Perforating Paper - Are You Choosing the Right Perf?

We suspect this perforating problem happens more often than most printers would care to admit. The short version of the conversation goes like this:

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Printer: “My customer says he can’t use the 50,000 sheets I just perfed for him. They’re falling apart in his laser printers. Can you help?”
Me: “Did you do a test run first?”
Printer: “No because it’s the same perf we’ve always used. But they did get all new laser printers in their offices.”

We all know that choosing the correct perf for a job is critical and should be based on the product’s end use. We run in to trouble because it is easy to overlook the numerous variables that affect the strength and performance of a perforation. A change in just one variable can make or break the job. In the case of our example, the variable that changed was the paper path through a new printer.

Sometimes too, the end user's idea of a perf specification is incomplete. For instance, specifying a 10tpi (teeth per inch) perf is not enough info. The tie width (or space between the perf teeth) is also needed. A little background on perforating will clarify why such little changes have such a big impact and why certain assumptions can get you in hot water.

The strength of paper is commonly measured using industry standard ‘burst strength’ tests. Burst strength in very basic terms is the amount of pressure needed to rupture a sheet of paper. Perforations are also classified by ‘tear strength’ which measures the resistance to tearing at the perf.

When you perforate a sheet of paper, you are partially cutting the sheet so you are reducing the burst strength. The strength of any given perf configuration is usually expressed as “TPI X Tie Width = Percent of Hold.” For instance, an 8tpi X .032” tie = .256 or 25.6% of hold.  Changing the tie to .018” gives you a perf with 14.4% of hold, substantially less even though it’s the same tpi.

But a 32tpi X .008” tie also has a 25.6% percent of hold, so it’s essentially the same strength as the first 8tpi, even though finer micro perfs are often thought of as being weaker than a coarse perf. The tear strength of this 32tpi however is about 1/4 the tear strength of the 8tpi X .032 perf since the tie is about 1/4 the size. Put another way, the 32tpi is just as strong (same burst strength) but much easier to tear.

If you have all the info at hand, you can certainly determine if the perf you’re about to apply is the same strength as the one your customer is using. That’s easy, but there are many other factors to consider, all of which will affect the burst strength of a perfed sheet. These include:

• TPI as discussed above
• tie width
• grain direction
• type of substrate (paper, plastic, recycled board, etc)
• density of substrate
• thickness of substrate
• bevel of perforating blade (single or double bevel and angle of bevel)
• environment (temperature and relative humidity) which affects moisture content of paper which in turn affects the burst strength of paper
• age of paper

So now that we’ve totally complicated matters, we’re back to the question of how to determine the correct perf for the job. If there is a history to the job, it makes sense to start with experience and repeat what worked before and test it if anything is modified. If you’re starting from scratch, testing will determine what is best for the job. It pays to keep an eye on the variables and perhaps ask your customer to do the same!

Printing of micro-perforated tarpaulin

The printing characteristics of mesh tarpaulins with COPYMAGE

Printing on micro-perforated tarpaulins is carried out in four-colour process with professional quality UV inks. UV ink, often used in the printing industry, provides a very high quality very high quality printing with a more intense and brilliant colour rendition than with conventional ink. UV ink is more resistant to abrasion or scratching and is ideal for printing on large surfaces to be exposed outdoors for a long period of time. over a long period of time.

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The substrate used for micro-perforated tarpaulin printing is a micro-perforated polyester tarpaulin of 260 g per square metrecovered with PVC. Polyester is used fortarpaulin printing because it is a material that is flexible and durable.. Once rolled, your polyester tarpaulin can be stored for many years without being damaged.

The polyester used for the printing of micro-perforated tarpaulins by COPYMAGE is B1 certified in terms of anti-fire standardThis means that the mesh tarpaulin is not easily flammable. This is a significant safety feature that will allow you to participate in many indoor events where this type of standard is required.

Finally, as far as the format is concerned, we can offer you a custom-made mesh tarpaulin in the dimensions of your choice, in portrait or landscape format. You can create a tarpaulin measuring from 20cm to 3.5 metres in length and width depending on your needs and design. Don't worry, large format tarpaulins are very easy to store: just roll them up and store them in a dry and temperate place.

Tarpaulin with eyelets: why choose this option?

If you wish, you can opt for the eyelets option when ordering your micro-perforated tarpaulin printing. These grommets, with a diameter of 1.3 cm, will be placed along placed along the length of your tarpaulin at regular intervals (every 25, 50 or 100 cm depending on the size of the model chosen) or in the four corners of the mesh sheet depending on the option selected.

The metal eyelets allow you to attach the The metal eyelets allow the micro-perforated sheet to be attached without having to make holes yourself, which could damage or tear the sheet.The metal grommets allow you to attach the micro-perforated sheeting without having to make holes yourself, which could damage or tear the sheeting. While four grommets are sufficient to secure a printed advertising tarpaulin to scaffolding, fencing or walls, adding more grommets at regular intervals along the length of the tarpaulin not only makes it easier to secure, but also keeps it taut and therefore more readable even from a distance.

Once your tarpaulin has been delivered, you can use a rope to easily attach it to the support of your choice. Please note that if you choose not to add grommets, we do not recommend using tape or wire, as they may damage your mesh tarpaulin or not be able to support its weight and therefore tear it.

The special features of micro-perforated tarpaulins 

Printing on micro-perforated tarpaulin or on classic tarpaulin is ideal for large-scale communication as they are visible from a great distance. Extremely durableThey can remain in place on scaffolding or along a football or tennis pitch, for example, without deteriorating due to the weather and outdoor conditions (rain, wind, frost, UV, etc.).

However, printing on micro-perforated tarpaulin, or mesh tarpaulin, has additional advantages over printing on a conventional model. They are specially designed to withstand strong winds while still allowing light to pass through. They are often used for facade works to hide unsightly scaffolding while allowing the inhabitants or workers on the premises to continue to benefit from daylight.

The micro-holes in a mesh tarpaulin give it unparalleled strength and unrivalled resistance because they prevent the wind from blowing between the tarpaulin and the support, which could cause tears. These holes also make the mesh tarpaulin lighter, making it easier to carry around. easier to transporteasier to transport, install and store than a conventional tarpaulin.

Finally, printing on micro-perforated canvas offers excellent colour rendition without the result being altered by micro-holes, which will attract the eye of passers-by in no time. UV and moisture resistant, these tarpaulins can be used for many years without several years without fading.

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