Tips On Using Transparencies; Paper Guidelines; Paper Characteristics - Lexmark XM7100 Series User Manual

Paper and specialty media guide

Tips on using transparencies

• From the printer control panel, set the paper size, type, texture, and weight in the Paper menu to match the
transparencies loaded in the tray.
•
Print a test page on the transparencies being considered for use before buying large quantities.
•
Use transparencies designed specifically for laser printers.
• Avoid getting fingerprints on the transparencies to prevent print quality problems.
•
Before loading transparencies, flex and fan the sheets to prevent them from sticking together.
•
When printing on large volumes of transparencies, make sure to print by batches of only up to 20 with an interval
of at least three minutes between batches, to prevent the transparencies from sticking together in the bin. You can
also remove transparencies from the bin by batches of 20.

Paper guidelines

Paper characteristics

The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. Consider these factors before printing on them:
Weight
The printer trays and multipurpose feeder can automatically feed paper weights between 60–176 g/m
long paper. The 2100‑sheet tray can automatically feed paper weights up to 60–135 g/m
Paper lighter than 60 g/m
Note: Two‑sided printing is supported for 60–176 g/m
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 is 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 and can cause feeding
problems.
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 250 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.
Store paper 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.
2
(16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, and may cause jams.
2
(16–47‑lb) paper.
2
(16–47‑lb) grain
2
(16–36‑lb) grain long paper.
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