Understanding print media guidelines

Tips on choosing the right print media

Selecting the right paper or other print media reduces printing problems. For best print quality, try a sample of the paper or other print media you are considering before buying large quantities.

Note: Certain paper types will not print at maximum speed.

See the Card Stock & Label Guide available on our Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com/publications for more information about which print media provides optimum results for your printing environment.

Paper

For the best print quality, use 20 lb (75 g/m2) xerographic, grain long paper.

The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 90 g/m2 (16 to 24 lb bond) grain long. Paper lighter than 60 g/m2 (16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. Paper heavier than 90 g/m2 (24 lb) should be fed through the manual feeder.

The laser printing process heats paper to high temperatures of 210°C (410°F). 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 you have chosen is acceptable for laser printers.

The duplex unit only supports certain sizes and types of print media. Only A4, letter, legal and folio size paper can be used for duplex printing. The printer does not support duplex printing on any other type of print media.

Paper characteristics

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

For detailed information, see the Card Stock & Label Guide available on the Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com/ publications.

Weight

The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 90 g/m2 (16 to 24 lb bond) grain long in the integrated and optional trays and paper weights from 60 to 163 g/m2 (16 to 43 lb bond) grain long in the manual feeder. Paper lighter than 60 g/m2 (16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. For best performance, use 75 g/m2 (20 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 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.

Moisture content

The amount of moisture in the paper affects both print quality and the ability of the printer to feed the paper properly. Leave the paper in its original wrapper until it is time to use it. This limits the exposure of the paper to moisture changes that can degrade its performance.

Tips on choosing the right print media

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Lexmark 450dn Tips on choosing the right print media, Understanding print media guidelines, Paper characteristics

450dn specifications

The Lexmark 450dn is a robust monochrome laser printer designed to meet the needs of small to medium-sized businesses, offering high-quality printing along with efficient performance. This reliable printer stands out due to its combination of advanced features, speed, and cost-effective operation.

One of the main characteristics of the Lexmark 450dn is its impressive print speed, capable of producing up to 40 pages per minute. This makes it an ideal option for busy work environments where time is of the essence. In addition, the printer has a first-page-out time of just 6.5 seconds, ensuring that users do not have to wait long for their documents.

The Lexmark 450dn employs advanced printing technologies, such as Lexmark’s Unison Toner. This technology ensures consistent and high-quality output from the first page to the last, with sharp text and detailed graphics. The printer also offers a print resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi, ensuring clarity and precision in every document.

Another key feature of the 450dn is its duplex printing capability, which automatically prints on both sides of the paper. This function not only enhances productivity but also reduces paper usage, making it a more environmentally friendly choice for businesses looking to minimize their ecological footprint.

Connectivity is another area where the Lexmark 450dn excels. It offers multiple connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and built-in wireless capabilities. This flexibility allows multiple users within a network to easily access the printer, promoting collaborative work environments.

The printer is designed with a user-friendly interface, featuring a 2-line LCD display that provides essential information and makes operation simple. Furthermore, the Lexmark 450dn supports a variety of paper sizes and types, from standard letter-sized paper to envelopes and labels, accommodating diverse printing needs.

In terms of maintenance, the Lexmark 450dn is designed for easy access to consumables and parts, which promotes user convenience. Its long-lasting toner cartridges contribute to lower overall operating costs, making it an economical choice for higher-volume printing.

Overall, the Lexmark 450dn combines speed, efficiency, and versatility, making it a compelling choice for professionals seeking a dependable printing solution. With its advanced features and thoughtful design, it delivers outstanding performance for a wide range of business applications.