fact, outside NA, recommending the gsm gives a reasonable guide to the sort of paper/card to be used.

Where thickness is specified it's up to the user to find, or make up, the material that matches that thickness.