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Media specifications

 

Media is paper, card stock, transparencies, labels, and envelopes. The last four are sometimes referred to as specialty media. The printer provides high quality printing on a variety of media. A number of things must be considered concerning media before printing. This chapter provides information to help make media selections and how to care for media.

Media guidelines

Selecting the appropriate media for the printer helps avoid printing problems.

The following sections contain guidelines for choosing the correct media for the printer.

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

Paper

To ensure the best print quality and feed reliability, use 90 g/m2 (24 lb) xerographic, grain long paper. Business papers designed for general business use may also provide acceptable print quality.

Always print several samples before buying large quantities of any type of media. When choosing any media, consider the weight, fiber content, and color.

The laser printing process heats paper to high temperatures of 180°C (356°F) for non-MICR applications. 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 chosen is acceptable for laser printers.

When loading paper, note the recommended print side on the paper package, and load paper accordingly. See Loading the standard tray and Loading the optional 500-sheet tray for detailed loading instructions.

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 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. For best performance, use 90 g/m2 (24 lb bond) grain long paper. To use paper smaller than 182 x 257 mm (7.2 x 10.1 in.), it is recommended that the weight be greater than or 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.

Media specifications

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Lexmark C522, C524, C520 manual Media guidelines, Paper characteristics
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C520, C524, C522 specifications

The Lexmark C522, C524, and C520 series printers represent a versatile line of color laser printers designed for small to medium-sized businesses that demand reliable performance and high-quality output. These printers are engineered to meet diverse printing needs while ensuring cost-effectiveness and ease of use.

The Lexmark C522 is characterized by its compact design that fits seamlessly into any office environment. With a maximum print resolution of up to 2400 x 600 dpi, it produces sharp and vibrant color documents. One of its standout features is the ability to print at speeds of up to 30 pages per minute for black and white and 28 pages per minute for color, allowing users to quickly handle high-volume printing tasks.

The C524 model takes performance a notch higher, featuring advanced technology such as the Color Care technology, which optimizes color output and reduces toner consumption. It also includes a user-friendly display that simplifies navigation and settings adjustments. The C524 supports a variety of media sizes and types, providing flexibility for printing everything from brochures to reports.

The C520 printer, while slightly more basic, is a reliable option for those who require high-quality color printing without the additional features of the other models. With its ability to print duplex automatically, the C520 promotes environmental sustainability and cost savings on paper usage.

All three models incorporate Lexmark's patented Toner Save mode, which extends cartridge life by utilizing less toner during less critical printing tasks. They also offer robust security features, such as secure printing capabilities and user authentication, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.

Connectivity options are abundant across the Lexmark C500 series, with built-in USB and Ethernet interfaces allowing for easy integration into existing networks. Additionally, mobile printing capabilities enhance productivity as users can print from their smartphones and tablets.

In summary, the Lexmark C522, C524, and C520 series printers deliver high-speed printing, excellent color quality, and advanced features that cater to the needs of modern businesses. Their combination of performance, efficiency, and ease of use makes them an outstanding choice for organizations looking to maximize their printing capabilities.
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