Appendix > About Paper
746
Choosing the Appropriate Paper
This section describes guidelines for choosing paper.
Condition
Avoid using paper with bent corners or that is curled, dirty, or torn. Do not use paper that has a rough surface or
paper fiber lint, or that is especially delicate. Using such paper can cause poor print quality. In addition, poor paper
feeding can cause paper jams and shorten the life of the machine. Use paper with a smooth and even surface.
However, do not use paper that has been surface-treated, such as coating, as it may damage the drum and fusing
unit.
Ingredients
Do not use paper such as paper that has been coated or surface-treated or paper that contains plastic or carbon.
Those types of paper may produce harmful fumes from the heat of printing and may damage the drum.
Be sure to use standard paper that contains at least 80% pulp. Be sure to use standard paper with 20% or less of
the paper content consisting of cotton or other fibers.
Smoothness
The paper surface should be smooth, but it must be uncoated. With paper that is too smooth and slippery, several
sheets may accidentally be supplied at once, causing jams.
Basis Weight
In countries that use the metric system, basis weight is the weight in grams of one sheet of paper one square
meter in area. In the United States, basis weight is the weight in pounds of one ream (500 sheets) of paper cut to
the standard size (or trade size) for a specific grade of paper.
Paper that is too heavy or too light may be supplied incorrectly or cause paper jams, which may cause excessive
wear of the machine. Mixed paper weight (i.e., thickness) may cause several sheets to be supplied at once
accidentally and may also cause blurring or other printing problems if the toner fails to adhere correctly.
Moisture Content
Paper moisture content is the ratio of moisture to dryness expressed as a percentage. Moisture affects how the
paper is supplied, the electrostatic chargeability of the paper, and how the toner adheres.
Paper moisture content varies depending on the relative humidity in the room. High relative humidity causes
paper to become damp, making the edges expand so it appears wavy. Low relative humidity causes paper to lose
moisture, making the edges tighten and weakening print contrast.
Wavy or tight edges may cause the paper to slip when it is supplied. Try to keep the moisture content between 4
to 6%.
To maintain the right level of moisture content, bear in mind the following considerations.
• Store paper in a cool, well-ventilated place.
• Store paper flat and unopened in the package. Once the package is opened, reseal it if the paper is not to be
used for a while.
• Store paper sealed in the original package and box. Put a pallet under the box to keep it raised above the
floor. Especially during rainy seasons keep the paper a sufficient distance away from wooden or concrete
floors.
• Before using paper that has been stored, keep it at the proper moisture level for at least 48 hours.
• Do not store paper where it is exposed to heat, sunlight, or dampness.
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