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A.8
Paper Storage Environment
Paper storage environmental conditions directly affect the feed operation.
Ideally, the machine and paper storage environment should be at or near room temperature, and
not too dry or humid. Remember that paper is hygroscopic; it absorbs and loses moisture rapidly.
Heat works with humidity to damage paper. Heat causes the moisture in paper to evaporate, while
cold causes it to condense on the sheets. Heating systems and air conditioners remove most of the
humidity from a room. As paper is opened and used, it loses moisture, causing streaks and
smudging. Humid weather or water coolers can cause the humidity to increase in a room. As paper
is opened and used it absorbs any excess moisture, causing light print and dropouts. Also, as paper
loses and gains moisture it can become distorted. This can cause paper jams.
Care should be taken not to purchase more paper than can be used in a short time (about 3 months).
Paper stored for long periods may experience heat and moisture extremes, which can cause
damage. Planning is important to prevent damage to large supplies of paper.
Unopened paper in sealed reams can remain stable for several months before use. Opened packages
of paper have more potential for damage, especially if they are not wrapped with a moisture-proof
barrier.
The paper storage environment should be properly maintained to ensure optimum performance. The
required condition is 20 to 24 °C (68 to 75 °F), with a relative humidity of 45 % to 55 %. The
following guidelines should be considered when evaluating the paper’s storage environment:
• Paper should be stored at or near room temperature.
• The air should not be too dry or too humid.
• The best way to store an opened ream of paper is to rewrap it tightly in its moisture-proof
wrapping. If the machine environment is subject to extremes, unwrap only the amount of paper
to be used during the day’s operation to prevent unwanted moisture changes.