Media guidelines
88
Media specifications
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Weight
The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 176 g/m
2
(16 to 47 lb bond) grain long.
Paper 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 paper. To use paper narrower than 182 x 257 mm
(7.2 x 10.1 in.), it is recommended that the weight be greater than or equal to 90 g/m
2
(24 lb bond).
Curl
Curl is the tendency of media to curve 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 and dry conditions, even in the trays, can
contribute to paper curling prior to printing and can cause feeding problems.
Smoothness
The degree of smoothness of paper directly affects print quality. If the paper is too rough, the toner
does not fuse to the paper properly, resulting in poor print quality. If the paper is too smooth, it can
cause paper feeding or print quality issues. 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/m
2
(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.
