BS 6563

Introducing BS 6563 – Industrial Physics

BS 6563 is the British Standard for measuring the surface smoothness of paper and paperboard using the Parker Print‑Surf (PPS) method. This test evaluates how a sheet behaves under printing‑press conditions by measuring the airflow between the sample surface and a precision‑engineered measuring head under controlled pressure.

Because surface texture directly influences print uniformity, ink laydown, coating performance, and converting behaviour, BS 6563 is a key standard for mills producing printing grades, packaging board, and high‑quality coated papers.

What BS 6563 Covers

BS 6563 defines a controlled procedure for determining Parker Print‑Surf roughness using a calibrated PPS instrument. Key elements include:

• Applying a defined clamping pressure to simulate printing‑nip conditions
• Measuring airflow leakage between the sample surface and the PPS measuring head
• Using calibrated air‑flow restrictors to ensure accurate, repeatable readings
• Reporting results in micrometres (µm) of surface roughness

The method applies to:

• Coated and uncoated printing papers
• Paperboard and cartonboard
• Packaging grades
• Papers requiring controlled surface texture for ink and coating performance

PPS values correlate strongly with print quality, gloss, and coating holdout.

Where BS 6563 Is Used

This standard is widely used across the UK and global paper‑manufacturing supply chain:

• Paper mills and coating operations
• Printing‑grade producers
• Packaging‑board manufacturers
• Quality‑control laboratories
• R&D and formulation teams
• Customer‑specification and compliance testing

It supports both routine production monitoring and comparative evaluation of surface quality.

Why PPS Surface‑Smoothness Testing Matters

Understanding PPS roughness is essential for:

• Ensuring consistent printability and ink laydown
• Optimising coating formulation and application
• Controlling gloss, appearance, and surface uniformity
• Predicting press performance
• Meeting industry and customer specifications

PPS testing is a cornerstone of appearance‑ and performance‑based quality control.

Testing solutions for BS 6563

Three products from the Featured Products section align with BS 6563’s focus on Parker Print‑Surf surface‑smoothness measurement:

Profile Plus PPS – Parker Print‑Surf Calibrated Air‑Flow Restrictor Set

A precision‑engineered restrictor set designed to maintain accurate, repeatable PPS measurements. These calibrated restrictors ensure your PPS instrument performs to BS, ISO, and PAPTAC requirements, supporting reliable surface‑smoothness evaluation across coated and uncoated grades.

Profile Plus PPS – Parker Print‑Surf Calibrated Air‑Flow Restrictor (High Range)

A high‑range airflow‑restrictor module ideal for testing rougher papers and boards where elevated PPS values are expected. This accessory extends the measurement capability of PPS systems while maintaining calibration integrity and standards alignment.

Profile Plus PPS – Parker Print‑Surf Calibrated Air‑Flow Restrictor (High Range)

A second high‑range restrictor option for operations requiring additional airflow‑measurement capacity or redundancy in high‑roughness testing environments. Perfect for mills running multiple PPS stations or broad grade portfolios.

Your Global Test and Measurement Partner for BS 6563

Industrial Physics supports paper manufacturers, converters, and laboratories with the tools and expertise needed to evaluate surface performance in line with BS 6563. From PPS roughness testing to full optical and physical‑property analysis, we help ensure your materials meet demanding print and performance standards.