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Selecting print media
42
Understanding paper and specialty media guidelines
Selecting print media
Selecting the appropriate print media for the printer helps you avoid printing problems. The following sections contain
guidelines for choosing the correct print media for the printer.
• Paper
• Transparencies
• Envelopes
• Labels
• Card stock
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.
We recommend Lexmark part number 12A5950 letter size glossy paper and Lexmark part number 12A5951 for 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 detailed tray
loading instructions, see the following:
• Loading standard or optional 500-sheet trays on page 49
• Loading the multipurpose feeder on page 52
• Loading the 2000-sheet dual input trays on page 55
• Loading the 2000-sheet high capacity feeder on page 56
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 in the integrated and
optional trays and paper weights from 60 to 135 g/m
2
(16 to 36 lb bond) grain long in the multipurpose feeder. 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).
Curl
Curl is the tendency of media to curve 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 and dry conditions, even in the trays, can contribute to paper curling prior to printing and can cause feeding problems.