Media Guidelines; Paper Characteristics; Unacceptable Paper; Selecting Paper - Lexmark Pro5500t Service Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for Pro5500t:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Media guidelines

Note: The ADF assembly only supports plain paper (18 to 24 lb) only.

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/m2 (16 to 47 lb bond) grain
long. Paper lighter than 75 g/m2 (20 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. For best
performance, use 80 g/m2 (21 lb bond) grain long paper. For paper smaller than 182 x 257 mm
(7.2 x 10.1 in.), we recommend 90 g/m2 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, the ink cannot print on
it properly. If paper is too smooth, it can cause paper feeding or print quality issues.
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 to48 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/m2
(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
Coated papers (erasable bond), synthetic papers, or thermal papers
Rough-edged, rough or heavily textured surface papers, or curled papers
Recycled papers containing more than 25% post-consumer waste that do not meet DIN 19 309, and
weighing more than 80 g/m2
Multiple-part forms or documents

Selecting paper

Using the appropriate paper prevents jams and helps ensures trouble-free printing. To help avoid jams and poor
print quality:
Always use new, undamaged paper.
Before loading paper, know the recommended print side of the paper. This information is usually indicated
on the paper package.
Do not use paper that has been cut or trimmed by hand.
Do not mix paper sizes, types, or weights in the same source; mixing results in jams.
Do not use coated papers unless they are specifically designed for inkjet printing.
4447-20x
1-27
General information
Previous
Next
Go Back

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

This manual is also suitable for:

Pro5500

Table of Contents