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Media specifications
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Media specifications
Media is paper, card stock, transparencies, labels, and envelopes. The last four are sometimes referred to as specialty
media. The printer provides high quality printing on a variety of media. A number of things must be considered concerning
media before printing. This chapter provides information to help make media selections and how to care for media.
Media guidelines
Selecting the appropriate media for the printer helps avoid printing problems.
The following sections contain guidelines for choosing the correct media for the printer.
For detailed information about media characteristics, see the Card Stock & Label Guide available on the Lexmark Web site
at www.lexmark.com/publications.
Paper
To ensure the best print quality and feed reliability, use 90 g/m
2
(24 lb) xerographic, grain long paper. Business papers
designed for general business use may also provide acceptable print quality.
The default Paper Weight setting in the Paper Menu is Normal. For paper less than 20 lb bond (75 g/m
2
), choose the
Light setting. For 28 lb bond to 47 lb bond (105 g/m
2
to 175 g/m
2
), choose the Heavy setting.
We recommend Lexmark part number 12A5950 letter size glossy paper and Lexmark part number 12A5951 A4 size glossy
paper.
Always print several samples before buying large quantities of any type of media. When choosing any media, consider the
weight, fiber content, and color.
The Laser printing process heats paper to high temperatures of 230°C (446°F) for non-MICR applications. Use only paper
able to withstand these temperatures without discoloring, bleeding, or releasing hazardous emissions. Check with the
manufacturer or vendor to determine whether the paper chosen is acceptable for laser printers.
When loading paper, note the recommended print side on the paper package, and load paper accordingly. For more
information, see Loading the trays.
Paper characteristics
The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. It is recommended that these guidelines are followed
when evaluating new paper stock.
For detailed information, see the Card Stock & Label Guide available on the Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com/
publications.
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).