Printing on Rockstock

Code definitions

Suggested strap-line when printing on Rockstock

At the Stone Paper Company, we’d like you our customer, to celebrate your commitment to sustainability when you print on Rockstock by highlighting its environmentally friendly features on every sheet.

rockstock_logo

A tree free mineral paper manufactured from milled quarry waste using no water and minimal energy–Non-toxic and low GHG emissions.

www.stonepaper.co.nz

Please recycle

PRODUCT INFORMATION

RPD = Rockstock Paper Double-sided (100, 200, 140, 160, 180, 200 microns). Multiply x density of 1.2 to calculate gsm. RPD has advantages of pulp and synthetic paper. It can be easily printed by using common printing machines and methods. Moreover it has water resistant properties like synthetic papers.

RPS = Rockstock Paper Single sided (an ideal solution if a coating or PE film is to be applied to the paper)

RBD = Rockstock Board Double-sided (200/250/300/350/400 microns). Multiply x density of 1.4 to calculate gsm. A higher resin up to 30% content makes RBD stiffer than RPD.

RBS = Rockstock Board Single sided 200micron upwards coating only on one side. For packaging and can be RF Welded for stationery file pockets or wallets and printed on the coated side. Available on indent.

Rocktherm TRN Thermoform (uncoated) FDA compliant containing no toxic substances which can be recycled and photo-degrades under the sun. Ideal for egg cartons, fruit boxes, garden trays, packaging hardware parts etc.

Rocktherm STN Thermoform (coated) as above except has a thin film of PE on the surface to prevent acidic foods re-acting (non toxic) with the calcium carbonate. Ideal for food trays, bowls etc. Density 1.6 the smooth surface is ideal for printing on (flexo/silk screen)

Rocktherm SFN Thermoform (coated) as above except has a thin film of PE on the surface to prevent acidic foods re-acting (non toxic) with the calcium carbonate. Ideal for food trays, bowls etc. Density 1.4 This product can be silk screened but has a rougher surface

Manufactured in thicknesses 400/500/600/700/ microns in reel stock. Sheets can be put together when thermoforming if extra thickness is required.

Rocktack SAO 80gsm Self adhesive Available in reel stock. Corona treated to enable adhesive integrity.

RPF + Rockstock paper with Flocking on one side (colours available.

RPD can also be supplied with Foil or Metalising +PE adhered to one side for bags/pouches

Rocktak Self adhesive in RPD thicknesses 100-200 micron with Acrylic Freezer grade adhesive and choice of Glassine, Kraft, Art paper or PET backing in Reels to spec or sheets. Other adhesives and Rockstock products eg SAO available on indent with self adhesive.

Rockfoil (RPD laminated with metal foil or metalised surface) available to spec.

Available sizes of Rockstock paper and board

Available sizes In RPD SRA1 and rolls in New Zealand, Self adhesive and other weights and sizes on request.

RPD (Rockstock Paper Double sided) √ (Denotes: available now ex stock) other weights available shortly

Thickness (micron)	Density (g/m3)	Base Weight (g/m2)	M2/Ton
100√	1.2	120	8333
120√	1.2	144	6944
140√	1.2	168	5952
160√	1.2	192	5208
180√	1.2	216	4630
200√	1.2	240	4167

Note: in reel stock RPD100 & RPD180 only is available in 1290mm wide reels other weights at 1140mm wide.

RBD (Rockstock Board Double sided)

Thickness (micron)	Density (g/m3)	Base Weight (g/m2)	M2/Ton
200√	1.4	280	3571
250√	1.4	350	2857
300√	1.4	420	2381
350√	1.4	490	2040
400√	1.4	560	1785
450	1.4	630	1587
500	1.4	700	1428

SAO 80 and SAO 100Corona treated label face stock-(also available withRocktak adhesive) reel stock(indent)

Thickness (micron)

Density g/m3)

Base Weight (g/m2)

M2/Ton

100

1.0

100

12,500

10,000

RPD-SA Self adhesive with water based food/freezer grade adhesive (other weights and adhesives / backings on application-(Glassine, Kraft, Art Paper, PET) reel stock and sheets

Thickness (micron)

Density g/m3

Base Weight (g/m2)

M2/Ton

100

120√

1.2

120 (face stock only)

144( " " " )

TBA

STN Thermoforming Board (Smooth) can be printed on (PE coating both sides) food and medical applications (indent)

Thickness (micron)	Density (g/m3)	Base Weight (g/m2)	M2/Ton
400	1.6	640	1562
500	1.6	800	1250
600	1.6	960	1041
700	1.6	1120	892
800	1.6	1280	781
900	1.6	1440	694
1000	1.6	1600	625

SFN Thermoforming Board (rough) (PE coating both sides) Air is forced in giving a more open cell structure. Use for egg cartons/ packaging shells/food etc.(indent)

Thickness (micron)	Density (g/m3)	Base Weight (g/m2)	M2/Ton
400	1.4	560	1785
500	1.4	700	1428
600	1.4	840	1190
700	1.4	980	1020
800	1.4	1120	892
900	1.4	1260	793
1000	1.4	1400	714

SAN- Rockstock CACO3 with PE one side-Ideal for heat sealing use.(weights available on application)

SPN -Rockstock(indent)

Thickness (micron)	Density (g/m3)	Base Weight (g/m2)	M2/Ton
45	1.0	45	22,222
80	1.0	80	12,500

What is the difference between SA + SB and SP?

SA+SB is made of TWO layers:

1)A Layer = PE Lamination

2)B Layer = Calcium Carbonate + PE

SP is made of THREE layers: (extra 3rd PE lamination layer)

1)A Layer = PE Lamination

2)B Layer = Calcium Carbonate + PE

3)A layer = PE Lamination

This extra PE lamination is useful for full-filling certain requirements.

The full list of SP combinations is:

1.SPN = SP with no surface treatment

2.SPS = SP with single-side coating

3.SPD = SP with double-side coating

4.SPC = SP with single-side corona

SPO = SP with double-side corona

Thickness: 45, 80 micron.

Density: 1.0

GSM: Thickness x Density = GSM

Variation: Thickness Variation Average +-12%

Composition: 70% Calcium Carbonate + 30% PE.

Printing: Rotary Printing.

Conversion: Conversion in roll form recommended as static is prominent in SP due to exposed PE lamination layers.

Pricing: To be calculated based on a per meter square basis as there may be variations in weight.

[STN / SFN] INFORMATION SHEET

Last Updated: 2010-07-07

A. TYPES OF STN & ITS APPLICATION

STN (1.6)
THICKNESS (m)		DENSITY		GSM		M2 / TON		APPLICATIONS (THERMOFORMING/PRINTING)
400		1.6		640		1563		Soap Tray, Mobile Phone Tray, Chocolate Liner
500		1.6		800		1250		Lunch Box, Fruit Box, Yogurt Wrapping Box, Tags
600		1.6		960		1042		Yogurt Tubs, Cookie container
700		1.6		1120		893		Ice-cream Tubs, Fish Mat, Meat Mat
N.B: ▪ Surface of STN (1.6) is flat. ▪ We have not come across any converter who has had any problem forming STN (1.6). ▪ Thickness Variation Average ±10
SFN (1.4)
THICKNESS (m)	DENSITY		GSM		M2 / TON		APPLICATIONS (THERMOFORMING ONLY)
400	1.4		560		1786		Soap Tray, Mobile Phone Tray, Chocolate Liner,
500	1.4		700		1429		Lunch Box, Fruit Box, Yogurt Wrapping Box
600	1.4		840		1190		Yogurt Tubs, Cookie container,
700	1.4		980		1020		Ice-cream Tubs, Fish Mat, Meat Mats
N.B: ▪ Surface of SFN (1.4) is not fully flat, instead has a special texture feel. ▪ Most converters should be able to thermoform with this grade, though more care seems to be required ▪ for thermoforming the STN (1.4) as compared to STN (1.6). ▪ Thickness Variation Average ±10%. SPN:(below) SPN has a thin Lamination of PE on both sides of Rockstock RP making it suitable for food, heat sealing and many other uses. Conversion in roll form recommended as static is prominent in SP due to exposed PE lamination layers.
THICKNESS (m)	DENSITY		GSM		M2 / TON		APPLICATIONS
45	1.0		45		22222		Food package linings, hamburger wrapping, soap wrap, nappies…
80	1.0		80		12500		Wet tissue packaging, face masks, cup lid (heat seal)
100	1.0		100				as above requiring a heavier substrate for automatic operations including labels

B. TEST REPORTS:

1. RoHS REACH

2. FDA

3. FOOD APPLICATION

C. TIPS

1. It is okay to keep heated food in the containers, though we do not recommend using this material in microwaves or ovens. In contrast, you will find using our STN in cold and wet environments is extremely suitable!

D. ROLL WIDTH / LENGTH

WIDTH: 1200mm (still in progress to check if wider widths can be provided)

LENGTH:

THICKNESS (MICRON)	LENGTH (METER)
400	1500
500	1200
600	1000
700	900

E. SURFACE TREATMENT

▪ STC/STO: The surface of STN is PE lamination. Thus should one require printing on this (rotary) then corona treatment needs to be done. Printing on the 1.6 density series is more recommended over the 1.4density as the 1.6 density has a flatter surface.

▪ Note STN: On the contrary, should heat sealing be required then corona treatment should not be done.

Printing Rockstock

magazines

Printing Considerations: Rockstock RPD-RBD.

NOTE: USE STANDARD INKS-No special inks are required

Rockstock can be printed through most printing methods, which includes:

offset-(Water Offset, Dry Offset, and UV Offset)

Letterpress (rotary and sheet-dry and UV)

Flexography,(Water Flexo, Solvent Flexo and UV Flexo)

Roto-Gravure (solvent, UV and water based)

Serigraphic

Digital: HP Indigo ws 4500 and some other low temperature machines.(Testing is required)

Ink Jet: UV ink Jet , Flat bed, Solvent, flat bed ( a test may be required to ascertain the correct stock type.

NOT SUITABLE FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE LASERS AND PHOTOCOPIERS.

(Guide for Offset printing below)

(Please note the following is only a guide. Settings may be different depending on printers, presses and operators.)

Regular and soy inks are adequate for printing on RPD and indications are that in many cases less ink is required.(depending on stock compared, amount of solids, press type, process etc.) do not add hardeners or driers)
Printing speed is approximately 7500 ~ 8000 sheets per hour for dark / solid colour, more than 9000 sheets for lighter colours.
Water feed is [Set 21 and Ratio 115].
Ink feed is [Set 40 and Ratio 116].
Drying powder is level 4~6, depending on artwork.
RPD's surface immediately dries after print. For RPD to be fully dry and ready for further prints or processes please allow approximately 1 hour after light colour prints or 12 hours after dark colour prints. Please note that drying agents can be added to the ink to shorten the drying time.
It is recommended to turn off Infra red Drying units as heat may distort or curl the sheet.
When stacking printed paper, please place separating plates as required especially when there are large solids.
To minimize static, please maintain at least 40% relative humidity. Anti-static equipment such as ionizing air units at feeder and/or delivery is preferred but not essential.
Please trim 4 sides of the paper especially to ensure higher printing and converting precision.
We would encourage Graphic artists and printers to include the No 2 Recyle logo on printed pages and items to encourage recycling of Rockstock, as Calcium carbonate is a useful additive in the plastics recycling stream. A message about the clients contribution to a better global environment by using Rockstock is also a worthwhile addition.
Rockstock RPD is ideal for creasing, diecutting, Hot and cold foiling and embossing. lamination, glue binding, punching, pre cut holes, roll slitting, perforating, additional print passes and numerous other processes (The surface will not 'crack' when folded and will not weaken with use- Ideal for maps, brochures & and charts. The ink will not 'white line' on the fold.)
When Embossing Heat applied to the embossing die/s will enhance the embossing performance of Rockstock as the thermoforming ability will ensure the best outcome.
Rockstock RPD has a matte feel and finish. If required, it can be overglossed, UV overglossed, aqueous coated or film laminated to enhance the finish to prevent ink wear and "chalking". Because of Rockstock's inherent strength it is not necessary to film laminate to add strength. However if the Laminated finish is required, this works well.
Turn off Infra red Drying units. Most UV drying units are okay.
The coating on Rockstock RBD (card) is not quite as waterproof as that of the RPD (paper). It is recommended that if a total waterproof requirement is to be achieved that a coating, overgloss, UV overgloss, seal or lamination be applied. ( Much work is being carried out to improve the coating and should be achieved fairly soon)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

We recommend you to test print the paper, understand its strengths and weaknesses
well before using Rockstock. This is to ensure problems, if any, are resolved in the early sampling stages.

The following are some points which you should familiarize yourself with as they are considered normal qualities of the paper.
Q: Is there whiteness variation?
A: For environmentally friendly reasons all stone paper products are 100% free from
bleach. As bleach or optical brighteners are not added, this means that slight variation in the whiteness between different thicknesses and batches can occur. This is normal.

Q: What is rubbing resistance / rubbing effect?
A: Via normal offset printing methods, rubbing the printed matter against the paper
itself may result in colour offsets. This is normal. Special ink Overgloss, sealing, aqueous coating or extra converting procedures (e.g.film laminating)can be performed to reduce or eliminate this.

Q: What is the accepted thickness variation?

A: RPD: thickness variation of up to ± 5 microns.
RBD: thickness variation of upto ± 6 microns
Particularly when printing solid colours, colour differences may be visible due to the
thickness variations. However with continued quality development these normal variations are expected to reduce.

It is expected that thickness variation will further reduce to 3-4 micron with the commissioning of new and enhanced paper machines.

Q: Is set -off a problem?

A: Rockstock can be treated much like usual paper stocks. Especially with boards it is recommended to use small stacks or racking in the delivery especially when large solids are printed. Anti-Offset Spray Powder can be used as per normal. If the press has Infra Red Drying Units (IR) then these should be turned off as the tail end of the sheet may curl or distort with heat, especially with papers (RPD). Another benefit is that power usage is reduced.

Q: Is stone paper less opaque?
A: Due to inherently different materials, compared to pulp paper, stone paper is
generally more transparent although a new coater recently has considerably improved opacity to 88%.

Q:Can Rockstock be used in a laser printer or photocopier.

A: Rockstock is not suitable for Laser Printers or Photocopiers where high heat is generated as this may distort the sheet and cause jamming. Low temperature Digital presses that print well 1 sidedon Rockstock include. HP Indigo 5500, HP Indigo 4500, HP Indigo Jet Pro UV (wide format), Oce UV wide format, Ricoh Gel Office printers.

Q: Will I get paper cuts with Rockstock.

A: No, it is unlikely to give you paper cuts because of its flexibility and its fine powder structure.

On request printing guidlines and information is available.