Media specifications

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 ±2.3 mm (±0.09 in.), such as optical character recognition (OCR) forms

In some cases, registration can be adjusted with the 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

Any 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.

Do not use paper that has been cut or trimmed by hand.

Do not mix media sizes, weights, or types in the same source; mixing results in jams.

Do not use coated papers unless they are specifically designed for electrophotographic printing.

Do not forget to change the Paper Size setting when using a source that does not support auto size sensing.

Do not remove trays while a job is printing or Busy appears on the operator panel.

Media guidelines

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Lexmark C524, C520, C522 manual Media specifications, Unacceptable paper, Selecting paper

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.