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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