Media guidelines
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Media specifications
Weight
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. 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.), we recommend 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 usually occurs after the paper passes through the printer, where it is exposed to high
temperatures. Storing paper unwrapped in humid conditions, even in the trays, can contribute to
paper curling prior to printing and can cause feeding problems.
Smoothness
The degree of smoothness of paper directly affects print quality. If the paper is too rough, the toner
does not fuse to the paper properly, resulting in poor print quality. If the paper is too smooth, it can
cause paper feeding problems. Smoothness needs to be between 100 and 300 Sheffield points;
however, smoothness between 150 and 250 Sheffield points produces the best print quality.
Moisture content
The amount of moisture in the paper affects both print quality and the ability of the printer to feed the
paper properly. Leave the paper in its original wrapper until you are ready to use it. This limits the
exposure of the paper to moisture changes that can degrade its performance.
Grain direction
Grain refers to the alignment of the paper fibers in a sheet of paper. Grain is either grain long,
running the length of the paper, or grain short, running the width of the paper.
For 60 to 90 g/m
2
(16 to 24 lb bond) paper, grain long fibers are recommended.
Fiber content
Most high-quality xerographic paper is made from 100% chemically pulped wood. This content
provides the paper with a high degree of stability resulting in fewer paper feeding problems and
better print quality. Paper containing fibers such as cotton possess characteristics that can result in
degraded paper handling.
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