Cross-machine grammage profile measurement (gravimetric method)

This method describes a procedure which can be applied to determine the variation in mass per unit area in the cross-machine direction, commonly referred to as the grammage (or basis weight) profile. This method is appropriate for the acceptance testing of both the papermaking process and the product.

This method is laborious, but it is reliable and accurate. It requires simple, well-defined operations: cutting out samples, weighing samples, and data evaluation.

The general procedures outlined in TAPPI T 410 “Grammage of Paper and Paperboard (Weight Per Unit Area)” and in TAPPI T 402 “Standard Conditioning and Testing Atmospheres for Paper, Board, Pulp Handsheets, and Related Products” are used as basic references for this method.