Paperandspecialtymediaguide

Additional information for printing on speciality medias may be found in the Cardstock and Label Guide available on Lexmark.com/publications.

Paper guidelines

Paper characteristics

The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. Consider 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 75 g/m2 (20 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. For best performance, use 80 g/m2 (21 lb bond) grain long paper. For paper smaller than 182 x 257 mm (7.2 x 10.1 in.), we recommend 90 g/m2 or heavier 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; 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 moisture 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 to 176 g/m2 (16 to 47 lb bond) paper, use grain long fibers.

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Lexmark C54x Series manual Pap er and specialty m edia g uide, Paper guidelines, Paper characteristics

C54x Series specifications

The Lexmark C54x series stands out as a reliable and efficient line of color laser printers designed for small to medium-sized workgroups. Known for its high-quality output and robust performance, the C54x series is tailored to meet the demanding needs of modern offices.

One of the main features of the Lexmark C54x series is its impressive print speed. With the capability to print up to 33 pages per minute in monochrome and 30 pages per minute in color, these printers ensure that users do not have to wait long for their documents. The first page out time is particularly noteworthy, with monochrome outputs as quick as 8 seconds and color pages starting in just 10.5 seconds, making it an ideal choice for fast-paced environments.

Print quality is another standout characteristic of the C54x series. With a print resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi, users can expect crisp text and vibrant colors. This ensures that marketing materials, presentations, and professional documents look polished and eye-catching. Additionally, the series boasts advanced color management tools such as PANTONE calibration, ensuring color accuracy across various print jobs.

In terms of technology, the Lexmark C54x series integrates several innovative features to enhance usability. The printers support both USB and Ethernet connectivity, making them easy to integrate into existing office networks. Wireless functionality is available in certain models, allowing users to print directly from their mobile devices or laptops with ease.

The user-friendly interface, complete with a 2.4-inch color LCD display, makes navigation intuitive. Users can easily access device settings, check toner levels, and manage print jobs with minimal hassle. Moreover, Lexmark's Smart Solutions allow for customized workflows and access to cloud services, contributing to higher productivity.

These printers also emphasize sustainability. The C54x series incorporates energy-efficient technologies, such as instant warm-up fusing and eco-friendly print modes, which help reduce energy consumption and waste. With an automatic duplex printing option, users can save on paper costs and contribute to environmental conservation.

In summary, the Lexmark C54x series exemplifies a blend of speed, quality, and connectivity, making it a fantastic choice for businesses seeking a balance of performance and environmental responsibility. The combination of advanced technologies and user-friendly features positions these printers as valuable assets in any office setting, streamlining workflows while delivering outstanding print results.