NCR paper, also known as carbonless paper, allows the easy transfer of handwritten information from a top sheet to those underneath. With a layer of ink capsules and clay that react together, it’s a highly accurate method — neater than the previous carbon copies.
ABC Design and Print are specialists in NCR printing and are here to bring you all the expert information and advice on what NCR paper is, how it works and what its uses are. When you’re looking for the best way to document your business’s accounts, invoices, receipts or time sheets, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for.
What is NCR paper?
NCR paper is a kind of paper that creates multiple copies of the information you write. A duplicate set, for example, will create one original document (usually kept by the business) and one customer copy. All the information you write on the top sheet will be transferred onto the subsequent sheets, creating an accurate copy of the data. The most you can create is up to three copies (plus the original) with quadruple pads and books.
How does it work?
NCR paper was invented off the back of carbon copy methods. These performed the same function, copying information from a top sheet onto underlayers, but it was messy and often inaccurate as the CC paper was an insert between two normal sheets. This lead to misalignment and confused data, as well as faded or illegible copy. It was far from ideal.
The National Cash Register (now known as NCR Corporation) invented NCR. It is commonly thought to stand for ‘no carbon required’ although some people claim the paper was named after its inventors. This new method is much more accurate.
Rather than inserting the CC sheet, the NCR paper itself is coated with an invisible layer of micro-encapsulated dye (dye or ink that is contained in microscopic capsules). The second sheet is coated with a layer of clay. A small pressure point, such as a pen or pencil nib, presses onto the paper and ruptures the capsules of ink. These undergo a microscopic chemical reaction with the clay and produce a stain that marks the paper.
It’s a highly accurate way of creating duplicate, triplicate or quadruplicate documents without all the faff involved in carbon copy.
What is it used for?
NCR paper has hundreds of uses, largely in the commercial and business industries. One of the most common is in duplicate NCR pads. These create two copies of a document, anything from a receipt to a timesheet, and are particularly handy because they contain a whole pack of NCR paper with printed tables. It means that businesses can have a standard methodology for their bookkeeping, simplifying accounts and administration. It provides the customer with a copy of the receipt, invoice or form at a moment’s notice.
There are a lot of benefits for using specialist printers over generic suppliers. With professional commercial printers, all your NCR documents can be made bespoke to you. The ability to customise the design of your product will vary according to the printers you choose. ABC Design and Print, for example, allow full customisation. This includes the number of columns and rows, the headers and even specialist options such as security masking. They also add your company’s branding and contact details, increasing the likelihood of repeat custom.
Many printers will just allow the addition of your logo or mobile number, as opposed to the full customisation of layout, when printing NCR paper. Choose your printers carefully so they can meet all your specifications.
If you want to buy NCR paper, you can see a sample of our range. As specialist carbonless printers, we can make whatever you need! We also aim to beat all genuine carbonless printing quotes, so you know you’re getting the best value for money.
