Chapter 2 Handling Paper

2. Special Paper

This section explains printing on special paper. The page printer can use the following types of special paper. In this case, set the media type according to the table below.

Paper type to be usedMedia type to be selected

Colored paper

Color

Preprinted paper

Preprinted

 

 

Overhead projector

Transparency

transparencies

 

 

 

Postcards

Cardstock

 

 

Envelopes

Envelope

 

 

Label

Labels

 

 

Table 2-4

 

When using the above types of paper, be sure to use products that are specified for use with photocopiers and/or page print- ers. Feed paper other than colored paper or preprinted paper from the MP (multi-purpose) tray. Use paper that is sold specifically for use with copiers (heat-fusing type). Label paper and envelopes should not be placed in the cassette.

Since the composition and quality of special paper vary con- siderably, special paper is more likely than white bond paper to give trouble during printing. No liability will be assumed if moisture, etc., given off in printing on special paper causes harm to the machine or operator.

NOTE

Before purchasing any type of special paper, test a sample on the printer and check that print quality is satisfactory.

Specifications for each type of special paper are given below.

2.1 Transparency (Overhead Projection Film)

Transparency must be able to withstand the heat of fusing during the printing process. It should satisfy the conditions given in the table below.

Item

Specification

Tolerance of heat

Must tolerate at least 190 °C

 

(374 °F)

Thickness

0.100to0.110mm(3.9to4.3mils)

 

 

Material

Polyester

 

 

Dimensional accuracy

±0.7 mm (±0.0276 inches.)

 

 

Squareness of corners

90° ± 0.2°

 

 

Table 2-5

 

If transparency jams frequently, pull the top of the sheet very gently as it leaves the printer.

2.2 Adhesive-Backed Labels

The basic rule for printing on adhesive labels is that the adhesive must never come into contact with any part of the printer. Adhesive paper sticking to the drum or rollers will damage the printer.

Label paper must be manually fed.

Label paper has a structure comprised of three layers, as shown in the figure below. The top sheet is printed on. The adhesive layer consists of pressure-sensitive adhesives. The carrier sheet (also called the linear or backing sheet) holds the labels until use. Due to the complexity of its composition, adhesive-backed label paper is particularly likely to give trouble in printing.

Top sheet (White bond paper)

Adhesive Carrier sheet

Figure 2-2

Adhesive label paper must be entirely covered by its top sheet, with no spaces between the individual labels. Labels with spaces in between are apt to peel off, causing serious paper jam problems.

Some label paper is manufactured with an extra margin of top sheet around the edge. Do not remove the extra top sheet from the carrier sheet until after printing is finished.

AcceptableUnacceptable

Top sheet

Carrier sheet

Figure 2-3

The table below lists the specifications for adhesive label paper.

Item

Specification

Weight of top sheet

44 to 74 g/m2 (12 to 20 lb/ream)

Composite weight

104 to 151 g/m2 (28 to 40 lb/ream)

Thickness of top sheet

0.086 to 0.107 mm (3.9 to 4.2 mils)

 

 

Composite thickness

0.115 to 0.145 mm (4.5 to 5.7 mils)

 

 

Moisture content

4 to 6 % (composite)

 

 

Table 2-6

 

Envelopes

The printer can print on envelopes using paper with a basis weight of 60 to 79 g/m2 (16 to 21 lb/ream). Envelopes must be manually fed.

An envelope is a more complex object than a single sheet of paper. For this reason, it may not be possible to obtain consistent print quality over the entire envelope surface.

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