ABOUT PAPER
•Stiffness – Stiffness refers to the rigidity, or bending resistance of paper. Thicker papers are usually stiffer.
In general, paper that is less than 16 lb (64 g/m2) is more likely to bunch up or wrinkle in the copier/printer, causing jams and misfeeds. Heavier weight papers, over 28 lb (105 g/m2), may have runability problems as well as print quality defects (skips, blurs, deletions) due to their reduced ability to bend around the transfer drum.
Usually, reliable feeding rates can be obtained by feeding lightweight paper, 16 lb (64 g/m2), with the grain direction the same as the feed direction. This will increase the stiffness. When feeding 32 lb xerographic/bond or heavier paper, the grain direction should be the opposite of the feed direction to decrease stiffness.
•Porosity – Paper that is too porous causes misfeeds or multifeeds as well as solid area mottle (spotty or uneven printing) and smears. Low porosity (denser) sheets tend to have more curl and are prone to image smears.
•Weight – Weight is another important consideration. Heavier sheets are often thicker because they contain more fibers. These papers may be too thick or rigid to pass through the paper path of certain printers. They may also crack or blister when folded (even when scored).
Hint: When choosing paper, select stocks that are within recommended range for the print technology being used. Test the paper by folding a sample document.
Binderies score thick papers
before folding, especially coated stocks, or when heavy ink coverage will cross a fold.
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