Quantifying Surface Elevation Variance along Score Lines Using Optical Profilometry
Optical profilometry quantifies score elevation variance down to sub-micron resolution, identifying die wear and coating micro-fractures before carton assembly.
SBS Caliper
Thickness Measurement
Thickness of premium paperboard is a fundamental metric that determines the stiffness of the final folding carton. In the packaging industry, sbs caliper refers to the micrometer-measured thickness of solid bleached sulfate board, usually expressed in points or thousandths of an inch. This dimension dictates how the material runs through printing presses and high-speed packaging lines.
Convertibility Effect
Feed mechanisms in printing and die-cutting machines rely on consistent board dimensions to prevent jams. Variations in sbs caliper can cause double-feeding or skipped sheets, disrupting the flow of production. Furthermore, the scoring and creasing processes require a stable thickness to produce clean, sharp folds without cracking the outer bleached fibers.
Printers must monitor this property to ensure that the cartons maintain their structural integrity during high-speed run times.
Mechanical Performance
Stiffness in paperboard scales exponentially with the thickness of the sheet, meaning a small increase in board thickness yields a substantial rise in carton strength. By selecting the correct sbs caliper, designers balance the weight of the package with the load-bearing requirements of the product. The pulping process at the mill achieves this target thickness through precise control of the wet-end deposition and subsequent calendering of the bleached chemical fibers.
If the calendar rolls apply too much pressure, the board loses density and bending resistance, even if the target weight is met. Therefore, verifying the thickness alongside basis weight provides a complete picture of the board’s structural potential.