Dell 5130 Color Laser User's Guide (PDF) - Page 141

Back to Contents Page Print Media Guidelines Paper Transparencies Envelopes Labels Storing Print Media Identifying Print Media and Specifications Print media is paper, labels, envelopes, and coated paper among others. Your printer provides high-quality printing on a variety of print media. Selecting the appropriate print media for your printer helps avoid printing troubles. This section describes selecting print media, caring for print media, and loading the print media in the tray 1 or optional 550-sheet feeder. Paper For the best print quality in color, use 75 g/m2 (20 lb) xerographic, grain long paper. For the best print quality in black and white, use 90 g/m2 (24 lb) xerographic, grain long paper. It is recommended that you try a sample first before buying large quantities of any print media. When loading paper, identify the recommended print side on the paper package, and load the paper accordingly. See "Loading Print Media in Standard and Optional Trays" and "Loading Print Media in the MPF" for detailed loading instructions. Paper Characteristics The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. It is recommended that you follow these guidelines when evaluating new paper stock. Weight The tray automatically feeds paper weights from 60 to 216 g/m2 (16 to 80 lb bond) grain long. The multipurpose feeder (MPF) automatically feeds paper weights from 60 to 216 g/m2 (16 to 80 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 75 g/m2 (20 lb bond) grain long paper. Curl Curl is the tendency of print media to curve at its edges. Excessive curl can cause paper feeding problems. Curl usually occurs after the paper passes through the printer, where it is exposed to high temperatures. Storing paper unwrapped, even in the paper tray, can contribute to paper curling prior to printing and cause feeding problems regardless of humidity. When printing on curled paper, straighten the paper and then insert it into the MPF. Smoothness The degree of paper smoothness directly affects print quality. If the paper is too rough, the toner does not fuse to the paper 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 Content