Chemical Composition and Mechanics
NCR paper functions through a pressure-sensitive chemical transfer system. Rather than using an inked insert, individual sheets are treated with specialized micro-coatings that interact when pressed:
• CB (Coated Back): The topmost sheet, which is written or struck upon, features a reverse side coated with microscopic, pressure-sensitive dye capsules.
• CFB (Coated Front & Back): Used for multi-part forms (e.g., 3-ply or 4-ply documents). The front face is coated with reactive clay to capture the image from above, while its back face carries dye microcapsules to pass the image down.
• CF (Coated Front): The bottommost sheet, which features a reactive clay layer on the front face to permanently trap the dye from the layer above.