Educational Resources

Scoring and Folding Double Thick Stock

Helpful guidelines for scoring and folding Monadnock double-thick cover papers.
Monadnock’s double-thick covers are the stiffest and heaviest premium uncoated papers made today. They are the perfect choice for pocket folders, oversized brochures, packaging, literature kits, hang-tags and other items that require stiffness, strength and durability combined with exceptional print quality.

However, the thickness of these papers requires more care and consideration in handling and finishing.

Scoring, folding, and grain direction:
A sheet of printing paper is essentially a matted web of microscopic cellulose fibers. Due to the nature of the papermaking process, they are generally aligned in one direction. This is called the grain direction.

When folding the sheet, fibers must bend. Folding paper with the grain creates a smoother edge than against the grain, although the fold is not as strong.

The thicker the paper, the harder it is to create a clean, crisp fold without cracking. To avoid this, printers must “score” papers that are heavier than 100 lb. text. There are several ways to do this, but not all work well on extremely heavy papers. The recommended method for scoring and folding Monadnock double-thick covers is an off-line letterpress score using a 2 or 3 pt. bullnose rule and channel matrix. In this method, a metal blade is pressed at high pressure into the paper along the length of the fold. A channel beneath the sheet allows the fiber to expand, creating a crease that allows the paper to fold smoothly, a consideration in handling and finishing.

It is important to fold the paper properly after scoring. The depression should be on the outside, allowing the scored fibers to stretch across the fold. The proper rule and channel will vary depending on the paper thickness and press conditions such as temperature, pressure and relative humidity. We recommend testing to determine the proper sized rule and matrix as they can vary due to press conditions. We have found that Monadnock double-thick covers require at least a 2 pt. rule and .040 to .060 matrixes for 130 pound and 160 pound. For 200 lb. cover, we recommend at a least a 3 pt. rule with a .080 matrix. The following chart lists typical dimensions for rules and matrix channels used in our promotions.

		Cylinder Rule	Machine Channel	Platen Rule	Machine Channel
65 lb.	All Finishes	2 pt.	.050	2 pt.	.040
80 lb.	All Finishes	2 pt.	.050	2 pt.	.040
100 lb.	All Finishes	2 pt.	.050	2 pt.	.040
120 lb.	Smooth	2 pt.	.050	2 pt.	.040
130 lb.	Smooth and Silk	2 pt.	.050	2 pt.	.040
130 lb.	Vellum	2 pt.	.050	2 pt.	.050
160 lb.	Smooth	2 pt.	.060	2 pt.	.050
200 lb.	Smooth	3 pt.	.080	3 pt.	.080

Paper Conditioning
It is worth noting that paper is more likely to crack when very dry. Cracking due to low sheet moisture can be remedied by running the stock through an offset press with the fountain open to add moisture. Please note that these are just guidelines.