Lexmark C52 series, Service Manual

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1-6
Service Manual
5022-xxx
Media specifications
Paper and specialty media guidelines
Media guidelines
Media characteristics
The following media characteristics affect print quality and reliability. Consider these characteristics when
evaluating new media stock.
Weight
The printer can automatically feed media weights from 60 to 176 g/m
2
(16 to 47 lb bond) grain long. Media
lighter than 60 g/m
2
(16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. For best performance, use
90 g/m
2
(24 lb bond) grain long media. For media smaller than 182 x 257 mm (7.2 x 10.1 in.), we recommend 90
g/m
2
or heavier media.
Curl
Curl is the tendency for media to curl at its edges. Excessive curl can cause media feeding problems. Curl can
occur after the media passes through the printer, where it is exposed to high temperatures. Storing media
unwrapped in hot, humid, cold, or dry conditions, even in the trays, can contribute to media curling prior to
printing and can cause feeding problems.
Smoothness
Media smoothness directly affects print quality. If media is too rough, toner cannot fuse to it properly. If media is
too smooth, it can cause media feeding or print quality issues. Always use media 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 media affects both print quality and the ability of the printer to feed the media
correctly. Leave media in its original wrapper until it is time to use it. This limits the exposure of media to moisture
changes that can degrade its performance.
Condition media 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 media may also require a longer conditioning period.
Grain direction
Grain refers to the alignment of the media fibers in a sheet of media. Grain is either grain long, running the
length of the media, or grain short, running the width of the media. For 60 to 90 g/m
2
(16 to 24 lb bond) media,
use grain long fibers.
Fiber content
Most high-quality xerographic media is made from 100% chemically treated pulped wood. This content provides
the media with a high degree of stability resulting in fewer media feeding problems and better print quality. Media
containing fibers such as cotton possesses characteristics that can negatively affect media handling.