Grain - Xerox MajestiK 5760 Reference Manual

ABOUT PAPER

Grain

The grain of a paper is the direction in which most of the fibers lie.
During the paper-making process, the majority of the paper fibers
align parallel with one another. Depending on how the paper is cut
to its finished size, it will be either grain-long (the grain is parallel to
the longer dimension of the paper), or grain-short (the grain is
parallel to the shorter dimension of the paper).
One method used to determine the grain is to fold a sheet of paper
lengthwise, then make a crosswise fold. Compare the two folds.
Paper folds smoothly with the grain. Cross-grain folds tend to be
rough and cracked.
Another method you can use to determine the grain direction of a
sheet of paper is to tear the sheet widthwise. Paper always tears
straighter with the grain.
Grain direction is critical when running heavy-weight papers in the
5760/5765. Heavy-weight papers (greater than 28 lb (105 gsm)
bond) must be loaded in the Paper Tray Bypass with the grain
direction parallel to the leading edge of the sheet.
Stiffness
Stiffness refers to the rigidity, or bending resistance, of paper.
Thicker papers are usually stiffer. Papers are normally stiffer in the
grain-short direction.
In general, paper that is less than 16 lb (60 gsm) is more likely to
bunch up or wrinkle in the copier/printer, causing jams and
misfeeds. Heavier weight papers, over 28 lb (105 gsm), may have
runability problems as well as print quality defects (skips, blurs,
deletions) due to their reduced ability to bend around the transfer
drum.
Usually, reliable feeding rates can be obtained on the 5760/5765 by
feeding lightweight paper, 16 lb (60 gsm) to 20 lb (80 gsm), with the
grain direction the same as the feed direction. This will increase the
stiffness. When feeding heavier weight paper, 32 lb bond to 90 lb
Index (120 to 163 gsm), the grain direction should be the opposite of
the feed direction to decrease stiffness.
Buying tip Because 11 x 17 inch paper must be fed short-edge first, purchase
only grain-long lightweight papers, 16 lb (60 gsm) to 20 lb (80 gsm).
MAJESTIK 5760/5765 MATERIALS USAGE GUIDE 35