Selecting Paper; Using Recycled Paper And Other Office Papers; Selecting Preprinted Forms And Letterhead - Lexmark X548 Series User Manual

Selecting paper

Using appropriate paper prevents jams and helps ensure 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 electrophotographic printing.

Using recycled paper and other office papers

As an environmentally conscious company, Lexmark supports the use of recycled office paper produced specifically for
use in laser and LED (electrophotographic) printers. In 1998, Lexmark presented to the US government a study
demonstrating that recycled paper produced by major mills in the US fed as well as non-recycled paper. However, no
blanket statement can be made that all recycled paper will feed well.
Lexmark consistently tests its printers with recycled paper (20–100% post-consumer waste) and a variety of test paper
from around the world, using chamber tests for different temperature and humidity conditions. Lexmark has found no
reason to discourage the use of today's recycled office papers, but generally the following property guidelines apply
to recycled paper.
• Low moisture content (4–5%)
•
Suitable smoothness (100–200 Sheffield units, or 140–350 Bendtsen units, European)
Note: Some much smoother papers (such as premium 24 lb laser and LED papers, 50–90 Sheffield units) and much
rougher papers (such as premium cotton papers, 200–300 Sheffield units) have been engineered to work very well
in laser and LED printers, despite surface texture. Before using these types of paper, consult your paper supplier.
•
Suitable sheet-to-sheet coefficient of friction (0.4–0.6)
•
Sufficient bending resistance in the direction of feed
Recycled paper, paper of lower weight (<60 g/m
that is cut grain-short for portrait (or short-edge) fed printers may have lower bending resistance than is required for
reliable paper feeding. Before using these types of paper for laser or LED (electrophotographic) printing, consult your
paper supplier. Remember that these are general guidelines only and that paper meeting these guidelines may still
cause paper feeding problems in any laser or LED printer (for example, if the paper curls excessively under normal
printing conditions).

Selecting preprinted forms and letterhead

Use these guidelines when selecting preprinted forms and letterhead:
•
Use grain long for 60 to 176 g/m
•
Use only forms and letterhead printed using an offset lithographic or engraved printing process.
•
Avoid papers with rough or heavily textured surfaces.
Use papers printed with heat-resistant inks designed for use in xerographic copiers. The ink must be able to withstand
temperatures up to 200°C (392°F) without melting or releasing hazardous emissions. Use inks that are not affected by
the resin in toner. Inks that are oxidation-set or oil-based generally meet these requirements; latex inks might not.
When in doubt, contact the paper supplier.
2
[16 lb bond]) and/or lower caliper (<3.8 mils [0.1 mm]), and paper
2
weight paper.
Paper and specialty media guide
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