TAPPI T 538 OM 2008 provides a standardized procedure for measuring paper and paperboard surface roughness using air flow between concentric annular lands and the specimen surface. The method covers scope, measurement principles, required apparatus, calibration, sampling, specimen conditioning, testing procedure, reporting, precision, and conversion between Sheffield Units and engineering units. It is useful for evaluating surface characteristics that influence printing quality, ink coverage, friction, gloss, and coating absorption.
Application Scope: Intended for paper and paperboard testing in pulp and paper mills, quality control laboratories, print production, coating operations, and related research facilities using Sheffield roughness measurement equipment.
