Paper and specialty media guidelines

Paper guidelines

Paper characteristics

The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. Co nsider these characteristics 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. Paper lighter than
60 g/m2 (16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. F or best performance, use 75‑g/m2 (20‑lb)
bond grain long paper. For paper smaller than 182 x 257 mm (7 x 10 in.), we recommend 90‑g/m2 (24‑lb) or heavier
paper.
Note: Duplex is supported only for 75–176‑g/m2 (20–47‑lb) bond paper.
Curl
Curl is the tendency for paper to curl 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, or dry conditions, even in the trays, can contribute to paper curli ng prior to printing and can cause feeding
problems.
Smoothness
Paper smoothness directly affects print quality. If paper is too rough, t he toner cannot fuse to it properly. If paper is
too smooth, it can cause paper feeding or print quality issues. Always use paper between 100 and 300 Sheffield points;
however, smoothness between 150 and 200 Sheffield points produces the best print quality.
Moisture content
The amount of moisture in paper affects both print quality and the ability of the printer to feed the paper correctly.
Leave paper in its original wrapper until it is time to use it. This limits the exposure of paper to moist ure changes that
can degrade its performance.
Condition paper before printing by storing it in its original wrapper in the same environment as the printer for 24 to
48 hours before printing. Extend the time several days if the storage or transportation environment is very different
from the printer environment. Thick paper may also require a longer conditioning period.
Grain direction
Grain refers to the alignment of the paper fibers in a sheet of paper. Grain is either grain long, running the length of
the paper, or grain short, running the width of the paper.
For 60–135‑g/m2 (16–36‑lb) bond paper, grain long paper is recommended. For papers heavier than 135 g/m2, grain
short is recommended.
Paper and specialty media guidelines 79