Lexmark 896, 496, 696 manual Paper guidelines, Tips on using transparencies, Paper characteristics

Paper and specialty media guide 92

Tips on using transparencies

•From the printer control panel, set the paper size, type, texture, and weight in the Paper menu to match the transparencies loaded in the tray.

•Print a test page on the transparencies being considered for use before buying large quantities.

•Use transparencies designed specifically for laser printers.

•Avoid getting fingerprints on the transparencies to prevent print quality problems.

•Before loading transparencies, flex and fan the sheets to prevent them from sticking together.

•When printing on large volumes of transparencies, make sure to print by batches of only up to 20 with an interval of at least three minutes between batches, to prevent the transparencies from sticking together in the bin. You can also remove transparencies from the bin by batches of 20.

Paper guidelines

Paper characteristics

The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. Consider these factors before printing on them:

Weight

The printer trays and multipurpose feeder can automatically feed paper weights between 60–176 g/m2 (16–47‑lb) grain long paper. The 2100‑sheet tray can automatically feed paper weights up to 60–135 g/m2 (16–36‑lb) grain long paper. Paper lighter than 60 g/m2 (16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, and may cause jams.

Note: Two‑sided printing is supported for 60–176 g/m2 (16–47‑lb) 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 curling prior to printing and can cause feeding problems.

Smoothness

Paper smoothness directly affects print quality. If paper is too rough, 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; smoothness between 150 and 250 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 moisture changes that can degrade its performance.

Store paper 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.