Paper Guidelines - Lexmark CS310 Service Manual

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Paper guidelines

Paper characteristics
Selecting the appropriate media for the printer can help avoid printing problems.
For detailed information about media characteristics, see the Card Stock & Label Guide available on the Lexmark Support
Web site at http://support.lexmark.com.
The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. Consider these characteristics when evaluating
new paper stock.
Weight
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The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 220 g/m (16 to 58 lb bond) grain long. Paper lighter than
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60 g/m might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. For best performance, use 75 g/m (20 lb bond) grain
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long paper. For paper smaller than 182 x 257 mm (7.2 x 10.1 in.), we recommend 90 g/m (24 lb) or heavier paper
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Note: Duplex is supported only for 63 g/m –170 g/m (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 was 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.
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;
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. To condition paper before printing, store 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.
Excessive moisture will result in curl after printing.
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
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the paper, or grain short, running the width of the paper. For 60 to 135 g/m (16 to 36 lb bond) paper, use grain long
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paper. For papers heavier than 135 g/m , use grain short.
Fiber content
Most high-quality xerographic paper is made from 100% chemically treated wood pulp. 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 can negatively affect paper handling.
General information
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