What are NCR Carbonless Papers?
Simply put, these are copy papers that do not require the use of a carbon paper. They are used for typing on a typewriter, in dot matrix printers, or for handwriting. You probably encounter them most often with forms containing self-copying copies. STEPA s.r.o. utilizes them in the production of direct carbonless cash register rolls.
NCR Carbonless Papers (also known as self-copying papers) work based on a reaction between encapsulated dye and a layer of kaolin. Microcapsules containing dye break under increased pressure (through writing) and the dye reacts with kaolin.
The first NCR papers (No Carbon Required paper) were developed by the National Cash Register Co. Two chemists from NCR Corporation, Lowell Schleicher and Barry Green, made a significant contribution to this when they discovered the technique for preparing microcapsules in 1953.
Depending on the type of pressure-reactive layer, the individual papers are called CB (Coated Back), CF (Coated Front), SC (Self Copy), CFB, or SC/CB. Each paper type, CB, CF, CFB, SC, SC/CB, differs in its functional properties.
NCR Carbonless Papers CB, CFB, CF
The carbonizing abilities of CB and CF papers are interdependent. The top carbonless paper CB is coated on its bottom side with a layer of microcapsules containing a dye substance. Conversely, the second paper CF is provided with an active kaolin layer on its top side. This results in constant contact between the two layers. However, the layers only react under pressure.
During writing, at the point of contact between the papers, increased pressure (from a pencil tip, a dot matrix printer needle, etc.) causes the microcapsules in the CB layer to burst, releasing the dye substance, which immediately reacts with the active kaolin layer of CF, creating an impression on the CF paper. No reaction is visible on the CB layer.
CFB paper is used when multiple copies are needed. It is coated with a CF layer on the top side and a CB layer on the bottom side. Thus, it simultaneously serves the function of CB paper and CF-coated paper.
From the above description, it is evident that the carbonizing abilities of CB and CF papers are interdependent. If CB or CF paper were combined with another paper, carbonization would not occur.