"Let's start at the very beginning ..."
by Stephen A. Singer ©1997 All Rights Reserved

One of the things I have learned to do during my 20+ years in the paper and
printing industry ... is to take information which is "common place" in one
industry and move it to another.  It is this sharing of information which is
really the basis for creative thought.  Hopefully I will be able to shed
some light on why some things work and why others don't ... and maybe we'll
all learn some new things along the way.

My goal is to "keep it simple" since we are all newbees when it comes to
shaping --- what I like to refer to as --- the "Computer Crafts" industry.

Since we all have different levels of knowledge, let's level the field
starting with some basic information as it relates to what we know about
computer printers. Once we understand how printers work, we can then
investigate how different media (paper) reacts in different printers.

Dot-Matrix printers --- also known as continuous, impact printers --- are
the printers that use "continuous paper" -- the paper with the 1/2" margins
and "tractor-feed" line holes.  The advent of the dot matrix printer really
opened the world to printing graphic images using computers.  Prior to "dot-
matrix" there were "character printers."  These printers printed one
character at a time, much like a typewriter. Dot Matrix printers formed
letters using a matrix of dots -- remember hearing the terms 9 pin and 24
pin printers.  Characters were created using a matrix of 9 and then 24 dots.
The pins would strike a ribbon and ink would transfer to the sheet of paper
which was advanced using a "tractor-feed" system. Paper would normally be
advanced by 1/6th of an inch or 1/8th of an inch at a time ... thus the
terms 6 lpi (lines per inch) and 8 lpi." This information is ancient history
-- at least 15 years old !

Laser Printers advanced the science of printing and opened a whole new world
when it came to printing graphics.  Instead of printing one line at a time,
Lasers -- also referred to as "page printers" -- print an entire page at a
time.  The computer configures an entire page of information, words and
pictures -- and for lack of a better way of saying it -- drops the entire
page of information onto the paper.  This is done using toner which is
bonded to the surface of the paper using heat.  Actually, most laser
printers can be thought of as intelligent photocopiers.  Photo copiers (and
this product has undergone many changes over the years) actually take a
picture of an image, and then "drops the image" on a sheet of paper.  A
Laser printer uses a computer to compile the information, forming an
electronic picture.  The image is printed using toner. You can think of toner
like fine grains of opaque sand.  This sand, if you will, sticks to the surface
of the paper and in many cases can actually flakes off when the sheet is
folded or scratched.  Because images are grains of toner, much finer images
could be printed using laser printers as compared with dot-matrix printers.
Looking to add color -- toner is still black for the most part -- a product
called Laser color (there are a number of trade names) was developed.  This
colored "easy release" foil took advantage of the fact that toner, when hot,
is sticky.  Thus, when this foil -- a metallic compound affixed to a mylar
backing -- was placed next to the toner ... heated by running a sheet
through the Laser Printer (or copier) a second time, the coating from the
LaserColor would stick and transfer to the toner providing color.

A company called "Paper Direct" did a fantastic job promoting this foil for
use with laser printers.

Obviously, laser printer technology continues to evolve.  What is important
to remember is that lasers use opaque toner which is bonded to the surface
of the sheet of paper (or material) which is mechanically forced through the
printer one sheet at a time.  While newer than "dot-matrix," the popularity
of Laser Technology is "old hat" ...  at least 10 years old!  (and you ask
why people are having a problem keeping up with the changes in computer
technology --- you have got to run just to stay even!)

Enter Ink Jet Technology --- Ink Jet Printers (Bubble Jet Printers -- a
trade name owned by Canon) use a spray of ink to create images.  Ink is
actually heated until it bubbles and forced through a tiny opening and
sprayed onto a sheet of paper.  The ink dries on the paper and you have an
image.  This technology (color) really burst onto the computer scene in
1990-1991 with the introduction of the HP500C.  The technology has been
advanced at lightning speed thanks to the various printer manufacturers and
their desire to capitalize on the vast amount of ink consumed when using
these printers. For this reason, printer companies learned (over the past two
years) that by giving away software with their printers --- software that uses
ink and paper --- profits would increase.  This is the modern version of "give
away the razor and sell the blades" and everyone wins.  This is the major reason
the price of ink jet printers have dropped .. causing RAPID expansion in ink jet
printer technology.  The thing to remember here is that images are created
by drops of ink sprayed onto the surface of a sheet of paper which is
"friction fed" through the printer.

There are a number of other technologies on the market (melted canyons and
other type toners), but for now lets limit our discussion to the most
common, Laser and Ink Jet technologies.  

I know I have written a lot of words and have yet to touch on the subject at
hand ... paper.  But since we are all new in this ever changing land of
computer paper technology, I felt it is important that we all start at the
same point.

As we get further into the subject of "media"--- the material we put into
our printers --- we will begin to address the specific problems as they
relate to specific printers.

Background Information on PAPER
by Stephen A. Singer ©1997 All Rights Reserved

In 1990, HP changed the way we print graphics and opened a decade of rapid
change in computer printer technology and product development.  With silent
operation plus a small "footprint,"  ink jet printers crept into our lives
and once in position, exploded with a massive blast.

For a mear $800 US Dollars, graphics could be printed in vivid 3 color
process.  Cyan (C)   Yellow (Y)   Magenta (M)
The entire color spectrum can be printed on paper using these three colors.
Add Black (K)   for shading and depth and you now have 4 color process
output.

The Pantone(r) Matching System (PMS) -- the most widely used color matching
system used in the printing industry --- was developed many years ago for
the commercial printing industry to standardize ink colors.  Every color is
assigned a number for easy identification every color.  These guides  come
in several formats.  Many include a mixing formula -- a formula using CYMK.

The TRU-MATCH(r) color system is a popular color matching system which has
become popular in the computer industry.  Color matching systems have become
very important as those using computers to create computer graphics, strive
to match the colors on the computer screen with those obtained using color
printers.

And that's the bottom line in this discussion --- color.  There a number of
factors which determine the color which appears on the final printed
material. Color matched colors will appear different when they are printed
on different materials.

While there are many design factors which impact on color appearance,
including color shading (screens) which causes a color to appear lighter,
the vast majority of color related factors relate to the media (paper,
plastic, cloth) on which the images are printed.  Colors printed on a
colored sheet appear different than those printed on a white sheet, bright
white sheet, textured sheet, card stock, cloth, mylar(r), and materials
specially coated for use with color ink jet printers.

It is important to note that the colored ink which is manufactured for use
in color ink jet printers varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.  Add to
that the color variations caused by those who manufacture ink cartridge re-
fill ink, and you have a better understanding as to the difficulties
experienced in the quest for achieving the "perfect printed color.

It is my intention to address the differences in media, leaving the
discussion on ink differences to specialists in that industry.

What is this thing called "Paper"?
The principal raw material is cellulose fiber.  As the Chinese discovered
many years ago, when these fibers are wet, they will bond together as they
dry.  Ninety-Five percent of the world's paper making fiber comes from wood.
Other paper making ingredients include fibers from seeds, grasses, and plants
as well as some synthetic materials.
Other important sources for cellulose fiber include waste wood and sawdust.
Seed fiber adds strength, durability and texture to paper; the most common
seed fiber used in paper making is cotton seed. Today Recycled paper and
paper board have become the a major source of wood fiber for use in
paper making.

The actual process for making paper is quite involved. Fiber is turned into
pulp. This pulp contains many impurities, such as lignin, which may be found
in the finished paper product.  Pulp is then refined in a process in which
it is bleached and diluted with water to create a mixture called "slurry".
Bleach is used to remove the impurities from wood fibers.  It is also used
to brighten residual lignin, producing a bright white pulp. It also adds to
chemical stability and purity.  Bright white pulp yields a brighter sheet of
paper.  Colored papers manufactured from bright white pulp are brighter.

The process during which fibers are frayed to enable them to blend and bond
more efficiently is called refining.  Fiber length is reduced, fibers are
mixed evenly with water and additional ingredients.  This is the most
important step in the paper making process since papers which are made from
non-refined pulp are porous, puffy and weak.

Letterhead paper and blotter paper (remember blotters), made from the same
material is determined during the refining process.

Pulp is turned into paper in a Fourdrinier machine.  Many things happen to
the paper web during this stage.  No need to discuss the technical aspects
here. The end result, a large roll of paper is all that matters.  During the
final manufacturing stages, paper is calendered.  Calendering is a process
during which the web (roll) of paper is passed through a series of polished
steel rollers.  This is the stage where the paper is surfaced; the finish on
the paper surface is determined.
When a glossy surface is desired, the paper must pass through additional
calendering rolls.  Depending upon the finish desired, paper may be light,
moderate or heavy calendered or not calendered at all.

What does all of this mean?  The characteristics found in the various paper
stocks available, characteristics built into paper during the paper making
process, will determine the compatibility of the product for use in various
functions.

When we consider the desired results for which we are looking, we can then
choose a paper with the proper characteristics.

Additional terms and definitions:

Grain Direction -- When paper is manufactured on the paper making machine,
the fibers line up in the direction the web, roll of paper is moving.  It is
important to know grain direction since paper will expand and contract more
against the grain than parallel to it.  Paper folds, and tears more easily
with the grain than against it.  The tensile strength, its ability to
withstand tension, is greater when paper is stressed in the direction of the
grain, rather than against it.  Paper stretches (in some cases as it absorbs
moisture in the air) less with the grain than against it.

When folding paper, paper folds straighter with the grain than against it.
Ever notice that when folding a sheet of paper into quarters, one edge is
"sharper" than the other.  This is caused by the fact that one fold is with
the grain and the other is against it.

A side note ... Since most paper used in computer printer is grain long,
stock which is used for making greeting cards is usually scored when the
card will be folded into quarters since folds are necessary both with and
against the grain.  The important score is the one that is "horizontal" when
the sheet is held with the grain (long side) up and down.

Paper tears straighter with the grain than it does against it; there is more
resistance when tearing across the grain paper.

Obviously, it is easy to determine grain direction when paper is on a roll.
There are a number of "tricks" which can be used to determine grain
direction on a sheet of paper.  Here are just two.
   Take a sheet of paper and wet only one side.
   As the paper curves, forming a valley, the paper grain is always parallel
   to the curve.

   Cut two strips at right angles to one another from the same sheet of
   paper, each about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.
   Place one strip on top of the other and hold the two at the end. Since
   paper is stiffer in the direction of the grain, the strip which has been
   cut across the grain will bend away from the other strip.  This strip
   which bends away was cut from the short grain direction of the sheet.

The grain direction is important when paper is stored on its edge, as in a
file cabinet.  Imagine two files cards ... one grain long and the other
grain short.  When placed in a file, one will stand almost straight (grain
long) the other will bend over more quickly (grain short).

When feeding paper into a printer or copier, grain direction becomes
important.  Normally a long grain sheet will feed smoothly as it passes
through the printer; a short grain sheet may cause jamming.
Remember, this discussion is about paper.  Other products such as Mylar(r),
vinyl and plastics may react differently.

Acid Content --- Since paper is produced using many chemicals, if there is
an excess of acid in paper, paper will age quickly, turning yellow and
brittle.  The acidity of paper is measured by it pH level.  During the
paper making process, alkaline is added to help naturalize the acid and thus
ensure longevity.  Acid-free paper, very important to those who are
interested in preserving documents over a long period of time, have a pH
level of approximately 7.  Seven is considered neutral or acid free.
The removal of lignin, helps insure that paper will not yellow as it ages.
In a effort to avoid the formation of acid in finished paper due moisture
imparted when handled as well as moisture in the air, paper may be alkaline-
buffered.

Basis Weight --- This term is important since paper is sold by its weight.
The basis weight of a sheet of paper is determined by the actual weight of
500 sheets of paper.  Confusion is caused when comparing various paper
weights since Basis Size (the size of the sheet weighed) is not the same for
all types of paper.  And thus a 20# bond sheet weights the same as a 50#
offset sheet.
The Basis size for weighing bond paper is 17" x 22".
The Basis size for weighing offset paper is 25" x 38".

500 sheets of bond --- 17" x 22" --- weights 20 pounds
500 sheets of offset --- 25" x 38" --- weights 50 pounds

Yet the thickness of the paper, the caliper measure in thousands of an
inch) are both approximately .0034"

Caliper refers to the thickness of the sheet of paper.  Rather than
comparing paper by weight, it would be easier to compare it by caliper.
However, seldom is the caliper of a sheet stated on the package.  Thus the
consumer is often confused when purchasing paper.  Having bought a package
of 50# paper, the average consumer may be surprised to find that the sheet
is lighter (thinner) than the 24# paper they had been using.

50# offset is equal to 20# bond
60# offset is equal to 24# bond
Thus 50# is actually lighter than 24# !!!

A comprehensive comparison table will follow.

Paper Weights - Eliminate the Confusion

To help eliminate the confusion relative to paper weights, we have prepared a "Relative Weight" chart. This chart can be found on our Imagination Gallery Web Site. We think you will find it very helpful as you try to determine which paper is best for your various projects.

Definitions:



• Basis Weight
  The basis weight of a paper is the designated fixed weight of 500 sheets, measured in pounds, in that paper's basic sheet size.
  It is important to note that the "basic sheet size" is not the same for all types of paper.
  
• Caliper
  Caliper refers to the thickness of a sheet of paper expressed in thousands of an inch. This measurement is taken with a micro meter. Normally, paper caliper should not have more than a + or - 5% variance within a sheet. Generally, the relation between caliper and basis weight .... the greater the caliper (the thicker the paper), the greater the paper weight.
• Equivalent Weight
  While different paper types have different basic sizes, papers can still be compared by using equivalent weight.

	-- Bond --	- Offset -	- Cover -	-- Tag --	- Index -	*Caliper(inches)	Metric(grams /sq meter)
Equivalent	16	40	22	37	33	.0032	60.2 gsm
Weight	18	45	24	41	37	.0036	67.72 gsm
	20	50	28	46	42	.0038	75.2 gsm
	24	60	33	56	50	.0048	90.3 gsm
	28	70	39	64	58	.0058	105.35 gsm
	29	73	40	62	60	.0060	109.11 gsm
	31	81	45	73	66	.0061	116.63 gsm
	35	90	48	80	74	.0062	131.68 gsm
	36	90	50	82	75	.0068	135.45 gsm
	39	100	54	90	81	.0072	146.73 gsm
	40	100	56	93	83	.0073	150.5 gsm
	43	110	60	100	90	.0074	161.78 gsm
	44	110	61	102	92	.0076	165.55 gsm
	47	120	65	108	97	.0078	176.83 gsm
	53	135	74	122	110	.0085	199.41 gsm
	54	137	75	125	113	.009	203.17 gsm
	58	146	80	134	120	.0092	218.22 gsm
	65	165	90	150	135	.0095	244.56 gsm
	67	170	93	156	140	.010	252.08 gsm
	72	183	100	166	150	.011	270.9 gsm
	76	192	105	175	158	.013	285.95 gsm
	82	208	114	189	170	....	308.52 gsm
	105	267	146	244	220	....	385.06 gsm

International Paper Sizes

SIZE	WIDTH (mm)	HEIGHT (mm)	WIDTH (in.)	HEIGHT(in.)
A0	841 mm	1,189 mm	33.11 in.	46.81 in.
A1	594 mm	841 mm	23.39 in.	33.11 in.
A2	420 mm	594 mm	16.54 in.	23.39 in.
A3	297 mm	420 mm	11.69 in.	16.54 in.
A4	210 mm	297 mm	8.27 in.	11.69 in.
A5	148 mm	210 mm	5.83 in.	8.27 in.
A6	105 mm	148 mm	4.13 in.	5.83 in.
A7	74 mm	105 mm	2.91 in.	4.13 in.
B0	1,028 mm	1,456 mm	40.48 in.	57.32 in.
B1	728 mm	1,028 mm	28.66 in.	40.48 in.
B2	514 mm	728 mm	20.24 in.	28.66
B3	364 mm	514 mm	14.33 in.	20.24 in.
B4	257 mm	364 mm	10.12 in.	14.33 in.
B5	182 mm	257 mm	7.17 in.	10.12 in.
B6	128 mm	182 mm	5.04 in.	7.17 in.

SUPER COLOR SHRINK

Remember coloring on Shrink Plastic ? 
Shrink Plastic goes back to the seventies ... I thought it was older 
than that but I have been corrected.
 
Shrink Plastic is a plastic on which kids would draw … in many cases it had images 
preprinted for coloring.  After the images were colored, you would cut the plastic 
to size, place it in a convection oven and watch as the plastic curled up … and 
hopefully unfolded and laid flat.

In the spring of 1997, after having worked on the project for over a year, we figured
out how to coat shrink plastic.  We needed to place a special coating on the material 
so that it can be printed in a color ink jet printer.  Without the special coating, ink 
will bubble on the surface and never dry.  It just makes a mess.

First I had to figure out the nature of the material.  Each time I asked, nobody wanted 
to tell me about its composition.  It wasn't that they didn't what to tell me … it was that 
I kept asking that group who never heard of it? 
 
Eventually I found out that this is Bi-Axial oriented Styrene.  Bi-axial which means it will 
shrink evenly in both directions.   Do you know where they use styrene?  Ever buy strawberries
or blueberries in that clear "clam shell" package?    
The package is styrene.  It is actually Mono-axial oriented 3 mill styrene.  Our product is 10 mill.  

The first time they extruded our material … they messed up and forgot to change the setting 
from mono to bi-axial.  So when you went to shrink our material, it shrunk more in one 
direction than the other.

Here we were with thousands of sheets which would not shrink evenly.
Never fear .. we're marketers.  We turned it into a product called "Fun house shrink" …
Guaranteed to distort any picture!  Looking to lose weight?  Use Fun House Shrink.  
Remember the mirrors in the old fun house.  They would make you look tall and thin.  Yep … 
funhouse shrink does it!  Now if I could only find a way to add hair to the top of my head.  
But that's another story.

With the first problem solved, we needed to figure out how to put a special coating on our shrink material.

Now you have to understand …all of the coatings we put on our materials are put there using heat.  
You begin to see the problem.  Heat this material and it shrinks !

So we needed to find a way to cold coat our shrink.  Once that was solved we had to overcome the problem 
of the coating "delaminating" from the surface of this non-porous material.  
At first the coating would peel off the surface.
Well finally all of the problems were solved and in the summer of 1997 we brought SUPER COLOR SHRINK 
to market.

Super Color Shrink is a great product in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing.  
It really is a "crafting product."     

Those like me make key chains, zipper bobs and other "neat things."  Those who are really handy make 
beautiful jewelry using metal fixings which can be found in the craft store.
You can even use shrink to adorn greeting cards.
I'm into butterflies and bows.  They don't have to lay completely flat to look good.  
Just glue the shrink to the face of the card and you have a 3-D image.  
Put a bow in the hair of a baby picture.
Add a butterfly or two in the background.  It's neat!

A quick story … we were going to a trade show and decided it would be good to give out a piece of shrink 
with our company logo.  With a piece of double side sticky tape, we could slap it onto the name badge of 
those who visited our booth. So I had to make a least 300 pieces with our logo.  One evening when my 
wife left the house to play cards with her friends, I fired up the toaster oven to broil.  Then I did the same 
with our electric oven.  Now after the smoke detector stopped shrieking and the dog stopped barking,  
I proceeded to shrink the hundreds of badges which I had previously printed on my color ink jet printer.

Using oven mits, I loaded the a teflon tray and filled the oven with shrink.  Then I did the same with the 
toaster oven.  With perspiration running done my face, I was like a one arm paper hanger as I flipped from 
one oven to the other.  Everything got hot hot!  Actually the trays got so hot that the shrink would shrink 
as fast as it would hit the tray.  I had badges all over the place.  But I got them done in no time.  
I then cleaned up the mess.  If it wasn't for the heat in the house, my wife would have never known.  
So big deal; the house was at 85 degrees.  I guess I should have put on the air conditioning before she returned.  
But at least I did clean up my mess in the kitchen.  Well almost everything.  OK .. so their were a few stray 
pieces of plastic around and I didn't put everything back in the oven (for storage) as I had found it.

So my suggestion is to do it the right way. Put the shrink on the tray with the printed side down after having 
preheated the oven to 275 degrees, place the shrink into the oven and wait about 15 minutes 
or until the shrink returns to the flat position.  This should work most of the time.  However if you have no 
patience, like me, set the toaster oven to broil and watch the shrink shrink in 20 seconds !

By the way … never use a microwave oven.   But that's another story.

Hello ... 

I was interested in your shrink material website and read your shrink 
history that shrink plastic goes back to the 70's.  Actually your source is 
incorrect.  "Shrinky Dinks" were invented in 1973 by Betty Morris of 
Wisconsin and later marketed by the coloring book giant, Colorforms.  Today 
I believe Milton Bradley oficially carries on this tradition. 

BUT ... 

In 1968 Wham-O marketed a device called "The Shrink Machine."  They also 
marketed a number of after market trademarked items called appropriately 
enough ... "Shrinkies."  The 6 shrinkies were called "Tiny-Trinkets," 
"Widdle-Weirdies," "Bitty-Blanks," "Teeny-Tinys," "Itty-Autos," and "Micro 
Messages."  I have a Wham-O Shrink Machine and the 6 shrinkies.  It used a 
40-watt light bulb to shrink the Polystyrene.  Can you say 15 minutes???  It 
does do a credible job though ... just slow. 

Now you can correct the person who initially corrected you concerning the 
history of shrink.  Since "Shrinkable Plastics" and "Superabsorbers" are my 
specialties I have done a lot of research on them.  I do a lot of 
presentations in my role as a Polymer Ambassador to science teachers all 
over the U.S. concerning these topics.  With your permission I will include 
both your website and your product as additional examples of "Shrinkable 
Plastics" when I do presentations. 

Wayne Goates 
Kansas Polymer Ambassador 

COMPUTER EVOLUTION – Mini to PC
Word Processing to Graphic Imaging to Photo Manipulation
By Stephen A. Singer ©1998 All Rights Reserved

Having been in the business forms printing industry since the early 1970s, 
I watched with excitement as the "mini-computer" changed the face of the
business community.  Without question, IBM controlled the industry.  
As soon as they sold through their current generation of mini-computers, 
they upgraded their client base with the next generation computer.  
First they saturated the market with their IBM system 32 computer.  

Boy, by today's standard this could not even be considered a computer.  
It had a small rectangular "green" screen, and I mean  small, which you 
used to read the data being processed.  The data was stored, if I remember 
correctly on a 8-1/2" floppy disk.  This disk was the forerunner of the 
5-1/2" floppy disk which was later followed by the 3-1/2" disk.   

This "computer" was really just a terminal on which data could be 
processed.  It was a "very low memory" free standing unit which included 
a continuous line printer.  This printer printed one entire line of data all at 
the same time.  Each line contained 32 characters … each character 
was 10 point type and was spaced 1/10 of an inch across the page, 
1/6 of an inch down the page.  To aid in reading the information, the data 
was printed on "green bar" paper.

For years before, large companies had been using "main frame" computers 
on which they processed data.  The great excitement was that the 
"mini computer" brought computer technology into the hands of mid-size 
and small business.

My job, in those days, was to take the information which was printed on 
this "new fangled" invention and organize it so that it could be easily read 
and understood. I would re-design the business form output - Invoices, 
Purchase Orders, Order Forms, Checks and Credit Memos and other 
documents – so that they would act a tool to effectively communicate 
information from one person to another.  We helped businesses 
"reduce cost by increasing their productivity."

In order to process information, endless streams of data had to be entered 
into the new computer machine.  One way data was entered was through 
the use of Data Punched Cards.  The "old " cards were 80 column cards.  
This meant that there were 80 columns of data (punched holes) across 
the card.  The holes were place into the card by a card punch machine.  
Key punch operators would work hours typing information on a key punch 
machine.  The Key Punch took typed key strokes and punched them into 
a card which was then read by a Card Reader.  The Reader was attached 
to the computer which could then let the computer interpret the 
information.  

Few may remember that each card had a "notch" on the top right corner.  
Actually the corner was cut on a 45o angle.  This was called a "facing notch."
When holding a stack of cards, if one card in the stack was backwards, 
it could be seen instantly since the uncut corner would be visible.  A card 
facing in the wrong direction would not be read properly in the card reader.
This technique for "facing" documents is still an effective method  for 
insuring than every sheet or card is facing in the proper direction. 
 
With the advent of the IBM system 32 came the 60 column card.  
While this was a smaller punch card, the principle of punching data and 
reading it into the computer remained the same.  

In addition to using punch cards to input data, information could be typed 
and viewed on a "green" screen.  This opened new opportunities for the 
creative business forms designer.  Designing easy-to-read Source 
Documents improved productivity and the disposition of those entering 
the information into the computer.  By organizing the information on 
the Source Document in the same configuration as it appeared on the 
computer screen, the speed of data entry increased dramatically.  

In addition to designing an effective business forms and source document, 
the business forms designer had to interact with the software programmer 
who would, often reluctantly, re-design the way the information appeared 
on the computer screen as well as re-design the way the information 
printed on the paper.

Innovative programmers figured way to print elaborate graphics using dots,
dashes, X and Os as well as other characters of the alphabet.

Soon after everyone had their IBM System 32 in place, the IBM System 34 
started to ship to customers.  In a great marketing ploy, those who had 
purchased (or leased) their System 32 were on a waiting list for the 
System 34. Then followed the more powerful IBM System 36.

Around this same time those of us in the business forms industry worked 
with clients who purchased the "blue" Basic 4 (BB1) machine. Basic 4 also 
upgraded their machines every couple of years.  Burrows also introduced 
a Mini-computer around that same time.  And while their may have been 
others (Macdonald Douglas I remember), in the area in which I worked the
market was dominated by IBM, Basic 4 and to a much smaller degree 
Burrows.

As the mini-computer was taking hold in the business community, the first
Personal Computers (PC) started to enter the marketplace.  The PC had 
two distinct areas in which it started to make an impact … Word Processing
and Games.  

And thus you have the first in a series of steps which led us from
"Word Processing" to "Graphic Imaging" to "Photo Manipulation"

Micro Format - Starting a Business
by Stephen A. Singer ©1998 All Rights Reserved

With so many looking to start their own business,
I have been asked many times how I started my own business ...
and why. 

The why is the easy part.  From 1975 until the end of 1982
I worked for CBI Corporation, a business forms company serving
clients in the Chicago Area.
Over a period of time, the goals of the company changed
from my personal goals until one day things came to a head.
I mention names here with the up most respect since putting names
on situations, in my opinion, makes things less vague and may
help others relate to their own experiences.

I reached a point in my employment in the fall of 1982
where during a disagreement I found that I was right (in my opinion)
and Cliff (the owner) was right {in his opinion) ...
AND HE OWNED THE COMPANY.  I was fired !

And now more than 15 years later it has been proven that we
were both right.  Our company has grown and survived; CBI has
continued to experience growth and success.

And so after a six month period of "finding myself,"
in the summer of 1983 I founded Micro Format.  With a
game plan in hand we began to explore the business world.
One day, while with a client for whom I printed business
forms, an undertaker as a matter of fact, Norm took me aside
and suggested that I sell small packages of continuous
labels, index cards and continuous colored paper.  His logic
was that there was a new breed of computer user in the
country.  Those using the new Commodore and Atri Computers.
And since I had access to labels, colored paper and so much
more thanks to the relationships I had in the business forms
industry, it was only logical that I could capitalize on this 
new market.

So I "brown paper" wrapped packages of labels, index cards,
rolodex cards and continuous colored paper and went to the first
computer show held by Computer Central in the Des Plaines
Illinois Park District field house.

This was 1983.  During the next few years, the personal
computer industry continued to grow.  Eagle Computers,
Osborn, Kaypro, Atari, Amega and Commodore computers were 
the rage.

In 1985 I created continuous Micro Cards ... continuous
greeting cards packaged with envelopes.  The idea was that
you printed your message in the lower right hand corner of the
card using your word processor and dot matrix printer.  
After printing, you would remove the margins and fold the cards 
into quarters.  We printed twelve different cards, many raised 
printed.   They were a bust.         Why you ask?
No one knew how to format the text so that the printer could print 
in the lower right hand corner of the sheet!  Word processing was
a new and the programs were very limited.

In 1987, while at a trade show with Jay Foreman, one of my
Micro Card customers (re-seller), we saw a product on display
by a company called Hi-Tech Expressions.  On display was 
fan-folded banner paper.  Each sheet had a one inch printed
red plaid stripe near the margin perforation. There was the page 
perforation and the next sheet had stripes ... so on and so forth.  
I turned to Jay and asked if I got rid of that cross perforation, 
what he thought of the product.  He ask how I could do that to
which I said "never you mind."  "You'll have a winner" he
stated emphatically and so the idea of Banner Band, Pageless
computer paper was born.

Over the next six months I solved numerous manufacturing
related problems and for the next 6 years we sold thousands
and thousands of rolls of banner paper.  We manufactured
banner paper for everyone; Brite Line, Memorex, Perfect Print
to name just a few.  It was sold under many different names
as well as our own Banner Band trade mark.  Banner Band was
in computer stores and almost every mail order catalog.
It was featured in the Power Up! catalog for years, appearing
on the cover numerous times as well as in a double spread in
the middle of the catalog.  The product sold so fast we were
required to ship rolls of banner paper from Chicago to California
by next day air so that they could keep up with the demand.

A number of years after I created the first rolls of Banner
Band, I ran into a man named Ken Grant. At the time he knew
me but I didn't know him.  It was at a trade show where he
said to me .... "I have something to show you."  Something
that will "make your paper."  With that he reached under the
table a showed me a proto type package of BannerMania.  Ken
Grant and his Pixelite Group were the ones who wrote the
original Print Shop Programs as well as BannerMania.  He was
right.  BannerMania went on to become one of the best selling
programs of its day... and thanks to BannerMania, Banner
Band, pageless computer paper came into its own.

What goes up must come down.  Between 1994 and 1995 Banner
Band sales crashed faster than could ever had been imagined.
This happens in most part due to the fact companies that
manufactured printers decided to push Laser and then Ink Jet
Printers onto the consumer.  And once Canon began to give
software with their printers, the ink jet printer became the
printer of choice.  Within a two year period, dot matrix
printers virtually dissappeared from the home computer market.

While Banner Band is still available and being sold today,
the number of rolls sold annually represent a very small
fraction of what was sold in years gone by.

There you have it ... How Micro Format began and the first
successful product line from inception to its near demise.
Such is the way of business.

There are "ups" and there are "downs."  
Having experienced both 
let me state that the "ups" are much more fun !

INK JET Jet BANNER BAND
by Stephen A. Singer ©1998 All Rights Reserved

During the years between 1987 (when I invented Banner Band®) and 
1994, what I like to refer to as the beginning of the ink jet revolution, 
Micro Format manufactured and sold hundred of thousands of rolls of 
banner paper.  So you can imagine my surprise each time I spoke to 
representatives from the "major" ink jet printer manufacturers – 
HP, Canon and Epson.  "Consumers" I was told, "have no desire to print 
banners with their home computers!"

Can you imagine?  I was told that by the "technical people" at HP when 
I spoke with them at Comdex (the world's largest computer show) – not once,
but numerous times.   It wasn't my imagination – people love to print 
banners and that was proven by not only the success of Banner Band®, 
Pageless Computer Paper®, but by the success of Broderbun's BannerMania™ 
software program.

Actually there was one jet printer on the market at that time which could 
print banners.  It was a "tractor fed" printer and, believe it or not, it was 
manufactured by HP.  However it was not widely used and in the mid 1990s
it discontinued and replaced by the less expensive "sheet fed" ink jet technology 
printers.

Early in 1996 I was interviewed by the editor of a publication which 
focused articles computer printer technology.   I remember complaining  
that the manufacturers of ink jet printers were ignoring a large segment of
the market since it was impossible to print banners on desk top ink jet printers.

The morning of April 22, 1996 --- I remember it well --- I walked into my 
office. As I glanced over at the FAX machine, I saw a stack of paper.  The 
documents in the tray contained everything I needed to know about the 
new HP682; a new ink jet printer which had been made public that day.  
Unbeknown to me, the editor to whom I had spoken weeks before, was 
under a non-disclosure and could not discuss the fact that HP was about to 
introduce the first desk top ink jet printer which had banner printing capabilities.

Immediately I placed a call to our manufacturing plant.  It just happened 
that we were in the process of manufacturing rolls of white Banner Band –
9-1/2" wide with ˝" margins for use in continuous dot matrix printers.  
"Stop the Presses"  --- We reconfigured and started manufacturing rolls of 
banner paper 8-1/2" wide with NO margin perforations.

Within 48 hours from the time HP introduced their 682C DeskJet Printer, 
Micro Format introduced "INK JET BANNER BAND ®" Pageless Computer Paper®  
on rolls for printing signs and banners on the new HP 682 Deskjet printer.

It's unfortunate that it is still difficult to print banners on most ink jet 
printers.   It is possible to print them on a number of HP, Epson and on at least 
two models manufactured by Canon.

Today banner paper sales are only a fraction of what they were in years gone by.
However Ink Jet Banner Band sales and the number of rolls manufactured annually 
continues to grow.  

Once discovered that it can be done, everyone loves to print banners using
their home computer.  And that's a fact !