Caliper

Converting Response

Calender stacks compress the fibrous matrix between steel rolls to reduce caliper, raising surface smoothness for printing presses. When converting mills apply heavy calendering, caliper drops while sheet density increases. Folding carton converters rely on uniform thickness to calibrate die-cutting matrix gaps and creasing rule heights.

Inconsistent thickness across a paperboard roll causes variable crease scores, leading to cracked folds or jammed carton erecting machines. Thicker boards provide higher bending stiffness, which allows packaging engineers to design lighter cartons for heavy retail products.

Press Tolerance

Offset lithography presses require tight thickness control to maintain uniform impression cylinder pressure across the printing plate. Sudden caliper increases damage rubber blankets, whereas sub-spec thickness causes weak ink transfer and hollow halftones across the image area.