Offset printing with wood-containing, filled, alkaline supercalendered paper

Replacing clay filler in uncoated wood-containing supercalendered papers by precipitated calcium carbonate increases the number of sub-micron pores and the total internal paper pore volume. The rate fluid absorption increases, potentially aggravating offset printing issues such as downstream piling. Fountain solution viscosity and surface tension are crucial to the printing performance of the absorptive alkaline sheet. Piling was eliminated by optimizing these properties, employing commonly used, cost-effective additives. The involvement of a knowledgeable fountain solution supplier during the transition to alkaline SC paper is a prerequisite to complete success.