Selecting paper
Using appropriate paper prevents jams and helps ensure trouble-free printing.
To help avoid jams and poor print quality:
•Always use new, undamaged paper.
•Before loading paper, know the recommended print side of the paper. This information is usually indicated on
the paper package.
•Do not use paper that has been cut or trimmed by hand.
•Do not mix paper sizes, types, or weights in the same source; mixing results in jams.
•Do not use coated papers unless they are specifically designed for electrophotographic printing.
Selecting preprinted forms and letterhead
Use these guidelines when selecting preprinted forms and letterhead:
•Use grain long for 60 to 90 g/m2 weight paper.
•Use only forms and letterhead printed using an offset lithographic or engraved print ing process.
•Avoid papers with rough or heavily textured surfaces.
Use papers printed with heat-resistant inks designed for use in xero graphic copiers. The ink must be able to withstand
temperatures up to 230°C (446°F) without melting or releasing hazardous emis sions. Use inks that are not affecte d
by the resin in toner. Inks that are oxidation-set or oil-based generally meet these requirements; latex in ks might not.
When in doubt, contact the paper supplier .
Preprinted papers such as letterhead must be able to withstand temperatures up to 230°C (446°F) without melting
or releasing hazardous emissions.
Using recycled paper and other office papers
•Low moisture content (4–5%)
•Suitable smoothness (100–200 Sheffield units , or 140–350 Bendtsen units, European)
Note: Som e m u c h sm o o t h e r pa p e r s ( s uc h a s p r e mi u m 2 4 l b l a se r p a p er s , 5 0 – 9 0 Sh e f f i e ld u n i t s ) an d m u c h r o ug h e r
papers (such as premium cotton papers, 200– 300 Sheffield units) have been engineered to w ork very well in
laser printers, despite surface texture. Befor e using these types of paper, consult your paper supplier.
•Suitable sheet-to-sheet coefficient of friction (0.4–0.6)
•Sufficient bending resistance in the direction of feed
Recycled paper, paper of lower weight (<60 g/m2 [16 lb bond]) and/or lower caliper (<3.8 mils [0.1 mm]), and paper
that is cut grain-short for portrait (or short-edge) fed printers may have lower bending resistance than is required for
reliable paper feeding. Before using thes e types of paper for laser (elect rophotographic) printing, consu lt your paper
supplier. Remember that these are general guidelines on ly and that paper meeting these guidelines may still cause
paper feeding problems in any lase r printer (for example, if the paper curl s excessively under normal printi ng
conditions).
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