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Got a general query or technical question about using Reflex? Here are some of the questions we are commonly asked along with our answers. Go to the contact form to ask Reflex your paper question.
How is whiteness measured in paper?
First, we shine a bright white light source onto a sample of paper. The reflected light is received by an electrical sensor which measures the amount of white at different wavelengths.
This information is used to create an accurate measurement of the colour of the reflected light, and hence the paper. ‘Whiteness’ is measured by comparing these numbers to a ‘scale of whiteness’ at the mill.
Why not make paper from hemp or other alternative fibres, instead of trees?
Paper can be made from most types of plant fibre, and some commercial products are manufactured partly or wholly from non-wood fibres such as cotton, flax, hemp, bagasse and kenaf. However, these products are produced only in minor quantities by a few mills around the world.
Sometimes these fibres are used to make special purpose papers, because of their unusual properties; for example cotton for banknotes and other products requiring very high durability. Non-wood fibres are popular for use in hand-made papers.
Each type of non-wood pulp has its own set of issues: competition with other crops, storage, pulp mill effluent treatment, and handling in the papermill. They are not available in quantities or at a cost which is competitive with wood pulps.
Australian Paper monitors developments in this area, and we do manufacture some specialised products based on cotton linter fibres.
Is Reflex acid free?
All Reflex papers are acid free. This ensures they meet the ISO 9706 Standard for Permanent Paper – and makes them ideal for scrapbooking and similar uses.
What are the dimensions for sizes A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6?
Paper sizes are worked out in a ratio system of 1.414 to 1. Basically, that means if two A4 sheets are placed side by side, you will get one A3 sheet.
In terms of actual measurements, the table below offers a guide to the most common paper sizes.
ISO A-Series Dimensions:
- A0 = 841mm x 1189mm
- A1 = 594mm x 841mm
- A2 = 420mm x 594mm
- A3 = 297mm x 420mm
- A4 = 210mm x 297mm
- A5 = 148mm x 210mm
- A6 = 105mm x 148mm
Where can I buy Reflex?
We don’t sell Reflex direct, but you can get your Reflex paper from a general stationer or merchant. Generally, if you were purchasing tonnes of Reflex, you would go through a merchant. If you were purchasing less, you would go to your local stationer.
I’m doing a school science project on different types of paper. I’m interested in the components that make up Reflex A4 White.
Ordinary Reflex A4 White paper is mostly made up of hardwood pulp and water. We also add fillers to improve the brightness of the paper, and the paper’s ability to hold ink.
Basic composition
Bleached pulp: approximately 72%
Ground calcium carbonate (limestone): approximately 18%
Moisture: 4.5%
Starch: approximately 3.5%
For more information about the science of making Reflex, click here.
We have had a lot of paper jams recently. Could it be because we have had heavy rains over the last few weeks? We live in Port Moresby.
Paper jams can have a variety of causes, but in Port Moresby, high humidity could be a particular problem.
When the paper is unwrapped in a very humid environment like Port Moresby, it will absorb moisture from the air quite quickly. So it is important not to unwrap the paper until you are ready to load it into the copier. It is also important to have the paper at about the same temperature as the room where it will be used. If storeroom conditions are very different then bring the paper into the copier room a day or so before use.
The condition of the reams is important too. If the wrappers are torn, their moisture proofing will be lost.
Air conditioning is beneficial, as air conditioners generally remove moisture from the air, but the location of the copier could be important too. For example, if the copier is located next to a door, its immediate environment could be humid despite the air conditioning.
Photocopiers can also be culprits. They invariably heat the paper more on one side than the other, causing that side to lose moisture and shrink, which in turn causes the paper to curl. If this is severe it will cause feeding problems, especially if you are printing duplex (both sides). To minimise this effect, photocopy paper is made with fairly low moisture content, and is wrapped in a moisture-proof wrapper.
When I print with heavier paper, I sometimes get a wavy, wrinkled output in my colour laser printer. Is it likely to be the paper or the printer?
Waviness and wrinkling could be a result of two things:
1. If the heavier paper is beyond the limits specified for the machine, it may not feed properly.
2. If the heavier paper contains a high moisture content, then stress from the heat of the fuser mechanism may cause wrinkling or waviness.
The second effect will be more likely to be a problem with heavy paper, but it can occur with any paper that has been exposed to a humid atmosphere.
Regular photocopy paper is wrapped in moisture-proof wrapper, and we always recommend it not be unwrapped until ready for use. This is not critical in a relatively dry air-conditioned office environment, but can be very important in a humid environment.
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