2.2 Selecting the Right Paper
2-6
Thickness (Caliper)
Thick paper is called high-caliper paper and thin paper is called low-caliper paper. Paper
used by the printer should be neither too thick nor too thin. If you encounter paper jam,
multiple-sheet feed, or too light printing problems, the paper may be too thin. If you
encounter paper jam or too heavy printing problems, the paper may be too thick. The
recommended thickness of a sheet for this printer is between 0.086 and 0.110 mm (from 3.4
to 4.3 mils).
Moisture content
Moisture content is the percentage of the weight of water in paper. Moisture affects the
appearance, feeding, curling, electrostatic properties, toner fusing of the paper.
The moisture content of paper varies with the relative humidity in the room. If the room is
too humid, paper will absorb more moisture. The edges will swell and the paper will
become wavy. If the room is too dry and the paper loses moisture, the edges shrink and
tighten, and the print contrast may be degraded.
Wavy or tight edges can cause paper misfeeds and misalignments. The recommended
moisture content is between 4 and 6 %.
To maintain the correct moisture content level, store the paper in an environment that allows
moisture control. These are tips for moisture control:
•
Store paper in a cool, dry place.
•
Leave packages of paper wrapped as long as possible. Rewrap unused paper.
•
Return paper to its paper carton, whenever possible. Place the cartons on a pallet or
other furniture so that they are not in direct contact with the floor.
•
Before using paper stored for an extended period of time, condition it in the printer’s
environment for at least 48 hours.
•
Do not expose paper to heat, direct sunlight, or damp.
Grain
Technically, grain is the direction of paper in the paper machine. Grain is parallel with the
direction of movement in the paper machine. Grain long means that the grain runs along the
length of the sheet, and grain short means that the grain runs along the width of the sheet.
Because grain short causes paper feed problems, always select grain long for the printers.
28
105
32
120
34
128
36
135
39
148
42
157
43
163
47
176
53
199
U. S. Bond Weight (lb)
Europe Metric Weight (g/m²)
Table 2-4 (Continued)
