Lexmark C54x Series manual Selecting preprinted forms and letterhead

Selecting paper

Using appropriate paper prevents jams and helps ensure trouble-free printing. To help avoid jams and 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.

Multiple-part forms or documents

Recycled papers that fail EN12281:2002 (European)

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

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

•

•

•

• Paper weighing less than 60 g/m2 (16 lb)

•

In some cases, registration can be adjusted with a software application to successfully print on these forms.

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

Preprinted papers with chemicals that may contaminate the printer

•

•

• Preprinted papers that require a registration (the precise print location on the page) greater than ±2.3 mm (±0.9 in.), such as optical character recognition (OCR) forms

Fiber content

Most high-quality xerographic paper is made from 100% chemically treated 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 possesses characteristics that can negatively affect paper handling.

Unacceptable paper

The following paper types 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

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

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

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

Selecting preprinted forms and letterhead

Use these guidelines when selecting preprinted forms and letterhead:

•Use grain long for 60 to 176 g/m2 weight paper.

•Use only forms and letterhead printed using an offset lithographic or engraved printing process.

•Avoid papers with rough or heavily textured surfaces.

Use papers printed with heat-resistant inks designed for use in xerographic copiers. The ink must be able to withstand temperatures up to 200°C (392°F) without melting or releasing hazardous emissions. Use inks that are not affected by the resin in toner. Inks that are oxidation-set or oil-based generally meet these requirements; latex inks might not. When in doubt, contact the paper supplier.

Preprinted papers such as letterhead must be able to withstand temperatures up to 200°C (392°F) without melting or releasing hazardous emissions.

Paper and specialty media guide

47