A.9APaper Storage EnvironmentPaper storage environment conditions directly affect the feed operation.Ideally, the machine and paper storage environment should be at or near roomtemperature, and not too dry or humid. Remember that paper is hygroscopic; itabsorbs and loses moisture rapidly.Heat works with humidity to damage paper. Heat causes the moisture in paper toevaporate, while cold causes it to condense on the sheets. Heating systems and airconditioners remove most of the humidity from a room. As paper is opened and used,it loses moisture, causing streaks and smudging. Humid weather or water coolers cancause the humidity to increase in a room. As paper is opened and used it absorbs anyexcess moisture, causing light print and dropouts. Also, as paper loses and gainsmoisture it can become distorted. This can cause paper jams.Care should be taken not to purchase more paper than can be used in a short time(about 3 months). Paper stored for long periods may experience heat and moistureextremes, which can cause damage. Planning is important to prevent damage tolarge supplies of paper.Unopened paper in sealed reams can remain stable for several months before use.Opened packages of paper have more potential for environment damage, especiallyif they are not wrapped with a moisture-proof barrier.The paper storage environment should be properly maintained to ensure optimumperformance. The optimum condition is 20 to 24 °C (68 to 75 °F), with a relativehumidity of 45 % to 55 %. The following guidelines should be considered whenevaluating the paper’s storage environment:• Paper should be stored at or near room temperature.• The air should not be too dry or too humid.• The best way to store an opened ream of paper is to rewrap it tightly in its moisture-proof wrapping. If the machine environment is subject to extremes, unwrap only theamount of paper to be used during the day’s operation to prevent unwanted moisturechanges.
