Top 2 Instruments To Measure The GSM & Thickness of Paper

Many of us might confuse the GSM of the paper with its thickness. This is because both parameters are often used together. However, both terms have different meanings and define different characteristics of materials. Let us understand the difference between the two in the following section. We will also learn about the high-accuracy instruments used to measure both properties.

GSM of Paper

GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter. It measures the basis weight of the paper and other materials. A higher GSM of a paper suggests that more wood pulp is used to produce it. However, it doesn’t necessarily relate to the thickness of the paper. This can be understood more clearly after we learn about the thickness of the paper.

Thickness of Paper

When it comes to finding the thickness of paper, microns or ‘mic’ is used. ‘Mic’ is the unit of measuring paper thickness. 

Microns are not directly proportional to GSM. This can be understood this way - A paper of 100 GSM may be thicker than another paper (of the same weight) in terms of Microns. Now, this can be because of the type of pulp used to make the paper or the method of bulking used in its manufacturing. Hence, GSM and thickness may not necessarily be proportionate to each other.

Now that we know about both terms, let us look at the specifically designed instruments that measure them with utmost accuracy.

Digital GSM Testing Machine

The digital GSM testing machine by UEC is portable equipment that measures the basis weight or GSM of paper and other similar sheet materials. These materials include corrugated fiberboard, newsprint, writing paper, tissue paper, duplex & art paper, and Kraft liner/paper. It has a measuring range between 0-1500 GSM. The specimen’s size could be 10*10 cm or 20*25 cm.

The basis weight aka GSM is calculated by weighing a small paper specimen with the dimensions mentioned above. The sample is placed in the measuring basket in order to get weighed. Once measured, the LED screen displays the GSM of the specimen. The machine is known for its accuracy in results and gives an accuracy of 0.1. Moreover, the unit also has an Automatic Zero adjustment feature.

Thickness Gauge or Digital Thickness Micrometer

UEC’s thickness gauge is a commendable instrument that measures the thickness of paper, plastic, and paper board. Materials like newsprint, tissue paper, corrugated fiberboard, duplex & art paper, writing paper, as well as Kraft liners can also be measured on this machine.

The thickness micrometer is a user-friendly motorized instrument. It is operated with a Push-button. When the paper sample is placed for measurement, a stead pressure of 1 Kg/cm2 is applied to it. After the calculation gets complete, the digital display (with an imported Add-on type optical transducer) displays the results at a resolution of 0.001 mm/0.01 mm.

When used for tissue paper or other soft materials, the thickness micrometer applies a steady pressure of 0.2 Kg dead weight load over a surface area of 10 cm2. This equipment is 14 Kgs in weight and is rapid and accurate in measuring the samples. Besides, it is applicable under standards, SCAN P 7, SCAN P 47, TAPPI T411, CPPA D.4, ISO 534, ISO 3034, FEFCO No.3, DIN 53105, BS 3983, and BS 4817.

Conclusion

Both the thickness gauge and digital GSM testing machine are among the most superior paper physical property testing machines by UEC. If you’re looking to invest in these machines for your paper manufacturing business, it is time to connect with the company today. Visit the website to know more in-depth about paper testing machines.