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2.2 Selecting the Right Paper
2-5
2.2.2 Paper properties
Smoothness
Paper should have a smooth, uncoated surface. Paper with a
rough or sandy surface can cause gaps in printouts. However,
paper with surfaces that are too smooth may cause
multiple-sheet feeding and fogging problems (fogging is a
gray background effect).
Basis weight
Basis weight is the weight in pounds of 500 sheets (called a
ream) of paper cut to the basic size, which is 17
×
22 inches.
The number of sheets in a ream and the basic paper size
relating to basis weights depend on paper classifications. In
the metric system, the basis weight is expressed in grams per
square meter (g/m²).
Paper that is too heavy or too light may cause misfeeds, jams,
and premature wear of printer parts. Uneven weight of paper can
cause multiple-sheet feeding, print defects, poor toner fusing,
blurring, and other print quality problems. The recommended
basis weights for this printer are between 60 and 105 g/m² (16 to
28 lb per ream) for the paper cassette, and 60 and 220 g/m² (16
to 59 lb per ream) for the MP (Multi Purpose) tray.
Paper weight equivalence table
The paper weight is listed with expression in U.S. bond
weight (lb) and European metric (g/m²). The shaded point
indicates the standard weight.
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.
U. S. Bond Weight (lb) Europe Metric Weight (g/m²)
16 60
17 64
20 75
21 80
22 81
24 90
27 100
28 105
32 120
34 128
36 135
39 148
42 157
43 163
47 176
53 199
Table 2-3