Sheffield Smoothness Scale - Xerox 6100BD - Phaser Color Laser Printer Fundamentals

Paper facts
In the United States, paper weights are given as the weight of
500 sheets of paper of a particular size. The size of the basis
sheet, however, varies with the type of paper. This makes difficult
any comparison of weight between different types of paper. For
example, 50 pound xerographic bond is not the same as a 50
pound offset paper, and both are different from a 50 pound index
stock.
Xerox MICR printing systems produce the best quality and
highest throughput using the Xerox recommended 24 pound
(U.S. market) or 90 gsm xerographic paper. Lighter papers often
cause misfeeds, and heavier papers are more subject to jams
(although most Xerox printing systems can handle a wide range
of paper weights).
In multi-pass reader sorter processing, lighter weight papers
subject to frequent misfeeds and mechanical stresses, and are
not as reliable as 24 pound paper.

Sheffield smoothness scale

The smoothness of your paper can impact image quality. With
increasing roughness, the print quality of solids and halftones
degrades. Extremely rough paper does not properly accept
fused dry ink, which rubs or flakes off.
Rough papers require a higher density setting and more ink than
smooth papers to achieve the desired level of image darkness,
because surface irregularities must be filled in with ink.
Papers must measure 50 to 200 when they are measured by a
Sheffield smoothness instrument, in order to meet ANSI
standards. Higher numbers indicate rougher paper.
Xerox has conducted extensive image quality testing on
xerographic, bond, and offset papers. The smoother xerographic
and bond grade papers provide the best image quality. Xerox
recommends a Sheffield smoothness of 80 to 150.
If you use preprinted forms, check with your forms supplier for
the smoothness quality of the form before you make a bulk
purchase.
Generic MICR Fundamentals Guide 3-3