Perforations and Die-Cuts

If your form has perforations, the perforation line should stop 1.6 mm (0.06 in.) from each edge of the form to avoid separating the form in the printer path, resulting in a jam. The location of the perforation affects initial pick strength. Perforations closer to the edge may increase the number of jams. For pressure sensitive materials such as labels, minimize the number of perforations that go through the backing material, or liner, since these can also affect the strength of the form.

Perforations should be ironed so the print material lies flat, reducing nesting of forms. Edges should be smooth and clean with no roll-over. Laser-perfs(also known as micro-perfsor data-perfs) provide greater stability and are preferred. These smaller perforations do not normally nest or create excessive paper dust and debris. Make sure paper chaff and dust created during the conversion process are removed before packaging.

If perforations tent, or crease at the perforation line, the perfs may break, causing a paper jam. Tenting may increase skew, cause double sheet feeding, or smear the toner on the print material before fusing, resulting in poor print quality. To reduce tenting, use micro-perfs. If the print material is lightly snapped as it moves through the printer, the perforations should hold without breaking.

Die-cuttingis used to create shapes in a label or a card stock design. When designing labels, round all corners to prevent delamination of the labels, and avoid cuts through the liner (anvil cuts). Back splits and pop-out windows are also not recommended.

If perforations or die-cuts are part of the design of the print material, ties are recommended. These small uncut areas (approximately 1.6 mm or 0.06 in.) help stabilize the form and prevent tearing at perforations and die-cuts during printing.

For areas with die-cuts or perforations that create a small end product, or where die-cuts or perforations intersect, ties on the corners of the design provide added stability. Ties may be located anywhere along perforations or die-cuts. For pressure sensitive products, ties help prevent the labels from peeling off the liner while in the printer. Ties cannot, however, be used to compensate for inadequate release strength of the adhesive in label designs.

Note: For specific perforation and die-cut guidelines for your printer, see the appropriate topic under “Printer Specifications” on page 27.

Debossing and Embossing

Avoid debossing and embossing materials. Embossing leads to nesting and double sheet feeds, and the fusing process significantly reduces the height of the raised image. Printing too close to embossments results in poor print quality and poor fuse grade.

Metallics

We do not recommend using metallics in forms, whether in inks or other materials, due to their conductivity and their ability to bleed charge. This can interfere with toner transfer and cause poor print quality.

Print Material Testing

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Lexmark Laser Printers manual Perforations and Die-Cuts, Debossing and Embossing, Metallics
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Laser Printers specifications

Lexmark laser printers are renowned for their high-quality printing solutions tailored for both personal and business environments. They leverage robust laser printing technology, which utilizes a laser beam to produce sharp text and clear images on paper. This method is not only efficient but also exceptionally fast, making it ideal for high-volume print jobs.

One of the standout features of Lexmark laser printers is their exceptional print resolution. Many models offer print resolutions of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi, allowing for sharp text and detailed graphics. This level of quality is particularly useful for businesses that require professional documents, presentations, and marketing materials. The clarity provided by Lexmark printers makes them suitable for various applications, from everyday office printing to specialized projects.

Lexmark also incorporates cutting-edge technology to enhance user experience and productivity. One such innovation is the Smart MFP (Multifunction Printer) technology, which combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities into one device. This all-in-one functionality reduces the need for multiple machines, saving both space and maintenance costs. Additionally, many Lexmark models come equipped with intuitive touch-screen interfaces that simplify navigation and operation.

Another key characteristic is Lexmark's commitment to sustainability. Many of their printers are designed with energy-saving features, such as Sleep Mode and automatic duplex printing, which reduces paper usage. Lexmark also participates in recycling programs for toner cartridges, supporting environmentally responsible practices.

Moreover, Lexmark laser printers are well-known for their reliability and durability. Built with high-quality components, these printers are engineered to handle demanding workloads, maintaining peak performance over time. Businesses can rely on Lexmark printers for consistent output, which ultimately boosts overall operational efficiency.

Connectivity is another important aspect of Lexmark laser printers. With options for USB, Ethernet, and wireless connectivity, users have the flexibility to print from various devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. Furthermore, many models support mobile printing solutions, enabling users to print directly from their mobile devices via apps and services like Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print.

In summary, Lexmark laser printers are an excellent investment for those seeking high-quality, reliable printing solutions. With features like advanced print resolution, multifunction capabilities, sustainability initiatives, and robust connectivity options, Lexmark continues to be a leader in the laser printing industry, catering to diverse printing needs while maintaining efficiency and performance.
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