Paper guidelines

Use the appropriate paper to prevent jams and help ensure trouble-free printing.

• Always use new, undamaged paper.

• Before loading paper, know the recommended printable side of the paper. This information is usually indicated on the paper package.

• Do not use paper that has been cut or trimmed by hand.

• Do not mix paper sizes, types, or weights in the same tray; mixing results in jams.

• Do not use coated papers unless they are specifically designed for electrophotographic printing.

For more information, see the Paper and Specialty Media Guide .

Paper characteristics

The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. Consider these factors before printing on them.

Weight

Trays can feed paper of varying weights. Paper lighter than 60 g/m ² (16 lb) may not be stiff enough to feed properly, and may cause jams. For more information, see the “Supported paper weights” topic.

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 can contribute to paper curling before 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. We recommend the use of paper with 50 Sheffield points.

Moisture content

The amount of moisture in paper affects both print quality and the printer ability to feed the paper correctly. Leave paper in its original wrapper until you use it. Exposure of paper to moisture changes can degrade its performance.

Before printing, store paper in its original wrapper for 24 to 48 hours. The environment in which the paper is stored must be the same as the printer . 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.

Grain direction

Grain refers to the alignment of the paper fibers in a sheet of paper. Grain is either grain long which runs the length of the paper, or grain short which runs the width of the paper. For recommended grain direction, see the “Supported paper weights” topic.

Fiber content

Most high-quality xerographic paper is made from 100 percent chemically treated pulped wood. This content provides the paper with a high degree of stability, resulting in fewer paper feeding problems and better print quality. Paper containing fibers such as cotton can negatively affect paper handling.

Unacceptable paper

The following paper types are not recommended for use with the printer:

• Chemically treated papers that are used to make copies without carbon paper. They are also known as carbonless papers, carbonless copy paper (CCP), or no carbon required (NCR) paper.

• Preprinted papers with chemicals that may contaminate the printer.

• Preprinted papers that can be affected by the temperature in the printer fuser.

• Preprinted papers that require a registration (the precise print location on the page) greater than ±2.3 mm (±0.09 in.). For example, optical character recognition (OCR) forms.

  Sometimes, registration can be adjusted with a software app to print successfully on these forms.

• Coated papers (erasable bond), synthetic papers, or thermal papers.

• Rough-edged, rough or heavily textured surface papers, or curled papers.

• Papers that fail EN12281:2002 (European).

• Paper weighing less than 60 g/m ² (16 lb).

• Multiple-part forms or documents.

Using recycled paper

Lexmark works to reduce the environmental impact of paper by providing customers choices when it comes to printing. One way we achieve this is by testing products to ensure recycled paper may be used—specifically, papers made with 30%, 50%, and 100% post-consumer recycled content. Our expectation is that recycled papers perform as well as virgin paper in our printers. While no official standard exists for office equipment use of paper, Lexmark uses European Standard EN 12281 as a minimum properties standard. To ensure breadth of testing, test paper includes 100% recycled papers from North America, Europe, and Asia, and tests are conducted at 8–80% relative humidity. Testing includes duplex printing. Office paper using renewable, recycled, or chlorine-free content may all be used.

Storing paper

Use these paper storage guidelines to help avoid jams and uneven print quality:

• 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.

• For best results, store paper where the temperature is 21°C (70°F) and the relative humidity is 40 percent.

• Most label manufacturers recommend printing in a temperature range of 18–24°C (65–75°F) with relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent.

• Store paper in cartons, on a pallet or shelf, rather than on the floor.

• Store individual packages on a flat surface.

• Do not store anything on top of individual paper packages.

• Take paper out of the carton or wrapper only when you are ready to load it in the printer. The carton and wrapper help keep the paper clean, dry, and flat.

Selecting preprinted forms and letterhead

• Use grain long paper.

• Use only forms and letterhead printed using an offset lithographic or engraved printing process.

• Avoid paper with rough or heavily textured surfaces.

• Use inks that are not affected by the resin in toner. Inks that are oxidation-set or oil-based generally meet these requirements; latex inks might not.

• Print samples on preprinted forms and letterheads considered for use before buying large quantities. This action determines whether the ink in the preprinted form or letterhead affects print quality.

• When in doubt, contact your paper supplier.

• When printing on letterhead, load the paper in the proper orientation for your printer. For more information, see the Paper and Specialty Media Guide .

Supported paper sizes

Supported paper sizes

Supported paper types

Supported paper weights