PPS smoothness

General information 

The PPS smoothness measuring device is the most commonly used testing method to determine the surface smoothness of coated cartonboard. The measuring technique is based on the measurement of air leakage between the cartonboard surface and the surface of the measuring instrument, a flat metal ring, during a certain period of time under defined conditions. With the PPS measuring device, the average surface profile depth is measured in microns over a defined area. The higher the measured value, the “rougher” the cartonboard surface.

Additional details – practical relevance

The PPS method is mainly used to measure the smoothness of the top side of the cartonboard sample. The PPS smoothness is an essential quality factor for cartonboard for the image reproduction in printing processes. The higher the smoothness of a cartonboard the better the reproduction and printing of individual dots.