Understanding the Differences: NCR Pads, NCR Books, and NCR Sets

NCR (No Carbon Required) products are a staple in businesses where record-keeping, invoicing, or documentation is key.

Let’s break down their differences to help you decide which one suits your needs best.

1. What are NCR Pads?

NCR pads are essentially a collection of glued-together NCR sheets. These sheets allow for automatic duplication of information without the need for carbon paper. Here’s what makes NCR pads unique:

Structure: They are glued on the top edge on to backing board, and supplied with loose writing shields. Each form is torn out of the pad as it is used.
Ease of Use: Users can easily remove sheets as they’re needed, making them ideal for situations where records don’t need to stay bound.
Application: Commonly used for invoices, receipts, or delivery notes where duplicates are distributed to different parties.

2. What are NCR Books?

NCR books are quite similar to pads but are bound more securely to keep the pages together.

Structure: Pages are stapled & tape bound, making them more secure than glued pads
Features: Pages are perforated, so duplicates can be torn out, leaving the original copy in the book for reference. Alternatively, all of the pages can be perforated.
Application: Popular for record-keeping purposes, where maintaining a bound log is essential, such as in receipt books or work order books.

3. What are NCR Sets?

NCR sets provide a more customizable option for businesses with specific needs.

Structure: Consist of individual sets of NCR sheets—each set usually includes a top sheet and one or more copies, held together with special glue.
Flexibility: Sets are best when single forms are more convenient, or where pads or books are too bulky
Application: Commonly used for customisable forms, contracts, or agreements that require duplicates but need to remain unbound.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	NCR Pads	NCR Books	NCR Sets
Binding	Glued at one edge	Stapled, tape bound	Individual glued sets
Sheet Removal	Easy to remove	Perforated, some remain bound	Flexible, as sheets aren’t bound
Best For	Invoices, receipts	Record-keeping, logs	Forms, contracts

Which Should You Choose?

Go for NCR pads if you need a quick, cost effective, easy solution for creating duplicates without worrying about keeping the originals intact.
Choose NCR books for situations where a permanent bound record is essential.
Opt for NCR sets if you don’t need to carry pads or books, where single sets are more convenient.