Understanding paper and specialty media guidelines

Selecting print media

Selecting the appropriate print media for the printer helps you avoid printing problems. The following sections contain guidelines for choosing the correct print media for the printer.

Paper

Transparencies

Envelopes

Labels

Card stock

Paper

To ensure the best print quality and feed reliability, use 90 g/m2 (24 lb) xerographic, grain long paper. Business papers designed for general business use may also provide acceptable print quality.

Always print several samples before buying large quantities of any type of media. When choosing any media, consider the weight, fiber content, and color.

The laser printing process heats paper to high temperatures of 230°C (446°F) for non-MICR applications. Use only paper able to withstand these temperatures without discoloring, bleeding, or releasing hazardous emissions. Check with the manufacturer or vendor to determine whether the paper chosen is acceptable for laser printers.

When loading paper, note the recommended print side on the paper package, and load paper accordingly. For detailed tray loading instructions, see the following:

Loading standard or optional 500-sheet trays on page 49

Loading the multipurpose feeder on page 52

Loading the 2000-sheet dual input trays on page 55

Loading the 2000-sheet high capacity feeder on page 56

Paper characteristics

The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. It is recommended that these guidelines are followed when evaluating new paper stock.

Weight

The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 176 g/m2 (16 to 47 lb bond) grain long in the integrated and optional trays and paper weights from 60 to 135 g/m2 (16 to 36 lb bond) grain long in the multipurpose feeder. Paper lighter than 60 g/m2 (16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. For best performance, use 90 g/m2 (24 lb bond) grain long paper. To use paper narrower than 182 x 257 mm (7.2 x 10.1 in.), it is recommended that the weight be greater than or equal to 90 g/m2 (24 lb bond).

Curl

Curl is the tendency of media to curve at its edges. Excessive curl can cause paper feeding problems. Curl can occur after the paper passes through the printer, where it is exposed to high temperatures. Storing paper unwrapped in hot, humid, cold and dry conditions, even in the trays, can contribute to paper curling prior to printing and can cause feeding problems.

Smoothness

The degree of smoothness of paper directly affects print quality. If the paper is too rough, the toner does not fuse to the paper properly, resulting in poor print quality. If the paper is too smooth, it can cause paper feeding or print quality issues. Smoothness needs to be between 100 and 300 Sheffield points; however, smoothness between 150 and 250 Sheffield points produces the best print quality.

Selecting print media

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IBM 1585 (MT 4539) Selecting print media, Paper characteristics, Paper Transparencies Envelopes Labels Card stock

1585 (MT 4539) specifications

The IBM 1585, also known as the MT 4539, is a significant model in the line of IBM's automatic data processing systems. Introduced in the early 1980s, the IBM 1585 was primarily designed for data management tasks, catering to businesses that required efficient solutions for their growing data needs.

At its core, the IBM 1585 incorporated robust features that made it highly effective for numerous applications. Primarily, it was designed for data entry and processing, significantly enhancing productivity through automation. Its advanced input/output capabilities supported various peripheral devices that were essential in data handling, allowing users to connect printers, scanners, and storage devices with ease.

One notable characteristic of the IBM 1585 was its architecture, which supported multitasking and real-time processing. This enabled users to run multiple applications simultaneously without a significant drop in performance. The system's processing power was driven by the IBM proprietary processor technology, which ensured fast computation and responsiveness, vital for time-sensitive operations.

Furthermore, the IBM 1585 showcased innovative technologies that were ahead of its time. It included support for a graphical user interface, making it more accessible for users who were transitioning from command-line interfaces. This feature not only enhanced user experience but also made training new employees more efficient.

Another key feature was its excellent compatibility with various software applications, especially those tailored for business management, accounting, and statistical analysis. The extensibility of the IBM 1585 allowed organizations to customize their setup to meet specific operational demands.

Additionally, the IBM 1585 emphasized security and data integrity, incorporating measures to protect sensitive information. This focus on security was particularly relevant for businesses managing confidential data, as robust access controls and encryption features were part of the system’s design.

In summary, the IBM 1585 (MT 4539) was a pioneering computing platform, featuring advanced data processing capabilities, multitasking architecture, user-friendly graphical interface, and strong compatibility with various applications. Its introduction marked a significant step in the evolution of business computing, reflecting IBM’s commitment to meeting the demands of a rapidly changing technological landscape.