Print Media Guidelines 20316Print Media GuidelinesPrint media can be paper, labels, envelopes, and coated paper among others. Your printer provides high-qualityprinting on a variety of print media. Selecting the appropriate print media for your printer helps avoid printingtroubles. This section describes selecting print media, caring for print media, and loading the print media inMultipurpose Feeder (MPF) or Priority Sheet Inserter (PSI).NOTE: The images used in this manual are those of the Dell™ C1765nfw Color Multifunction Printer unless otherwise mentioned.PaperFor the best print quality in color, use 75 g/m2 (20 lb) xerographic, grain long paper. For the best print quality inblack and white, use 90 g/m 2 (24 lb) xerographic, grain long paper. Before buying large quantities of any print media,it is recommended that you try a sample first.When loading paper, identify the recommended print side on the paper package, and load the paper accordingly. See"Loading Print Media in the Multipurpose Feeder (MPF)" on page 211 and "Loading Print Media in the PrioritySheet Inserter (PSI)" on page 219 for detailed loading instructions.Paper CharacteristicsThe following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. It is recommended that you follow theseguidelines when evaluating new paper stock.WeightBoth MPF and PSI automatically feed paper whose weights range from 60 to 163 g/m2 (16 to 44 lb bond) grain long.Paper lighter than 60 g/m2 (16 lb) may not feed properly, and could cause paper jams. For best performance, use 75g/m 2 (20 lb bond) grain long paper.CurlCurl is the tendency of print media to curve at its edges. Excessive curl can cause paper feeding problems. Curlusually occurs after the paper passes through the printer, where it is exposed to high temperatures. Storing paperunwrapped, even in the feeder, can contribute to paper curling prior to printing and cause feeding problemsregardless of humidity. When printing on curled paper, straighten the paper and then insert it into the MPF or PSI.SmoothnessThe degree of paper smoothness directly affects print quality. If the paper is too rough, the toner does not fuse to thepaper properly, resulting in poor print quality. If the paper is too smooth, it can cause paper feeding problems.Smoothness between 150 and 250 Sheffield points produces the best print quality.Moisture ContentThe amount of moisture in the paper affects both print quality and the ability of the printer to feed the paperproperly. Leave the paper in its original packaging until you are ready to use it. This limits the exposure of the paperto moisture changes that can degrade its performance.Grain DirectionGrain refers to the alignment of the paper fibers in a sheet of paper. Grain is either grain long, running the length ofthe paper, or grain short, running the width of the paper. For 60 to 135 g/m2 (16 to 36 lb bond) paper, grain longfibers are recommended. For paper heavier than 135 g/m 2 (36 lb bond), grain short is preferred.
