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This lesson covers the range of papers and boards you need to know for AQA GCSE Design and Technology (8552), Section 3.1.6. Paper and board are versatile, widely available materials used in packaging, modelling, graphic products and prototyping.
Paper is made from cellulose fibres, primarily from wood pulp. The manufacturing process involves:
Paper thickness is measured in grams per square metre (gsm). The higher the gsm, the thicker and heavier the paper.
| Category | GSM Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Paper | Up to ~170 gsm | Copier paper (~80 gsm), cartridge paper (~130 gsm) |
| Board | 170 gsm and above | Mounting board (~1000 gsm), corrugated card |
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | Typically 100–150 gsm |
| Surface | Slightly textured, off-white |
| Strength | Good for its weight |
| Printability | Accepts pencil, ink, paint and markers well |
Uses: Sketching, drawing, painting, general design work, model-making templates.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | Typically 45–60 gsm |
| Surface | Thin, semi-transparent |
| Strength | Low — tears easily |
| Printability | Good for markers and fine-liners |
Uses: Tracing over existing drawings, presentation visuals, overlay sketching, marker rendering.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | Typically 60–90 gsm |
| Surface | Transparent/translucent, smooth |
| Strength | Moderate — more robust than layout paper |
| Printability | Accepts pencil and fine-line ink |
Uses: Copying drawings, architectural plans, overlaying designs for comparison.
AQA Exam Tip: Know the difference between layout paper (thin, for marker rendering) and tracing paper (transparent, for copying). They look similar but have different purposes.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Structure | A fluted (wavy) inner layer sandwiched between two flat liner boards |
| Strength | Excellent strength-to-weight ratio; resists crushing |
| Weight | Lightweight for its strength |
| Cushioning | Fluted layer absorbs impact |
Uses: Packaging boxes (Amazon boxes), protective packaging, point-of-sale displays, modelling.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Structure | A layer of polystyrene foam sandwiched between two layers of card or paper |
| Weight | Very lightweight |
| Rigidity | Stiff and rigid despite low weight |
| Ease of cutting | Cuts cleanly with a craft knife |
| Thickness | Typically 3 mm, 5 mm or 10 mm |
Uses: Architectural models, presentation boards, exhibition displays, prototyping, mounting artwork.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Structure | Multiple layers of paper pressed together to form a thick, rigid board |
| Weight | Heavy (~1000+ gsm) |
| Surface | Available in many colours; smooth finish |
| Rigidity | Very stiff |
| Cutting | Requires a sharp blade and cutting mat |
Uses: Picture framing mounts, presentation boards, display work, model-making.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Structure | Board with a different finish on each side — typically one white, coated side and one grey, uncoated side |
| Printability | Excellent on the white coated side |
| Strength | Good rigidity and fold resistance |
| Cost | Cheaper than solid white board |
Uses: Food packaging (cereal boxes, ready-meal sleeves), pharmaceutical packaging, small cartons.
AQA Exam Tip: Duplex board is commonly tested because of its real-world relevance in food packaging. Remember: one side is white and printable, the other is grey and uncoated. It is cheaper to produce than fully white board.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Structure | Multiple layers of bleached white pulp — white on both sides |
| Surface | Smooth, white, excellent for printing |
| Strength | Rigid, good fold quality |
| Cost | More expensive than duplex board |
Uses: Premium packaging (cosmetics, confectionery), hardback book covers, luxury cartons.
| Material | GSM / Thickness | Key Property | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartridge paper | 100–150 gsm | Textured, accepts media well | Drawing, sketching, painting |
| Layout paper | 45–60 gsm | Thin, semi-transparent | Marker rendering, overlays |
| Tracing paper | 60–90 gsm | Transparent | Copying drawings, overlays |
| Corrugated card | Varies (fluted) | High strength-to-weight | Packaging, protective boxes |
| Foam board | 3–10 mm thick | Lightweight, rigid | Models, displays, prototyping |
| Mount board | ~1000+ gsm | Thick, rigid, coloured | Picture mounts, presentations |
| Duplex board | 200–400 gsm | White one side, grey other | Food packaging, cartons |
| Solid white board | 200–400 gsm | White both sides, premium | Luxury packaging |
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Most papers and boards are widely recyclable |
| Biodegradability | Paper and card biodegrade naturally (unlike plastics) |
| FSC certification | Forest Stewardship Council mark indicates the paper comes from sustainably managed forests |
| Recycled content | Many boards contain a percentage of recycled fibre |
| Bleaching | Chlorine bleaching can pollute waterways; ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) and TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) processes are less harmful |
| Energy | Paper manufacturing requires significant energy and water |
AQA Exam Tip: When recommending a paper or board for a given scenario, always state the specific material name, its key property and why it is suitable. For example: "Corrugated card would be suitable for the packaging because the fluted inner layer provides excellent cushioning to protect the product during transit."