Paper And Specialty Media Guide; Media Guidelines; Media Characteristics - Lexmark C530 User Manual

Paper and specialty media guide

Media guidelines

Media characteristics

The following media characteristics affect print quality and reliability. Consider these characteristics when evaluating
new media stock.
Weight
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The printer can automatically feed media weights from 60 to 176 g/m (16 to 47 lb bond) grain long. Media lighter
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than 60 g/m (16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. For best performance, use 90 g/m
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(24 lb bond) grain long media. For media smaller than 182 x 257 mm (7.2 x 10.1 in.), we recommend 90 g/m or
heavier media.
Curl
Curl is the tendency for media to curl at its edges. Excessive curl can cause media feeding problems. Curl can occur
after the media passes through the printer, where it is exposed to high temperatures. Storing media unwrapped in
hot, humid, cold, or dry conditions, even in the trays, can contribute to media curling prior to printing and can cause
feeding problems.
Smoothness
Media smoothness directly affects print quality. If media is too rough, toner cannot fuse to it properly. If media is too
smooth, it can cause media feeding or print quality issues. Always use media 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 media affects both print quality and the ability of the printer to feed the media correctly.
Leave media in its original wrapper until it is time to use it. This limits the exposure of media to moisture changes
that can degrade its performance.
Condition media 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 media may also require a longer conditioning period.
Grain direction
Grain refers to the alignment of the media fibers in a sheet of media. Grain is either grain long, running the length
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of the media, or grain short, running the width of the media. For 60 to 90 g/m (16 to 24 lb bond) media, use grain
long fibers.
Fiber content
Most high-quality xerographic media is made from 100% chemically treated pulped wood. This content provides the
media with a high degree of stability resulting in fewer media feeding problems and better print quality. Media
containing fibers such as cotton possesses characteristics that can negatively affect media handling.
Paper and specialty media guide
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