Makroplan Method – A Powerful Tool for Surface Evaluation, 2002 Decorative and Industrial Laminates Symposium

In this paper we show the possibilities of the MakroPlan method for the precise description of the surface topology of print base papers. Analysis of surfaces is of growing importance in an industry where the end customer becomes increasingly quality sensitive. Technocell Dekor is always investigating new direct methods for the quality description along the process chain. The described method allows the nondestructive, contact free examination of a surface. The derived images can be processed by a computer to give numerous statistical information about the surface profile. The most important ones are the core roughness depth (R_k), the gradient distribution peak high (Incidence) and the gradient distribution area. These values show a direct correlation between conventional smoothness values and visual evaluation of prints. Therefore it is a valuable tool for optimizing the printability of decor paper.