Paper And Specialty Media Guidelines; Paper Guidelines; Paper Characteristics; Moisture Content - Lexmark 6500e User Manual

Paper and specialty media guidelines

Paper and specialty media guidelines
Notes:
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Make sure that the paper size, type, and weight are set correctly on the computer or on the printer control
panel.
•
The printer may print at a reduced speed to prevent damage to the fuser.
•
For more information on card stock and labels, see the Card Stock & Label Guide on the Lexmark support Web
site at http://support.lexmark.com.

Paper guidelines

Paper characteristics

The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. Consider these characteristics when evaluating
new paper stock.
Weight
The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 220 g/m
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60 g/m (16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. For best performance, use 75 g/m
bond) grain long paper. For paper smaller than 182 x 257 mm (7.2 x 10.1 in.), we recommend 90 g/m
paper.
Note: Duplex is supported only for 63 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;
however, smoothness between 150 and 200 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.
Condition paper 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 paper may also require a longer conditioning period.
2 2
–170 g/m (17 lb–45 lb bond) paper.
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(16 to 58 lb bond) grain long. Paper lighter than
75
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(20 lb
2
(24 lb) or heavier