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Tips on choosing the right print media
25
Print media tasks and tips
Tips on choosing the right print media
Selecting the right paper or other media reduces printing problems. For best print quality, try a sample of the paper or other
media you are considering before buying large quantities.
See the Card Stock & Label Guide available on our Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com for more information about
which paper provides optimum results for your printing environment.
Paper
• For the best print quality, use 20 lb (75 g/m
2
) xerographic, grain long paper.
The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 90 g/m
2
(16 to 24 lb bond) grain long. Paper lighter
than 60 g/m
2
(16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. Paper heavier than 90 g/m
2
(24 lb)
should be fed through the optional 550-sheet tray or the manual feeder.
• The laser printing process heats paper to high temperatures of 170°C (338°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 you have chosen is acceptable for laser
printers.
Preprinted forms and letterhead
• Use only forms and letterhead printed using an offset lithographic or engraved printing process.
• Choose papers that absorb ink, but do not bleed.
• Avoid papers with rough or heavily textured surfaces.
Use papers printed with heat-resistant inks designed for use in xerographic copiers. The ink must withstand temperatures
of 170°C (338°F) without melting or releasing hazardous emissions. Use inks that are not affected by the resin in toner. Inks
that are oxidation-set or oil-based should meet these requirements; latex inks might not. If you are in doubt, contact your
paper supplier.
Preprinted papers such as letterhead must be able to withstand temperatures up to 170°C (338°F) without melting or
releasing hazardous emissions.
Transparencies
• Use transparencies designed specifically for laser printers. Transparencies must be able to withstand
temperatures of 170°C (338°F) without melting, discoloring, offsetting, or releasing hazardous emissions.
We recommend Lexmark laser printer transparencies: part number 70X7240 for letter size transparencies; part
number 12A5010 for A4 size transparencies.
• To prevent print quality problems, avoid getting fingerprints on the transparencies.
Envelopes
• Use envelopes made from 24 lb (90 g/m
2
) bond paper.
• Do not use envelopes that:
– Have excessive curl
– Are stuck together
– Are damaged in any way
– Contain windows, holes, perforations, cutouts, or embossments
– Use metal clasps, string ties, or metal folding bars
– Have postage stamps attached