Chapter 5: Media Specifications; Media Guidelines; Paper - Lexmark C520 User Manual

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Media specifications
Media is paper, card stock, transparencies, labels, and envelopes. The last four are sometimes referred to as specialty
media. The printer provides high quality printing on a variety of media. A number of things must be considered concerning
media before printing. This chapter provides information to help make media selections and how to care for media.

Media guidelines

Selecting the appropriate media for the printer helps avoid printing problems.
The following sections contain guidelines for choosing the correct media for the printer.
For detailed information about media characteristics, see the Card Stock & Label Guide available on the Lexmark Web site
at www.lexmark.com/publications.

Paper

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To ensure the best print quality and feed reliability, use 90 g/m (24 lb) xerographic, grain long paper. Business papers
designed for general business use may also provide acceptable print quality.
Always print several samples before buying large quantities of any type of media. When choosing any media, consider the
weight, fiber content, and color.
The laser printing process heats paper to high temperatures of 180°C (356°F) for non-MICR applications. Use only paper
able to withstand these temperatures without discoloring, bleeding, or releasing hazardous emissions. Check with the
manufacturer or vendor to determine whether the paper chosen is acceptable for laser printers.
When loading paper, note the recommended print side on the paper package, and load paper accordingly. See Loading
the standard tray and Loading the optional 500-sheet tray for detailed loading instructions.
Paper characteristics
The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. It is recommended that these guidelines are followed
when evaluating new paper stock.
For detailed information, see the Card Stock & Label Guide available on the Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com/
publications.
Weight
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The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 176 g/m (16 to 47 lb bond) grain long. Paper lighter than
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60 g/m (16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. For best performance, use 90 g/m (24 lb bond)
grain long paper. To use paper smaller than 182 x 257 mm (7.2 x 10.1 in.), it is recommended that the weight be greater
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than or equal to 90 g/m (24 lb bond).
Curl
Curl is the tendency of media to curve 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 and dry conditions, even in the trays, can contribute to paper curling prior to printing and can cause feeding problems.
Smoothness
The degree of smoothness of paper directly affects print quality. If the paper is too rough, the toner does not fuse to the
paper properly, resulting in poor print quality. If the paper is too smooth, it can cause paper feeding or print quality issues.
Media specifications
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