Tips on using card stock
Card stock is heavy, single‑ply specialty media. Many of its variable characteristics, such as moisture content,
thickness, and texture, can significantly aect print quality.
• From the printer control panel, set the paper size, type, texture, and weight in the Paper menu to match the
card stock loaded in the tray.
• Print samples on the card stock being considered for use before buying large quantities.
• Specify the paper texture and weight from the tray settings to match the paper loaded in the tray.
• Preprinting, perforation, and creasing may significantly aect the print quality and cause jams or other paper
feed problems.
• Before loading the card stock on the tray, flex and fan the card stock to loosen them. Straighten the edges
on a level surface.
Paper guidelines
Select the correct paper or specialty media to reduce printing problems. For the best print quality, try a sample
of the paper or specialty media before buying large quantities.
Paper characteristics
The following paper characteristics aect print quality and reliability. Consider these characteristics when
evaluating new paper stock.
Weight
The printer trays can automatically feed paper weights up to 176‑g/m
2
(47‑lb) bond grain long paper. The
multipurpose feeder can automatically feed paper weights up to 176‑g/m
2
(47‑lb) bond grain long paper. Paper
lighter than 60 g/m
2
(16 lb) might not be
sti
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 inches), we recommend
90 g/m
2
(24 lb) or heavier paper.
Note: Duplex printing is supported from 60–105‑g/m
2
(16–28‑lb) bond grain long 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 aects print quality. If paper is too rough, then toner cannot fuse to it properly. If
paper is too smooth, then it can cause paper feeding or print quality issues. Always use paper between 100
and 300 Sheeld points; smoothness between 150 and 250 Sheeld points produces the best print quality.
Paper and specialty media guide 43
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