Understanding paper and specialty media guidelines

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.

Condition paper while it is still in the original wrapper. To condition it, store it in the same environment as the printer for 24 to 48 hours before printing to let the paper stabilize in the new conditions. 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 because of the mass of material.

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 to 90 g/m2 (16 to 24 lb bond) paper, grain long fibers are recommended.

Fiber content

Most high-quality xerographic paper is made from 100% chemically pulped wood. This content provides the paper with a high degree of stability resulting in fewer paper feeding problems and better print quality. Paper containing fibers such as cotton possess characteristics that can result in degraded paper handling.

Unacceptable paper

The following papers are not recommended for use with the printer:

Chemically treated papers used to make copies without carbon paper, also known as carbonless papers, carbonless copy paper (CCP), or no carbon required (NCR) paper

Preprinted papers with chemicals that may contaminate the printer

Preprinted papers that can be affected by the temperature in the printer fuser

Preprinted papers that require a registration (the precise print location on the page) greater than ±0.09 in., such as optical character recognition (OCR) forms

In some cases, you can adjust registration with your software application to successfully print on these forms.

Coated papers (erasable bond), synthetic papers, thermal papers

Rough-edged, rough or heavily textured surface papers or curled papers

Recycled papers containing more than 25% post-consumer waste that do not meet DIN 19 309

Recycled paper having a weight less than 60 g/m2 (16 lb)

Multiple-part forms or documents

Selecting paper

Proper paper loading helps prevent jams and ensures trouble-free printing.

To help avoid jams or poor print quality:

Always use new, undamaged paper.

Before loading paper, know the recommended print side of the paper. This information is usually indicated on the paper package.

Selecting print media

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Lexmark 840 manual Unacceptable paper, Selecting paper

840 specifications

The Lexmark 840 is a versatile and robust multifunction printer designed to meet the demands of a modern office environment. This high-performance device is renowned for its impressive combination of printing, copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities, making it an invaluable asset for businesses seeking efficiency and productivity.

One of the main features of the Lexmark 840 is its high-resolution printing capability, which delivers crisp and clear documents at a speed of up to 42 pages per minute. The maximum resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dots per inch (dpi) ensures that text and images come out looking sharp and professional. This device supports a variety of media types and sizes, including envelopes, labels, and cardstock, enabling users to tackle diverse printing tasks with ease.

In addition to its printing prowess, the Lexmark 840 boasts advanced copying features. With a copy speed of up to 42 copies per minute and the capability to enlarge or reduce the size of documents, users can easily manage large-volume copying tasks. The automatic document feeder (ADF) can handle up to 100 sheets, streamlining the copying process and saving valuable time for busy offices.

Scanning capabilities are also a notable aspect of the Lexmark 840. The device offers color and monochrome scanning with a resolution that can reach up to 600 x 600 dpi. A key highlight is its ability to scan documents directly to email, network folders, or USB, facilitating seamless document management and sharing.

In terms of technology, the Lexmark 840 integrates advanced security features to protect sensitive data. Its Secure Print functionality ensures that documents are only printed when the authorized user is present, thereby minimizing the risk of confidential information falling into the wrong hands. Additionally, the printer supports various connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and wireless connections, allowing users to connect their devices easily.

The Lexmark 840 is built for durability and longevity, featuring a robust design that withstands the rigors of a high-demand office. Its high-yield toner cartridges significantly reduce the total cost of ownership, making it an economical choice for organizations looking to manage their printing expenses effectively.

In summary, the Lexmark 840 combines high-speed printing, advanced copying, and efficient scanning in a single device, backed by a suite of security features and versatile connectivity options. This multifunction printer is ideal for businesses that prioritize performance and reliability in their print operations.