Media 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 176 g/m
2
(16 to 47 lb
bond) grain long. Paper lighter than 75 g/m
2
(20 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly,
causing jams. For best performance, use 80 g/m
2
(21 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
or heavier 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.
• 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 176 g/m
2
(16 to 47 lb bond) paper, use grain long fibers.
• Fiber content—Most high-quality xerographic paper is made from 100% chemically treated 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 possesses
characteristics that can negatively affect paper handling.
Unacceptable paper
The following paper types are not recommended for use with the printer:
• Preprinted papers with chemicals that may contaminate the printer
•
Preprinted papers that can be affected by the temperature in the printer fuser
• Coated papers (erasable bond), synthetic papers, thermal papers
Print Engine Specifications
9
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