Paper and specialty media guide
Notes:
• Make sure the paper size, type, and weight are set correctly on the computer or on the printer control panel.
• Flex, fan, and straighten specialty media before loading it.
• 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 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 trays can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 300 g/m
2
(16–80 lb bond) grain long. Paper lighter
than 60 g/m
2
(16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. For best performance, use 75 g/m
2
(20 lb
bond) grain long paper. For paper smaller than 182 x 257 mm (7.2 x 10.1 in.), we recommend 90 g/m
2
(24 lb) or heavier
paper.
Notes:
• The duplex unit supports only 60–169 g/m
2
(16–32 lb bond) paper weights.
• The multipurpose feeder supports 60–300 g/m
2
(16–80 lb bond) paper weights.
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, then toner cannot fuse to it properly. If paper is
too smooth, then 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.
Paper and specialty media guide 75
