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Paper and specialty media guidelines
Paper guidelines
Selecting the correct paper or specialty media reduces printing problems. For the best print quality, try a sample of the
paper or specialty media before buying large quantities.
Paper characteristics
The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. Consider these factors when evaluating new paper
stock.
Weight
The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60–176 g/m
2
(16–47 lb bond) grain long. Paper lighter than
60 g/m
2
(16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, and may cause paper jams. For best performance, use
75 g/m
2
(20 lb bond) grain long paper. For paper smaller than 182 x 257 mm (7.2 x 10.1 inches), we recommend
90 g/m
2
(24 lb) or heavier paper.
Curl
Curl is the tendency for paper to curl 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, or dry conditions, even in the trays, can contribute to paper curling prior to printing and can cause feeding
problems.
Smoothness
Paper smoothness directly affects print quality. If paper is too rough, then toner cannot fuse to it properly. If paper is
too smooth, then it can cause paper feeding or print quality issues. Always use paper between 100 and 300 Sheffield
points; smoothness between 150 and 250 Sheffield points produces the best print quality.
Moisture content
The amount of moisture in paper affects both print quality and the ability of the printer to feed the paper correctly.
Leave paper in its original wrapper until it is time to use it. This limits the exposure of paper to moisture changes that
can degrade its performance.
Store paper 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
paper may also require a longer conditioning period.
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 60–176 g/m
2
(16–47 lb bond) paper, grain long paper is recommended. For paper heavier than 176 g/m
2
, grain
short is recommended.
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