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Printing and paper-storage environment
Ideally, the printing and paper-storage environment should be at or near room temperature, and not
too dry or too humid. Remember paper is hygroscopic; it absorbs and loses moisture rapidly.
Heat works with humidity to damage paper. Heat causes the moisture in paper to evaporate, while
cold causes it to condense on the sheets. Heating systems and air conditioners remove most of the
humidity from a room. As paper is opened and used, it loses moisture, causing streaks and
smudging. Humid weather or water coolers can cause the humidity to increase in a room. As paper is
opened and used it absorbs any excess moisture, causing light print and dropouts. Also, as paper
loses and gains moisture it can distort. This can cause jams.
As a result, paper storage and handling are as important as the paper-making process itself. Paper
storage environmental conditions directly affect the feed operation.
Care should be taken not to purchase more paper than can be easily used in a short time (about 3
months). Paper stored for long periods might experience heat and moisture extremes, which can
cause damage. Planning is important to prevent damage to a large supply of paper.
Unopened paper in sealed reams can remain stable for several months before use. Opened
packages of paper have more potential for environmental damage, especially if they are not wrapped
with a moisture-proof barrier.
The paper-storage environment should be properly maintained to ensure optimum product
performance. The required condition is 20° to 24°C (68° to 75°F), with a relative humidity of
45% to 55%. The following guidelines should be helpful when evaluating the paper's storage
environment:
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Paper should be stored at or near room temperature.
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The air should not be too dry or too humid (due to the hygroscopic properties of paper).
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The best way to store an opened ream of paper is to rewrap it tightly in its moisture-proof
wrapping. If the product environment is subject to extremes, unwrap only the amount of paper to
be used during the day's operation to prevent unwanted moisture changes.
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Proper storage of envelopes helps contribute to print quality. Envelopes should be stored flat. If
air is trapped in an envelope, creating an air bubble, then the envelope might wrinkle during
printing.
ENWW Printing and paper-storage environment 77