General information 1-13
5026
Paper guidelines
Paper characteristics
The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. Consider these characteristics when
evaluating new paper stock.
Weight—The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 162l7 g/m
2
(16 to 43 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 75 g/m
2
(20 lb bond) grain long paper. For paper smaller than 182 x 257 mm (7.2 x 10.1 in.),
we recommend 90 g/m
2
(24 lb) or heavier paper.
Note: Duplex is supported only for 63 g/m
2
–170 g/m
2
(17 lb–45 lb bond) paper.
Curl—Curl is the tendency for paper to curl 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, or dry conditions, even in the trays, can contribute to paper curling prior to
printing and can cause feeding problems.
Smoothness—Paper smoothness directly affects print quality. If paper is too rough, toner cannot fuse to it
properly. If paper is too smooth, it can cause paper feeding or print quality issues. Always use paper between
100 and 300 Sheffield points; however, smoothness between 150 and 200 Sheffield points produces the best
print quality.
Moisture content—The amount of moisture in paper affects both print quality and the ability of the printer to
feed the paper correctly. Leave paper in its original wrapper until it is time to use it. This limits the exposure of
paper to moisture changes that can degrade its performance.
Condition paper before printing by storing it in its original wrapper in the same environment as the printer for 24
to 48 hours before printing. Extend the time several days if the storage or transportation environment is very
different from the printer environment. Thick paper may also require a longer conditioning period.
Media weight, primary tray and option tray
Size Type Weight
Letter, Legal, A4 Xerographic and bond Long grain 60 g/m
2
–162.7 g/m
2
(16 lb–43 lb)
Short grain 162.7 g/m
2
–198.9 g/m
2
(43 lb–53.2 lb)
Recycled Long grain 75 g/m
2
–177 g/m
2
(20 lb–47 lb)
Short grain 105 g/m
2
–218 g/m
2
(28 lb–58 lb)
Cardstock (maximum) Index long/short 162.7 g/m
2
–198.9 g/m
2
(90 lb–110 lb)
Cover long/short 162.7g/m
2
–198.9 g/m
2
(60.1 lb–73.6 lb)
Tag long/short 162.7g/m
2
–198.9 g/m
2
(100 lb–122.2 lb)
Transparencies 161 g/m
2
– 179 g/m
2
Thickness: 0.12–0.14mm (4.8–5.4 mil)
Labels Paper 180 g/m
2
–300 g/m
2
(48 lb–80 lb)
Vinyl 180 g/m
2
–300 g/m
2
(48 lb–80 lb)
A5, JIS B5, Executive Xerographic and bond Long grain 75 g/m
2
–177 g/m
2
(20 lb to 47 lb)
Short grain 90 g/m
2
–218 g/m
2
(24 lb–58 lb)
Universal Xerographic and bond Long grain 75 g/m
2
–177 g/m
2
(20 lb–47 lb)
Short grain 90 g/m
2
–218 g/m
2
(24 lb–58 lb)