For 60–176 g/m2 (16–47‑lb) paper, grain long paper is recommended.Fiber contentMost high‑quality xerographic paper is made from 100% chemically treated pulped wood. This content provides thepaper with a high degree of stability, resulting in fewer paper feeding problems and better print quality. Paper containingfibers such as cotton can negatively affect paper handling.Selecting paperUsing the appropriate paper prevents jams and helps ensure trouble‑free printing.To help avoid paper jams and poor print quality:• Always use new, undamaged paper.• Before loading paper, know the recommended printable side of the paper. This information is usually indicated onthe 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.Selecting preprinted forms and letterhead• Use grain long for 60–90‑g/m2 (16–24‑lb) 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 theserequirements; latex inks might not.• Print samples on preprinted forms and letterheads considered for use before buying large quantities. Thisdetermines whether or not the ink in the preprinted form or letterhead will affect print quality.• When in doubt, contact your paper supplier.Using recycled paper and other office papersAs an environmentally conscientious company, we support the use of recycled paper produced specifically for use inlaser (electrophotographic) printers.While no blanket statement can be made that all recycled paper will feed well, we consistently test papers that representrecycled cut size copier papers available on the global market. This scientific testing is conducted with rigor anddiscipline. Many factors are taken into consideration both separately and as a whole, including the following:• Amount of post-consumer waste (We test up to 100% post-consumer waste content.)• Temperature and humidity conditions (Testing chambers simulate climates from all over the world.)• Moisture content (Business papers should have low moisture: 4–5%.)• Bending resistance and proper stiffness means optimum feeding through the printer.• Thickness (impacts how much can be loaded into a tray)• Surface roughness (measured in Sheffield units, impacts print clarity and how well toner fuses to the paper)• Surface friction (determines how easily sheets can be separated)Paper and specialty media guide 81
